On the way to work recently, I found myself coming up with a small list of things I do regularly that keep my spirits high and don’t cost much:

credit: donbuciak

Some Tools for Good Living

1. Limiting “the News”: Sometimes a list of headlines is enough to make me want to disappear. I don’t want to hear about what’s not working; I want to hear about what is. Who is hiring? Which non-profits are successful? Which governments are giving amnesty? Which groups are choosing peace? I barely get that at 6pm or on CNN. I have to find it myself.
2. Exercising regularly: This can be a chore, so I had to change my view. Now I see it as “me” time, and I focus on the results: longevity, healthy living, energy, beach body, and endurance. Plus, I know I sleep better and have more energy during the day.
3. Sunday dinner: Every Sunday a group of my friends and I meet for dinner, YouTube (Bon Qui Qui or Scarlet anyone?), impromptu dancing, the beach, and most deliciously, what feels a lot like family.
4. Meditation: You know how we sometimes “have a feeling” or a “hunch?” Since developing regular meditation practice I have more of these now, I trust them, and they work.
5. Speak the Truth Fast: I have a tendency to bottle things in. I’ve learned this breeds resentment. Now, if I don’t want to go somewhere I say “no.” If I want silence, I let those around me know. If I have a good idea, I share it. If I am upset, I find a healthy way to let it out so I can fill up on good stuff.
6. Finding Good Things to Say: Complaining is easy. The challenge for me is looking for, and taking advantage of, opportunities to share when something or someone does something right. I love positive feedback myself, so it’s a gift I gladly give.
7. Sleep: I know I am an 8-hour person (actually, I am a 12-hour person, 8 is the sacrifice). When I don’t get the sleep I need, I put in jeopardy my memory, my immune system. This causes more stress and worry, ultimately affecting my willingness to do things, like workout or … being nice.
8. Sunscreen: I know many of us are young and black (hence the blog), but I like the idea of aging even better than expected. Just day-to-day sun exposure affects the skin, eyes and mouth. I plan on being fresh-faced permanently because when I look good I feel good.
9. Water: Physically, it’s 80% of my make-up; seems like a good idea to replenish it. It aids digestion, hydrates the skin and body, improves weight management, increases energy, and detoxifies. Wonder drug!
10. Laugh: Research on whether it helps blood flow, immune response, or blood sugar levels, is not conclusive. Still, if I find myself a little gloomy or out of sorts, I make it a point to watch movies (“Sordid Lives”) or TV shows (“Seinfeld”, “Girlfriends”) that will get me smiling.
11. Music: If I know a situation, work day, or person is likely to be more stressful or uncomfortable than normal, I prepare myself with music that puts me in the mood I want to be in.
12. Worship: We all worship something. My Rev. said, “Look at your date book and checkbook to see what’s important to you.” It’s important that I have things to look forward to. For me, my church (whose mission is to pray, educate, serve and celebrate to inspire and transform ourselves, our community and our world) is one of them.
13. Deep Breaths: in any situation, there is nothing like a deep breath to remember I am alive and well, and that ultimately, everything is ok. Sometimes I need more than one, but I start there.
14. Service: irrespective of my mood, volunteer service always seems to make me feel better. But particularly when I am feeling not-so-great and giving seems most difficult, is when it seems most rewarding.
15. Giving Thanks: Whatever is going on, whatever I think I lack, I try to remember I have everything I need to be happy in this moment.

What are some of the things you do to lift your spirits?