Just Choose Healthier Weblog

Similar to the proverbial question of “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”, you might ask “Which comes first health or happiness?”. I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit lately. I’m reading Happy For No Reason ‘7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out’ by Marci Shimoff. According to her research, Marci found that each of us has a “happiness set point”—a fixed range of happiness we tend to return to throughout our life which is approximately 50% genetic and 50% learned. While it is possible to raise our “happiness set point”, many of us haven’t yet learned to do this—thus the book. She also includes interviews with the “Happy 100” and shares their stories as well as a many ideas to increase your happiness quotient.

Have you ever noticed how some people seem accepting, happy and peaceful while dealing with life threatening heath situations and others wallow in their misery. Yes, it’s easier to be happy when you’re healthy but I’ve come to believe happiness is possible even when people are struggling with health issues. I’ve heard more than one person say when confronted with a debilitating or life threatening disease that they actually gave thanks because the situation caused them to wake up and be thankful for all they did have and they became happier throughout their treatment and afterwards had a new outlook on life.

I believe happier people take better care of themselves and can be healthier and am beginning to wonder if an unhappy person can ever be truly healthy. So, I invite you to decide what makes your truly happy and just do it!

Solution: Scientific research has proven people who are happier live longer than people who are not. Happy people also have fewer illnesses and earn more money.

Healthier Choice: Choose what makes you happy in all areas of your life.

Tried & True Tip: Don’t Worry Be Happy! Reduce stress and worry in your life by focusing on what brings you joy. . .a smile, a giggle, a belly laugh and what’s right in your life. Treat yourself to simple pleasures—fresh flowers, a walk on a sunny day, favorite music, a funny movie, reading, hugs and cuddles—whatever makes your feel warm, fuzzy and happy.