[A Day's Potential] Wit & Wisdom for Today

A Day's Potential ... published daily because a different tomorrow actually starts today. ================================================================== "We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same." Anne Frank ================================================================== TODAY'S ACTION Recently, I caught news coverage touting the benefits of "happiness". The report seemed to imply a connection between having a positive outlook and overall well-being and longevity. A little research revealed study after study that seems to agree. Two such examples include: Starting in the 1930's, researchers began examining the personal diaries of nuns, specifically noting references to positive feelings and the number of different types of positive words. Nuns with positive thoughts were found to live an average of nine years longer than nuns with more negative thoughts. In another study, CMU researchers in Pittsburgh found that people who report a higher degree of happiness are more resistant to the flu and other viruses. The happiest people, the people with the highest scores, became ill less frequently and those who did become sick had less severe symptoms and improved more quickly. So, what can be done to drive our own happiness quotient up? Keeping a happiness journal. The simple act of recording happy thoughts and feelings of gratitude prevents them from being lost in the busy-ness of the day. Reflection, prayer or meditation turns one's focus inward, helping us to better tune into our well-being. And finally, taking care of our own unique physiology. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to determine which activities make a person happy. What jogging does for one person, gardening will do for the next. What is it that makes YOU happy? When was the last time you experienced it? Try today to sprinkle a little happiness into your day... but don't just stop there. Take time to really savor the experience. Soak it in and plan your next happiness escape. Thoughts? Drop a quick reply to this email and let me know! ================================================================== About Joy Duling Best known for her "make-it-happen" attitude and her ability to connect big picture strategy with real world action, Joy Duling is a business coach and national speaker who helps time-pressed professionals clear away the day-to-day muck that keeps them from achieving their business and personal goals. A Day's Potential , published daily with wit and wisdom, is available by subscription only. A 25 Hour Day, LLC, 2000 W. Pioneer Parkway, Ste 6, Peoria, IL 61615, USA