You Don't Have to Eat to Feel Good!

Think for a few moments, or perhaps you might like to journal, about some of the things that make you feel good. Your brain automatically knows what to do when this happens - it creates and secretes natural substances that flood your system with the necessary chemicals for you to feel joy. Your brain is a miraculous thing - and it knows exactly how to reward you.

I made a list of some of the things that make me happy, or that I associate with feeling good:

1. A long walk on the beach, wind blowing in my hair or on my face, the smell of salt air...either walking by myself or with a friend or two...

2. A chuckle at a good joke or a belly laugh at something really funny! Who doesn't love to laugh? We've heard that quote "Laughter is the best medicine". Well, it is good medicine. When was the last time you laughed til your sides hurt, or until tears came? That's good chemistry! Good for you, good for your brain.

3. A pleasant surprise - an unexpected gift arrives at your door. If you like to receive, perhaps gifting another will bring you joy. If you enjoy receiving a thank you note or a thinking of you, perhaps you could take a moment to do the same for another.

4. I know I love a great meal. Think of sharing a meal with friends, or inviting a friend to a light lunch or a cup of tea. Joy doesn't have to include food, but the social aspects of sharing a meal can bring enormous fulfillment.

5. How about a relaxing morning or day at the spa? Massage, sauna, or just an opportunity to allow someone to pamper you can bring amazing relief and relaxation. Joy! Take the time, perhaps, to treat yourself to our SeaSource Spa products - you can do this at HOME and still experience the most wonderful sensations of good health and appreciation.

6. Music! I know I love to sing and I love to listen to others sing. I like to sing songs to my grandkids and I love to harmonize. Music touches you in places that you cannot always predict... such as songs you remember from school years. You hear the song and you're right there! It takes you back. There is a wonderful book entitled Your Brain On Music which explains what and why this miracle actually happens. A lullaby, a rock and roll song, a sweet nursery rhyme, a piece by Bach or Handel, a jazz or blues piece that reminds you of a time gone by, or even the sound of wind chimes on a spring or fall afternoon can transport you to another time and place.

7. Dance! Kick up your heels and dance. Sway to the sound of the flute. Shed the jeans, put on a loose garment and turn the music up - now DANCE! Dancing frees the spirit and infuses the body with joy. Let go! Ever notice what toddlers do when they hear music? They move - they dance!

8. BREATHE! Dr. Henry Emmons, author of The Chemistry of Joy, notes that just slowing our breathing is a form of meditation. Did you know that by just breathing deeply, we relax, blood pressure lowers, and we find we focus and think better. Dr. Emmons believes that simply breathing can become a meditation in its own rite! You don't have to sit in a cross-legged position on the floor to meditate. Walking, breathing, moving at a regular pace and breathing intentionally is a meditation in it's own rite.

9. Exercise! Good solid exercise fills you with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Good exercise is GREAT for every aspect of your health and wellnes. It is the best! The runner's high is no joke, and neither is the swimmer's high - a sense of accomplishment for everyone who participates.

10. Read, write, express yourself.

11. Imagine yourself in a comfortable chair in a cozy corner with a fire burning nearby and a cup of steaming tea, snowflakes falling quietly outside your window. Does'nt it feel good to imagine yourself in that setting? Create some of those 'settings' for yourself.

Make a list of the things that YOU love to do - the things that bring you pleasure - and enjoy them. You don't have to go to the refrigerator or the pantry to feel good. Sometimes that little trip can cause unhappiness or remorse. Instead... try one of your tried and true methods for feeling good!

Have fun and perhaps share some of the ways YOU create feelings of joy and happiness!