Having A Good Day Is Easier Than You Think

About a week or so ago, I had the best day I’d had in a long time. Everything just seemed a little brighter, I had clarity of thought, and I just felt great! I walked around with a huge smile telling people what a wonderful day it was. Coworkers commented that it was just what they needed.

Too often, that is not the case as we move through the day. It’s very easy to get caught up in the negativity of people around you, so we must equip ourselves to remain in a positive space. Today we’ll talk about a few steps you can implement to find yourself having a great day that will rub off on those around you.

Here are the techniques I used to have joy throughout the day. Try them for yourself!

1. Wake up with a smile on your face. How many of us wake up and groan at the thought of the day ahead? I have been guilty on more than one occasion. Tomorrow morning try doing something a little different.

• Set your alarm five minutes earlier than normal.
• As you wake up, luxuriate in the warmth and softness of your bed (don’t let it hold you hostage… 3 minutes!).
• Smile to yourself to set your inner mood.
• Before you get out of bed, think of five things you’re grateful for.

• Treat the day’s tasks as opportunities. If your day seems to be an endless round of meetings, trainings, compiling reports, or cleaning, cooking, shopping, and picking up the kids after school, escape the perceived drudgery and take advantage of the opportunity each one of these tasks can give you.

• While you’re going about your day, turn on your favorite playlist. You’ll find your mood lifted as you hear nostalgic tunes. Turning on music is one of the first things I do when I get into the office each morning. While cleaning the house, play some loud party music and dance as you go – you’ll get more exercise and have some fun while cleaning.
  
  
  • Ask the kids to help you prepare meals. You’ll enjoy quality time with them and teach them something at the same time.
    
    
  • When you’re shopping, have a friendly smile on your face. Avoid rushing around and take the time to thank the cashier for her time – she likes to feel appreciated too.
    
    
  • Talk with your children. When you pick up your children from school, ask them about their day. They’ll have so much to share with you if you give them a little time to do it. And listen to their answers – they know when you’re not paying attention.

• Use the STOP sign. Anytime you feel yourself getting upset, anxious, or angry with people as you go through your day, flash a bright red or purple stop sign in your head. Take that moment to take a deep breath, center yourself, and then carry on with your conversation. Seriously, try it. You’ll feel a lot less agitated and both parties will benefit.

• Be nice. This last step is so simple, yet so many people are just too busy to put it into practice. Being nice is as easy as smiling at the cabbie or the bus driver in the morning, saying “hello” to the person you buy your coffee from, or using the words “thank you” at least a half a dozen times a day.

• If you take action to be nice, friendly, and caring, then your day will be so much better than if you run around feeling sorry for yourself, angry or upset.

None of these tips will cost you anything in terms of money or time. It’s easier on your face if you smile rather than frown; it’s easier to get through a day feeling contented and happy. And if you share your happy mood, just imagine what a wonderful gift that can be for those around you!

It has been said that, “Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.” If you start your day preparing to have a good one, your day will blossom just as you do. The bonus is that your smile will remind at least one person you come across in your day that they can take the time to smile too.

Reflection Questions:

How might you go about putting these steps into practice?

Let me know how it goes!

I’d love to hear from you. Follow The Winning Room and comment below.

Shereece