Five Ways To Lighten Up

It’s so easy to get so caught up in your to do list that you lose sight of what’s really important. When that happens, you likely start to take life way too seriously, perhaps even letting minor things get the better of you. Are you walking around feeling like you are carrying a heavy load?

Try these ideas to lighten up:

1. Laugh more.
Did you know that on average children laugh 146 times a day while adults only laugh 4 times? No wonder kids seem to have such a happy perspective! How often do you laugh during the course of the day? Look for the humorous side of things. When you get right down to it, life is a pretty comical adventure most of the time. If you find yourself saying, “One day I’ll laugh about this,” go ahead and laugh about it today.

2. Decide that it’s not about you.
Taking everything personally is a sure way to stay serious. Here’s a reality check – most of the time whatever is happening is not about you. When you encounter someone else’s frustration, anger or stress, pause for a moment and consider that it’s not about you. It’s more likely about something that is going on in that person’s life that has nothing to do with you. So let it go.

3. Find your happy dance.
Let music and dance play a greater role in your life. Find your own personal happy dance and do it one a regular basis. Many people are too concerned about how they look to other people so they resign themselves to a inconspicuous toe tapping when they hear a beat that moves them. Go ahead and shake your booty – even if it’s only in the privacy of your own kitchen. Remember, “What if the hokey pokey is what it’s all about?”

4. Embrace failure.
Think back to the best life lessons you've learned. Chances are they were a result of things that went sideways. Mistakes are the best way to learn. So next time things didn’t go the way you planned or you screwed up royally, take it as a learning opportunity, not as a reason to beat yourself up. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this to move myself forward from here?”

5. Breathe.
When you find yourself taking things a little too seriously, stop and take a few deep breaths. Using your breath is one way to elicit a relaxation response in your body. Deep breathing sends a signal to your body to release tension and pain. You can also use your breath to help visualize your stress easing. As you breathe in, imagine you are inhaling peace or calm. As you breathe out, imagine you are exhaling all of your tension.

Laurel Vespi, certified life coach and chief executive guru of stone circle coaching, ignites businesses & individuals to new levels of CHANGE. Laurel works with clients internationally, providing unconventional yet practical tips that make the seemingly impossible... possible!
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