When the world and your to-do list threaten to overwhelm you, take control with these do anywhere tricks.

  Engage both halves of your brain (improves performance)

-       cross your arms over your body giving yourself a hug

-      this confuses your brain, which is actually a good thing because it forces it to wake up and pay attention thus improving your brain power.

-      make sure to cross the arms over the opposite arm to really shake up the noggin

Calm your brain (helps with focus, concentration, anxiety, fear)

-      place one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart.

-      breathe deeply enough to move your hand on your belly outward

-      exhale deeply enough so your hand comes back in.

-      focus on the movement of your hand on your belly and how your other hand is warmed by your heart

Align your thoughts to positivity (great when you are stuck in traffic)

-      think of the best kiss you’ve ever had – really visualize it, feel it

-      hold this thought in your head

-       you can’t think about something positive and negative at the same time so choose carefully

Ahhh…now, isn’t that better?

There has been much attention given to the concept of random acts of kindness. In fact there are challenges and websites galore on this topic. And the health benefits associated with kindness are well documented.

 I, however, believe that there is something altogether different to be gained from a thoughtful deliberate act of kindness.

Let me tell you a story. The university I frequent has parking issues to say the least. Most days, I sit patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for class to change in hopes of snagging a spot before my own class begins. On this particular day, a young man, smiling coyly, waved at me. I forced a half smile and waved back. Not to be deterred by my lack of enthusiasm, he came right up to my window and asked if I was waiting for a parking spot. Astounded, I said yes. Follow me, he replies, I have the perfect one just for you. Somewhat reluctantly I follow, not entirely sure that I haven’t been led astray. Sure enough, he shoes away other cars vying for the prime spot in favour on allowing me first access. I was stunned. I thanked him profusely. He was so proud of himself, smiling and gesturing at the spot he has saved just for me. He flashed a huge toothy grin and saluted as he drove away.

I was on cloud nine for the rest of the day and told everyone the amazing story about the young man who thoughtfully and deliberately chose to be kind to me. It felt really good to think that this person singled out me, to believe that something about me mattered to him. True or not, it still felt great.

And…I was able to thank him…

Whose day could you change with a small thoughtful act? Write to me and tell me your story.

How you think and what you do.

This is where to focus your happiness  energies. Working in this area will move your baseline of happiness up that sliding scale and accounts for 40% of your overall happiness levels.

But where to start?

This week, change only this one thing.

Quit yer complaining!

This one thing will change how you think and what you do. Truly.

To help you out on this deceptively simple task, put an elastic band on your wrist. Each time you find a Negative Nelly phrase coming out, snap it. You’ll rewire your brain pretty quickly.

(No, you cannot snap someone else’s elastic. This is about how YOU think and what YOU do.)

When you tame those negative tendencies, you change how you think (less negative stuff = more room for happier stuff) and what you do (feeling happier = more positive strides in your life).

Do it for the next few days. Take note of how your view of the world and your life changes. If you slip, forgive yourself and get back on track. I look forward to hearing about your results.

               Make a list of what you think would make you happy.

 Does your list look anything like this?

•       A new relationship
•       More flexibility at work
•       A new job with more money
•       An extra bedroom
•       A more attentive spouse
•       A baby
•       Looking younger
•       Relief from your bad back
•       Losing weight
•       Your child doing well in school
•       Cure from an illness or disability

If it does, congratulations you’re normal. These are the most common answers given to the question what would make you happy.

Unfortunately for you, none of these will increase and sustain your happiness level. Everything on this list is circumstantial and humans are very good at adapting to circumstances. Overall these sorts of things only affect your happiness levels by 10%. Piddly stuff.

So what to do?

Consider the characteristics of the happiest people on earth:

•       Devote time to family and friends, nurture and enjoy those relationships
•       Comfortable expressing gratitude
•       First to offer helping hand
•       Practice optimism when imagining their futures
•       Savour life’s pleasures and live in the present moment
•       Make physical exercise a daily habit
•       Deeply committed to lifelong goals & ambitions
•       Have their share of crises, stresses, and tragedies, but use poise and strengths in coping in the face of challenge

All of these entail how you think and what you do. And THAT accounts for 40% of the happiness pie….

Not only will your happiness levels increase, you will be able to better sustain them. How you think and what you do.