Feel Good!

Copyright (c) 2007 Char Cooper RN, MSN, APRN

What does it mean to feel good? Well, that's going to be different for everyone, but many people describe it as a contentment, joy, peace, or happiness. Most of us prefer to feel good than the alternative.

How can we feel good with everything that's going on in our world, and in our lives? What you focus on expands. If you watch the news, read the papers, focus on what's not working in your life, you may be bombarded with negative thoughts and feelings. What if you watched and read less of that stuff. What if you focused on the 80% that is working in your life instead of what you don't think is working? What if you focused on what you do have, instead of what you don't have? What if you focused on solutions instead of problems? What if you were grateful for all the positive in your life and in your world (because there really is far more positive than negative)? What if every time a negative thought came into your mind you replaced it with a positive one? Do you think your perceptions would change? Do you think you would start to ....feel good???

Why feeling good is important. When you feel good you approach everything in your life with a better outlook and perspective. You have more creativity, openness, energy, and optimism, life flows easily and effortlessly. Who wouldn't want more of that?

My belief is that if you focus on feeling good then you raise your consciousness, or your vibration and attract to you more things to feel good about. I also believe if you want to feel good and create wellbeing you have to do it on all levels of your being....mind, body & spirit, its all connected. Remember, we all have a choice. We choose what we are going to put our focus and attention on. We choose how we are going to respond to everything in our life. Choose to feel good.

Here are some helpful tips to incorporate in your life so you can Feel Good everyday!

MIND

Attitude of Gratitude: Start each day being grateful for all the blessings in your life. Create a mental list or write it down in a gratitude journal & watch your focus change.

Positive focus: Focus on the 80% that is working in your life.

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

Mindfulness: being fully present, not thinking about something in the past or future but what is happening in the present moment.

Thought awareness: Become aware of what you are thinking, then consciously focus your thoughts on whatever it is you want to create in your life (i.e., peace, harmony, cooperation, sharing). Thoughts become things, what you think about becomes your reality, so think good thoughts!

Flexibility of the mind. Keep the mind active. Do something regularly that will challenge your mind.

BODY

More whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, less sugar, fats, and processed foods.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! (water hydrates, soft drinks and coffee do not).

Read Labels: know what you are putting in your body. If there are too many letters in it, or you can't pronounce it, chances are you shouldn't be putting it into your body.

Sleep. Be sure to get enough.

Exercise everyday. You brush your teeth and shower everyday, move your body everyday too. The results will be remarkable.

Lift weights, milk bottles or soup cans. Lift whatever you can to strengthen your bones.

Stretch. Try a yoga class or stretch on your own. A flexible body is less prone to injury. I've seen plenty of Seniors regain flexibility in a matter of weeks. I particularly remember one woman's excitement when she was able to touch her toes for the first time in 25 years! It sure makes putting your socks on easier.

SPIRIT

Nourish your soul regularly. What would truly make your heart sing and bring you true joy? Figure it out and do it.

Spend time everyday in prayer or meditation or just sit quietly and listen to your inner wisdom.

Laughter. Find the funny side of things. Laughter is like a massage for your soul.

Practice random acts of kindness.

Challenge yourself. Get out of your comfort zone and do something you've never done but always wanted to do. Maybe its skydiving, or riding on a motorcycle down the Pacific Coast Highway, or volunteering in a third world country. I've done them all, and recommend them all. Courage expands your life.

Be kind and gentle with yourself. Remember others will love you to the degree you love yourself. Also, your strengths and magnificence are far greater than any perceived failings.