Nice idea

Dear Betsy,

Generally, I don't believe in the idea of a "quick fix" or instant gratification, but I have to say I was intrigued when I ran across an article about "7 Ways to Make Yourself Happier in the Next Hour." The author spent a year testing out the various theories of current scientific studies on happiness, and came up with seven points. Each of them can help lift your mood and give you a sense of accomplishment. I wanted to share them with you, Betsy, so you can try them out for yourself.

The idea is to try to do as many of them as you can in an hour.

Boost your energy by getting up and moving around. Taking a brisk ten-minute walk is best, because when you are moving faster, your metabolism speeds up and the activity is good for your focus and mood and helps you retain information.

Reach out to friends. Arrange a lunch date or send an email to someone you haven't seen for a while. Socializing boosts moods and having close bonds with others is one of the keys to happiness.

Get an old task out of the way. If you've been procrastinating about a chore, tackle it now. Like making that doctor or dental appointment, or arranging to get broken equipment fixed. You'll feel a sense of relief and a burst of energy.

Create a calmer environment. Just clearing some space around you, or getting things in order will give you a sense of serenity.

Plan some future fun. Decide to get to that new movie, or order a book you've been wanting to read, or plan an activity with friends or family. Having fun on a regular basis is necessary to happiness, and anticipation is a part of that.

Do a good deed. Something as simple as holding a door for someone or offering praise can help, because the adage "do good, feel good" really works.

Act happy. Smile! Just going through the motion of happiness lifts your spirits and makes you more approachable.

So, Betsy, why not give it a try – and get happy!

Smile

Smile! Did you ever have a stranger come up to you and say that? Well, I did. I was waiting in line at the bank the other day, and someone said that to me. She also added, "Things can't be that bad, can they?" Now, I wasn't feeling bad about anything – just thinking something through. But I guess I must have had a serious expression on my face.

Now, I don't think anyone can go around smiling all the time, but I've discovered that smiling can do quite a lot for you. First, it makes you more attractive. People are more drawn to others who smile, and smiling can be contagious. It also uses quite a few muscles in the face and makes you look younger. I'm all for that! Who needs a face lift when they can smile instead?

When you're stressed, you can look tired or worn down. And there again, smiling not only makes you look better, but the simple act of smiling can actually help relieve stress and lower your blood pressure. It can also boost your immune system to work better, probably because you are more relaxed. This in turn helps your body release good things like endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin, all of which make you feel better and raise your spirits.

Smiling can even help you be more successful. When you smile, you appear confident, and it's only natural that people react to that. When a quick smile can help boost your energy, your looks, and your confidence, there are so many reasons to smile. Why not do a smile "check" throughout the day? It will help keep your mood and energy up, where they belong.

So, Betsy, say "cheese"!

Sorry I've not written lately

Haven't felt like writing. Bubba died on the 22nd, after having been taken to the ER @ 9 p.m. Poor guy went downhill so quickly!

Then we took the kids to Sprifield to see the Simpsons for spring break. So we've not been here much. Biscuit missed me so badly! Poor dog. I know he thought he was abandonned since the cat and I were both gone.


So the kids go back to school tomorrow and reality will set in again.