On Being Happier …

A 10% Shift …

Dan Harris suffered a panic attack on live television in the US.   He realised he needed to make a change.

Dan wrote a book called 10% Happier and how mindfulness helped him.  What  is great about his concept, is that he is not promising that mindfulness will dramatically change your life.  He’s promising a 10% shift. And while 10% doesn’t sound like a lot, it can make a big difference in your life.  I’m not just talking about mindfulness here, rather, that a subtle shift in behaviour or thinking, can bring with it great change.

Exercise is Crucial to Wellness …

Just like a mindfulness practice, exercise can provide benefits that lead to being 10% happier.  I have just started exercise of the type that I swore off at least five years ago, using old age as an excuse.  However, as I now know, weight bearing exercise and HIT (high intensity training) is particularly good for older people.   Incorporating intense exercise into my life has enhanced my life probably 10%, but that 10% flows into all areas of my life.  It makes me feel capable and gives me more energy.  And, has provided hope for the future in terms of long term health benefits.  It’s also motivating me to eat more healthily.  And my children are seeing someone living healthily and more energised with them.

Vicious Cycle of Depression …

When people suffer from depression, it brings with it drastic change in daily life.  This can make the depression worse, preventing someone with depression from getting better. For example, a person with depression may be suffering a lack of energy or motivation.  They cut back on activities and leave decisions to others.  They refrain from doing even the smallest of tasks.  They also tend to isolate themselves from friends and family. These changes in behaviour lead to increased feelings of hopelessness and guilt, putting them in what’s known as the vicious cycle of depression.

So while the last thing you might feel like doing if you’re suffering with depression, is exercise, doing some form of exercise that you personally enjoy, will give you more energy.  It will make you feel good for having achieved something, and give you a sense of hope.  And whilst you’re not going to feel fabulous, you might just get that 10% happier feeling, which can only lead to greater things …

Oh, and don’t forget to give mindfulness practice a go – who knows – maybe it will add up to 20%!!