Wednesday, February 4, 2009

7 Easy Ways to Add Zest to Your Day.


Lily and Trixie by Emery_Way


1. Add more color. Red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, green. Color wakes up the senses and helps you feel more alert. Color livens up a room, a presentation, or your office cubicle. Wear brightly colored clothing or your favorite color when you’re feeling down.


2. Move around. Get that body moving. Stretch, dance, take a walk. It’s amazing how simply raising your arms above your head or touching your toes can make you feel more awake. Easy head and shoulder rolls can relieve stiffness you didn’t even realize you had. Exercise can get your blood flowing to that old noggin of yours and help you think better. Not to mention those wonderful endorphins that help us feel better.


3. Sound. Sound influences much of our mood. From construction noises and blaring traffic horns to the soothing sounds of a waterfall, sound can irritate or calm us. Surround yourself with the music and noises that appeal to you. Put the sound of the ocean waves in your office to cover the hum of the air conditioner. Turn on a talk radio program to keep out the door slams and footfalls of your neighbors. Or simply listen to the silence. Whether you enjoy a noisy environment or a quiet one, sound can make a dramatic difference in your day.


4. Inspiration. Inspiration can come from anywhere, a painting, a toy, a photo memory of family, a quote, or even a book. Darth Vader can remind you not to give in to your “dark side,” or a picture of beach can remind you of the vacation you are working toward. A bluebird statue might remind you to look for the “bluebird of happiness” in your day. Motivation and inspiration can help keep you going. Look for unique and unusual ideas that fit your personal style.


5. Take a break. One of the biggest mistakes I consistently see in adults, is the notion that taking a break is a waste of time and that if they keep working they will get more done. The truth is that when you take a few minutes out of your day to rest and rejuvenate, it refreshes both your body and MIND. It helps you to slow down, refocus, and often see mistakes you were previously too busy to notice. Whether you take 5 minutes or 15, use the opportunity to take a few deep breaths and relax before returning to your task. Both you and your work will benefit from it.


6. Laugh it off. Laughter is an instant energizer and blues remedy. Whether sharing a joke with a friend, reading the comics, or tearing a page off of your Cute Overload calendar to see a cute fluffy bunny, humor and fun will lift your spirits and brighten your day. Try taking comedy CDs to work, keeping a Nintendo DS or Gameboy in your drawer, or using a Magic 8 ball to tell you when it’s time for lunch. You’ll be ready to face the rest of the afternoon with a smile on your face.


7. Do things differently. Take a new route to work. Exercise in the morning instead of the evening. Try new things. Ride a motorcycle, take up archery, learn to play the harmonica. Change is good for you. It stimulates the senses and activates the mind. Life is beautiful in its infinite variety. Try a bit of the unfamiliar and find out what you’ve been missing!


See also: New Ideas to Spice Up Your Life.

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