Life Lesson – Smile and Wear Sunglasses

In my journey of life, I have come to realize that true happiness extends beyond the realm of success, financial means, and material gains (though receiving a paycheck at the end of the day does have its charm 😉).
Sometimes happiness is found in:

• Tranquility of a peaceful life
• Late-night strolls with a friend or a sibling to enjoy ice cream on a cold winter night (and especially when you are supposed to be on a diet 😉).
• The ability to laugh at your folly after a challenging day

We often disregard these seemingly small gestures, taking them for granted, until the day we find ourselves lonely and longing for those very moments. And then we experience the moments of melancholy.
So, how to deal with the feeling of sadness?

1. Smile and Wear Sunglasses

Smile is a powerful antidote to sadness. Even in the depths of sorrow, maintaining a smile can be a game-changer. Ever heard “Fake it till you make it”? And it can indeed be applied here. When you are upset your brain assumes that “I must not be feeling positive emotions”. However, when you smile your brain interprets it as, “I must be happy”. Understanding this, you can leverage the power of a smile to change how your brain interprets various situations, leading to a more positive impact.

As for wearing sunglasses, well, they look cool anyway, don’t they? 😊 In bright light, our natural reaction is to squint, and that scrunching of the face can make us look stressed. So, wearing sunglasses sends a signal to your brain that “Hey everything is alright – you are very much cool and collected”!

2. Embrace Spirituality

Those who follow a spiritual path often find inner contentment and hold a belief that everything will ultimately be alright. Spirituality provides a path to happiness by suggesting that there is more to life than what people experience. It purposes the existence of a supreme power that connects all beings to the universe.

3. Cultivate Gratitude

Gratitude is a positive and powerful emotion which means we are thankful for the blessings that we have in our lives and appreciate the people who make our life’s journey smooth and beautiful. It is expressed through:

• An act of kindness

• A heartfelt thank you note

• A warm smile

• Thoughtful gift as small as a piece of candy

These cute and simple gestures can have a remarkable effect on our lives and the lives of those around us. After all, as the saying goes “Kindness costs nothing”.

4. Take a Walk

Last but not least, never underestimate the power of a 20-minute walk whether alone or with a cherished companion. Only a 20-minute walk can stimulate a molecule called dopamine. When dopamine is released in our brain we feel a sense of happiness and pleasure. The walk not only contributes to your emotional well-being but also improves your physical health, making it a win-win.

These four fundamental practices offer an easy and effective way to combat mood swings and sadness while also nurturing your qualities as a kind and exemplary human being.

 

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You can visit my online store for my artwork and poetry book: Farytude Store Gumroad

Thank you for your support. 😊

Mental Health - Every Thread Matters

 

In the silent corners of our bustling world, there live our elders, where their mental health is often overlooked or not given due importance. The twinkling in the eye of a grandparent, the wisdom in the laughter of a mother and the resilience in the stories of a father, deserve our utmost attention.

Indeed, mental health in the twilight years is a unique landscape, carved by decades of experience, triumphs, and losses. These challenges can be as tangible as physical health issues and as intangible as the loss of loved ones or a sense of purpose. They can cast long shadows, obscuring the joy and serenity that should grace these golden years. And often, they are struggles that are borne in silence, out of sight and out of mind.

Yet, a difference can be made. The shadows can be illuminated and a caring hand can be extended by reaching out to senior citizens within your sphere. The seemingly small gestures like a simple phone call, a heartfelt card or a shared meal can have a colossal impact. It is a reminder to our elders that they are seen, heard, and valued. 

So, make it a point to be engaged with your elders in this busy life. Converse with them about their day, their dreams, and their achievements. Give a lending ear to them and listen to their stories and learn from their wisdom. It is about validating their words and their feelings and reminding them that they matter. Our elders are the golden threads that make the tapestry glow, because in the grand tapestry of life, every thread matters, every color shines.

You can follow me on my website & social media platforms for my content in the form of reels and posts. 

Farytude.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedIn | Medium

You can visit my online store for my artwork and poetry book: Farytude Store Gumroad

Thank you for your support. 😊

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