The Happiness Centre (my holistic toolkit)
When we feel down, out of sorts, unaligned to who we really are, we feel sluggish, tired, lazy, confused, anxious, or emotionally drained. To get a ‘quick fix’ we can very easily turn to an unhealthy addiction to make us feel better, to take away the pain, the worry, the uneasiness of not being ourselves.
There are many forms of addiction; smoking, alcohol, drugs (illegal / prescription), screen time (gaming / TV / social media), food. These act as a plaster, covering the wound so you can forget about things for a while. You may feel happier in that moment, however to achieve a fulfilling life of happiness then the body needs to heal. Whatever is causing the un-alignment in your life, needs to be faced.
The Happiness Centre is my go-to holistic toolkit, I turn to these when I need a quick pick me up, if I’m having a triggered moment or I’ve simply depleted my energy levels (and even when I’m feeling great!).
When things get too much, instead of turning to your quick fix addiction, try some of these healthier options which will also help you achieve happiness and in a more natural way. Remember happiness breeds happiness, so the more you choose these natural ways to find happiness, the longer the feeling will last…. There is always one that can help in any given moment of need:
Breathing
The simplest way to bring yourself back to centre in the moment is to reconnect with your breath. Taking 10-20 deep slow breaths, down into the stomach, releases the tension you had in any given moment allowing you to refocus your thoughts.
Meditation
Allowing yourself to clear all thoughts and feelings bubbling around your body and take you to a place of peace and stillness. Meditation, whether guided or not, allows you to realign with your soul.
Turn on the lights
Literally turn on the lights! Or open the curtains. When we feel surrounded by dark thoughts we can easily choose to curl up in a dark room and allow the feelings to consume us. Especially in winter this can be happening sub-consciously which is why people suffer with SAD (seasonal affective disorder). Allowing in the light, natural sun light or artificial glow, wakes us up, gives us more energy and brightens our demeanor.
Nature
Get out in to nature… what do you prefer? The beach, the woods, some meadow fields, a park? Spending time in nature lowers your stress hormones and calms the brain. Leave your phone at home and allow your brain to rest as you take in the beauty of Mother Nature surrounding you.
Cuddles
We don’t always have to do things by ourselves… If friends and family are around then ask for their help. Cuddles, hugs, or simply holding hands with a loved one releases hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. These ‘feel good’ hormones will have you feeling happier in no time. Also, cuddles with animals work just as well!
Laughing
Laughter gets you out of your head of constantly overthinking and increases endorphins, both of which are a guaranteed way to feeling happier. If you can’t just suddenly pop down the local comedy club when you need a pick me up, put on a comedy film or search for funny outtakes / comedians on YouTube. Just be careful that it doesn’t turn in to an unhealthy addition to screen time.
Shower/bath
Water is a great natural cleanser and washing in a shower or bath not only cleans our physical body but it also cleanses our emotional and energy bodies too. Washing away unwanted thoughts and negative energy we have picked up through the day means we feel calmer, relaxed and happier after a shower or bath.
Energy shower
If you are out and about or at the office and have no access to a shower/bath when you need a pick me up then try giving yourself an energy shower wherever you are… no one will ever need to know. Just visualise you are being rained on by droplets of light energy, this will help cleanse your emotional and energy bodies even if your physical body remains dry. Use white light for pure connection to source energy, pink light for some much needed self-love, purple light for healing or for an all round boost, imagine a rainbow of colours raining down on you.
Oils
Essential oils are a great way to heal, re-centre or calm yourself. They can be on in the background so you don’t have to stop what you are doing or used as a spray for a instant lift. Use in combination with any other tools listed here to intensify the outcome.
Sound therapy
Any type of music that picks us up can help with our mood but try playing some healing music. Many different versions can be found on YouTube from the use of certain frequencies to binaural beats, from singing bowls to shamanic drums. Finding the right type of healing music for you and your current situation can be a fun way to distract you from your negative patterns. Just lie down, relax and allow the music to consume you…
Exercise
To achieve a boost in your ‘feel good’ hormones by yourself then try getting your heart rate up. Everybody can achieve some kind of exercise, no matter what situation you find yourself in. From a gentle walk outside to a gym session, a bike ride to yoga stretches, running or star jumps… get moving and you will feel a benefit. It doesn’t have to be boring, put some music on and get dancing.
Go for a drive
Going for a drive and having a change of scenery, for many, is a relaxing and calming way to unwind. Put the tunes on and allow the journey to clear your head. By the time you return home you may well have found a solution to the problem that was circling your thoughts beforehand.