Things in life are not as complex as we, many times, perceive them to be. This tends to happen for various reasons – from thinking too much and accepting some lies as trues. What we believe in and what we feed our minds with has a positive or negative effect in our lives. Nurturing body, mind, soul, and spirit – the right way – is essential in living more meaningfully and happily. #BestAdvice
 

There are a myriad of things that we can do day in and day out to help us achieve a happy lifestyle. These are things that, for the most part, require a minimal effort from us. We need to do more of what matters most to us on a daily basis to significantly improve our lives and the lives of those around us.
 

It has been scientifically proven that smiling, loving, and learning – to name a few things – boost our health and happiness. Why not do more of these sort of things starting now? The benefits that we will reap will be countless, and we will thank ourselves for it later. The more we do these things, the more naturally they will become in our lives; pick one or two, and gradually do more of them.
 
 

Smiling makes us look better. A smile is one of the best accessories the we can wear; and the best of all, it does not cost anything. Smiling at people is contagious. A smile can brighten someone’s day.
 

Giving creates more abundance in our lives, and it also makes us better people. We can give of our resources such as time and talents. At other times, we can give of our finances. There are always people who can benefit from our giving.
 

Hugging is a way to demonstrate affection. People will rarely reject a hug. Hugs feel good and are healthy for everyone. A hug a day can take a worry away. This is incredible. A hug is a beautiful thing with no price tag attached to it.
 

Listing to others helps us be more emphatic. There is a time to talk and there is a time to listen. We tend to talk more than we listen. Hearing someone speak is not listening. Listening is giving our undivided attention to someone.
 

Getting out of the office or home is good for us. Each day, we need a minimum of 30 minutes of sunlight exposure for our overall health. A daily 20-minute walk around the block or at the park can dramatically enhance our mood and energy.
 

Helping others is a way to enrich our lives. When we help others, we help ourselves as well. Worry and anxiety may vanish as we focus on meeting the needs of others. Our help can make a world of difference in a person’s life.
 

Simplifying our lifestyle allows us to be more productive and organized. Getting rid of clothes, furniture, books, and other things that we no longer use declutters our lives. The less (unnecessary) stuff we possess, the more we can enjoy life.
 

Focusing on the people and the things that matter most to us is essential. We are constantly faced with tons of distractions. We can either allow distractions to rule our lives or take charge by focusing on what matters most in our lives.

Resting is vital for our health. When we rest, our body re-energizes and heals itself. Sleeping 8 hours a day is optimal; anything less than 6 hours can make us feel tired and irritated, and decrease our concentration and productivity as well.
 

Loving people opens doors of happiness. Love is not just about being romantic, love is much more than that. Caring for others is a way to show our love. Being polite, understanding, patient, and respectful are more ways to show our love.
 

Forgiving is a decision not a feeling. Forgiving others sets them free from the prison of our hearts. When we decide to forgive others, we allow healing to fill our hearts. Holding onto grudges hurts us more and creates bitterness.
 

Learning new things keeps our minds sharp and helps us gain more knowledge. Adopting learning as a lifelong habit is one of the best things that we can do for ourselves. We can learn from others, from taking a class, and from observing.
 

Reading expands our knowledge and increases our creativity among many other things. We learn when we read; the more we read, the more we learn. Reading helps us be more educated and stay current with what is going in the world.
 

Socializing is part of our human nature. We were born to live in community not in isolation. Gathering and having face-to-face conversations with friends, family, and others is key in life. We are way passed the Stone Age.
 

Thanking is priceless. Taking the time to say thanks for a job well done or for a nice gesture from someone speaks positively about us, and most importantly, it makes others feel appreciated. Giving thanks never goes out of style.
 

Expressing how we feel about others is necessary. We need to find ways to express ourselves more effectively and meaningfully. People appreciate it when we are honest and express our sincerity and gratitude to them.
 
 

Which of these things listed above do you already practice a lot? Please share in the comments section below. Happy and Blessed New Year 2016 to You!!!
 
 

This post was originally published on LinkedIn by Ivette K. Caballero.

Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones

7 months ago by Aaron 4 min read No comments

Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.