Lifecoach Advice: Don't worry, be happy

"Not in the clamour of the crowded street, Not in the shouts and plaudits of the throng, But in ourselves, are triumph and defeat." Henry Longfellow We can all create a Happiness Contract for ourselves which shows us how to identify and release blocks to creativity, entrepreneurship, and to living a life we love. Did you know that somewhere in the back of your mind - beneath a pile of thoughts - there is a "Happiness Contract" with a lot of small print, i.e. rules, conditions, laws, and beliefs that dictate what it will take before you'll feel happy? On closer inspection, you will also find other contracts buried in your mind like "The Success Contract" and "The Abundance Contract" and the "Love Contract." These contracts are statements of belief which influence how much joy you think is possible and how much is just too good to be true. By rewriting your Happiness Contract, or any other personal contract, you can instantly improve your chances of living a more inspired life. What makes you happy? What do you like doing? Where can you include more of this in your life? Why not try and smile at at least one stranger today. For the less confident this may be a challenge - but you can do it! Happiness comes from many sources, including expressing ourselves creatively. What are you going to do this week to express yourself? A smile costs nothing, however it brings great richness to the recipient. "It costs nothing, but creates much. It enriches those who receive it, without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever." Dale Carnegie - How to win friends and influence people Have you ever heard it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile?! There are many health benefits to being happy (despite the problems you may and have), including increasing your sense of wellbeing and pleasure with each and every day. Smiling also improves your health by boosting your immune system and lowering your blood pressure. It's a great stress reliever and increases your attractiveness. Smiling into your golden years can actually promote longevity. In a study on optimism published in General Psychiatry, of those over the age of 65, optimists were 71 per cent less likely to die from certain causes than that of pessimists. A life full of smiles also exercises muscles in the face, which helps prevent drooping and saggy skin!. A vision of happiness and smiling makes us attractive We are drawn to people who smile. We want to know happy people and figure out what is making them smile. Frowns push people away, but a smile draws people in. Smiling and being happy changes our mood. Next time you are feeling down, try tricking your body by putting on a smile. There's a good chance you mood will change for the better. Being happy and showing it, helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn out and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you will be better able to take action. Being in a happy state of mind boosts your immune system When you smile immune function improves, possibly because you are more relaxed. When you're happy, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Sit for a few minutes and take your blood pressure. Then smile for a minute and take another reading! Note the results!! Being happy makes you look younger The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day instead! - you'll look younger and feel better. Having a happy demeanor and smiling makes you seem successful Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted and to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently, more positively. Smiling helps you stay positive. When we smile our body is sending the message, "Life is good". Stay away from depression, stress and worry by smiling. My favourite affirmation is, "I'm so happy I can't stop smiling". It always helps to put a smile on my face. If I don't feel like it, I try to "fake it until I make it!". I pretend I am happy by smiling anyway and usually I find I am feeling better instantly. Practice smiling. When you are exercising, taking a walk or looking at yourself in the mirror tell yourself things are real good. Forgive everyone for everything: Hold no grudges. Forgiveness is a gift to yourself. You created the stress in your life by getting angry, and only you can instantly remove that stress by granting forgiveness. Expressing your forgiveness to the other person is optional - that forgiveness is required in order to live a happy and joyful life. Don't forget to also forgive yourself for everything you regret ever having done or not done. Dance lightly with life: Life does not have to be a serious undertaking. You will make mistakes, you will feel regrets, and eventually, you will die - so what?.... Happiness comes from dancing lightly with life and enjoying the moment. We only have this moment so why not be happy! For more details contact: Nuala Duignan, Dip. Life and Business Coach, at info@nualaduignanlifecoach.com Or on 087 2532675