The Happiness Project

‘’Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.’’

-  Wolfram Alpha

It’s so easy to open up the dictionary and get the definition of happiness. But, when we are asked to define happiness in our own terms, we get stuck…we all know what makes us happy, we recognize the feeling, we tell our friends about it…we spend our lives trying to achieve it…we are convinced that we still have time to achieve it,  the time is passing by we focus on other things, and when people ask us ‘are we really happy?’, we say ‘well, yes, but if only…’

I’ve heard it so many times from so many people ‘I am happy, but if only I had a better job’, ‘I am happy, but if only my boyfriend wouldn’t do that’, ‘I am happy, but if only I would have someone to share my life with’, ‘I am happy, but if only I could move closer to the beach’….Why is there always something missing, and that people believe would add that last drop for the complete feeling?

I never understood it! I have spoken to so many people about this and each one of them is waiting for something to happen so that they can live happily ever after. People keep working for companies that eat them alive, dedicate their lives to those companies, but they don’t dedicate their time and energy to look for another job that would make them happy. People stay in relationships they are not satisfied with, because they are scared that the next one would be even worse. And the happiness is slipping away…

That is just fine by me, but what is so difficult for me to understand is why does everyone just wait for that little thing to happen, and focuses on everything else in their life, except for achieving that little thing that is missing? 

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That’s why I decided to read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, and learn about one woman’s road to happiness.  I recommend it to all of you looking for that one little thing missing. It will give you an insight into how one woman found strength to change all the things that were preventing her from being happy, and her learning process of turning the focus away from negative, and focusing on positive things in her life. The whole year in her life, and her struggles might give you some perspective on how you can do the same, and start fighting for your own happiness, instead of waiting for happiness to just knock on your door!

Fighting for your own happiness is gonna be worth your while. Trust me!

Author: Gretchen Rubin

Pages: 336

Price: $10.19

To purchase, click here.

All of you who would like to get the Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian version, click here or here.

DO: Nourish Your Brain

''Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. ‘’

 - World Health Organization, 1948

In today’s world of running around all day long from task to task, and trying to add a checkmark next to each task in our overloaded planners, we have little time to focus on our physical, mental and social well-being. And, before we know it we realize that we forgot to pick up our clothes from dry-cleaner’s, cannot find our car keys, we see that guy waving at us across the street, but cannot remember his name, or else. 

The key player in our healthy life is our brain, which experts say, takes only 2% of our body but also consumes 20% of all calories we consume each day. That means that our brain is working very hard, and that is why, we need to give our brain what it needs, so that is continues to serve us well in the years to come.

#1. Feed Your Brain 

Foods rich in omega-3 acids, which are found in walnuts, salmon, and kiwi, will improve your learning ability and memory, while foods rich in Vitamin B are helping maintain the work of brain cells.

Try also oysters, turkey meat, dry apricot, artichokes and spinach, since this food is rich in iron, which is in charge of getting the oxygen to your brain.

#2. Exercise 

Your whole body benefits from exercising, and we all know it, but what it does for your brain? Experts say that exercise is a mild stressor to your body, and it triggers the chemicals making your brain cells stronger and healthier. So, no reason not to hit the gym today, go for a run or get your rollerblades and exercise for at least half hour a day, right?

#3. Challenge Your Brain

We should also challenge our brain every day, with crossword puzzles or memory games of some sort. Some crossword puzzles are quite difficult, and I have to admit I need some help to finish most of them, but even if you do occasionally get help, they are a great work out for your brain. Also, visit Games for the Brain, and try playing some of their brain games. You will definitely feel the rush, and your brain will feel fresh after. Just make sure, you don’t get hooked up on it!

#4. Give It Some Rest

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Like the rest of your body, your brain needs some rest too. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, and don’t be afraid to catch a little power nap during the day. It will do good for your brain, and make your long term memories solid. 

When I was in school and cramming for the exam, my mom always used to say that I should put the book underneath my pillow, and go to bed, and that in the morning I would wake up ready for the exam. I always ended up waking up ready for the exam, and getting good grades. When I was younger I thought it was some kind of magic, but now I know that sleeping allowed my brain to relax and solidify my memories of everything I was studying before I went to bed.

Try it, and see how all of this will work for your brain!

Love,
Black&WhiteHeaven

DO: Go for a ride....

Benefits of a bicycle:

#1. Faster and easier than walking

#2. Gives you legs of steel

#3. The Earth sends a little extra love to those on bicycles {this is scientifically documented}

#4. No need to pay for gas, parking fees, or auto insurance...yaaay!

#5. Whizzes past traffic jams

#6. Slows global warming

#7. Zero emissions

#8. Shapes up that bootie

#9. It carries your goodies home

#10. It’s as quiet as a mouse

#11. Puts a big fat smile on your face

#12. It feels like flying

{all images from we♥it}

Love,

Black&WhiteHeaven