In 2003, amidst resistance from some of the near and dear, I did accept a job offer from Srilanka – the island nation with civil war. I still remember that very first visit of mine to Colombo; I checked in well in advance and waiting in the queue to get immigration stamp. When my turn came, the Custom officer looked at me and my passport several times and asked where am I going! I did reply Colombo. He again looked into my eyes for a while as if saying while on earth you have chosen a country with internal conflict and unexpected bomb blasts. From that point of getting the stamp, till landing at Colombo airport, thousands of thoughts were flashing on my mind. No need to mention that most of the thoughts were not so positive. I was repeatedly said to my self that everything will be ok and I can manage. All these were triggered just by the Custom officer look whom I never know!
Upon landing at Colombo airport I went to immigration counter and unconsciously started smiling, for, the Sri Lankan Custom officer was greeting me with a broad smile. Its not only the custom officer, even the taxi driver waiting with a placard, people in the airport corridors, guys at telephone booths, taxi and hotel counters, porters – all of them were sporting a warm smile. Believe me all the negativity vanished like a magic and a permanent smile came to rest on my face. Imagine 2003, Sri Lankan economy was not in great shape, civil war was still on, life was not so great – still most of the Srilankans were exhibiting positivity inducing broad smile every where; which I feel is absent even in those most successful countries. Such an attitude is required to be resilient in today’s Covid triggered negative atmosphere.
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Apart from SMILE, below listed activities will help to be happy and successful, irrespective of whatever difficulties we face:
SMILE: Smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier. Not only that, when you smile you make the other person also smile and create a smile chain.
Regular exercise/Yoga/Walking: Studies shown that release of endorphins- joy mood inducers are a by product of regular workout. Even a small amount of physical activity can help to reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and depression, while boosting self-esteem and happiness.
Breathing Exercise/Meditation: When You are tense, your shoulders are tight, and you feel low. Close your eyes. Imagine a happy memory or beautiful place. Take a slow, deep breath in and breath out several times till you start feeling calm.
Mindfulnes: concentrate and pay full attention to the present moment and accept it in a non-judgmental way. Focus on the present moment means that you give complete attention to 5 senses. It help in forgetting about the un happy past and be happy
Get plenty of sleep: 6 to 8 hours of good sleep is vital input to get positivity and health. Music is a proven resource in keeping you happy and helping you sleep bliss-full.
Practice eating those food choices that have an impact on your good health and avoid processed, deep fried foods that tend to leave you feeling down.
Reduce phone and other electronic time.
Being grateful through attitude of gratitude and writing a journal of activities and “to do list” help you feel de-stressed and happy.
“Happiness is an attitude”
