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Don’t Worry, Be Happy…. In Times Like These?

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Back in 1988, musician Bobby McFerrin wrote the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” which went on to win Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal. Well, Bobby, that sure seems more easily said than done! Many
of us might look back at 1988 and think of it as a simpler time, an easier time. Yet every “time” we live in brings with it various ups and downs. But right now feels as though our current time is wrought with more problems than usual, and problems on a much larger scale. Many people feel steeped in stress, surrounded by bad news in every direction. TV news, radio, newspapers, all bring to us the daily distress and disasters that seem to be plaguing humanity at every turn.

So how do we not worry, and be happy, while trying to deal with the barrage of bad news that seems to surround us on all sides? How do we not stick our heads in the sand, yet still protect ourselves from all this negativity? There are two major ways to help yourself and the global community. It may sound simple, but it’s true: think positively and take the best possible care of yourself. By thinking positively, and consciously speaking more positively, you are sharing the “good stuff” with yourself and everyone around you. There’s a saying that each positive thought is 100 times more powerful than a negative thought. By taking the best care of yourself, you’re in a much better position to contribute the best YOU to yourself, your family and the world. Here are a few ideas to help you along the way:

Take a break from the news. It’s one thing to keep informed, but it’s another thing to be a chronic news watcher. Bad news is toxic. Keep a news diary for a week or two; and take a realistic look of how much news you’re getting. You don’t have to eliminate it all, but chances are you can drastically decrease it, and you can still be informed of what’s going on in the world.

Do not watch the news before going to sleep–why drag that negative energy into your mind before trying to rest your mind? Instead watch or read something positive before going to sleep. Chances are your dreams will be much sweeter! On your commutes, try to listen to happy music, rather than listening to bad news while on your daily travels. In fact, while detoxifying your mind you can just as easily detoxify your body while you sleep!

Make a change!! A change of scenery is like a change in seasons: it helps to take us out of our daily routine, and reminds us to appreciate each moment and place. Think about some fun, positive places or things you’ve wanted to see or do, and make a point to include them in your life as much as possible.

Change your exercise routine. Certain types of exercise are particularly beneficial from a mental perspective. For instance, strength training using resistance bands, free weights or weight machines can help you to feel more personal empowerment. Aerobic exercise, such as swimming, dance, or cardio machines can foster a cheerier outlook, by boosting the mood and energy levels. (Personally, I enjoy a morning bounce on my Healthbounder mini-trampoline. I’ve learned that it’s impossible to worry and bounce at the same time!) For nerve-calming exercise, try tai chi, yoga or Pilates, which emphasize a mind-body connection and are often useful in preventing and managing stress. Studies have shown these calming exercises tend to help lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. And don’t forget to replenish your body with all the necessary nutrients you expend during all that exercise!

Visualize a great day. Take a few quiet moments in the morning to program your mind about the kind of day you’d like to have. Get into a calm mindset, and decide to have a super day! If anything starts to be less than you’ve envisioned, just take a deep breath, deal with what you have to deal with, and calmly move on.

Find a source of joy. Look for something that makes you feel so good that you can’t wait to get back to it. Anything from dancing, painting, beading, artwork, gardening, bowling–whatever!! If it brings you happiness, then make a point to include it in your life as much as possible.

It’s never too early for thanksgiving! A mindset of gratitude is the core essence of inner peace. We are each surrounded by beauty and abundance; some people see it, some don’t. Create a gratitude journal and write about all the things, people, places and love in your life that you are grateful for. Envision your cup as full, and it will greatly increase your potential of having it and keeping it full to the brim with joy.

Take a break and do nothing! We tend to fill our lives and schedules clear to the top, and wonder why we feel pressured. Learn to say no to some things, and schedule in time for NOTHING. Decide to keep a day with no commitments clear, and write in your calendar, “do nothing.” See what happens.

Become a “mono-tasker.” Many people struggle with doing nothing because their minds are busy racing to the next multi-tasking situation. Become a mono-tasker, and intentionally do one thing at a time, with focus and concentration. Not only will you do a better job, but you’re mind will have a chance to give its full attention to only one thing for a change.

Observe your breath. Bring your attention to your breath; observing the inhale as it fills you, and the exhale release. While in this state of breath observation, stress is brought to a halt. Close your eyes, sit straight, feet on the floor and simply observe the breath right now. To focus on the breath is to focus on right now. While breathing consciously and deeply, you stop thinking about the past; you quit worrying about the future. You simply breathe into the moment, which is the only moment; right now.
Listen to your heart. During stressful times, if you listen to your inner voice, and become attuned to how you are truly feeling inside, you begin to see what is really important in your life. Learn to reduce stress by effectively prioritizing what–and who–is important, and move forward from there. We often spend useless hours worrying about things and situations that never even manifest. When you start to feel stressed about something, pause and ask yourself, is this really important?

So with just a few positive ideas, maybe it wouldn’t be so difficult to not worry, and to truly be happy. Maybe “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” isn’t as difficult as it sounds. Perhaps peace is an inside job!