Bill Murray and Paul Schaffer’s newly released video, “Happy Street” has a simple recipe for happiness. Want to be happier? Do what Bill Murray says!
Here are a few lyrics that can literally make you happier:
Paul Schaffer: “How are you doin?”
Bill: “Right now I’m just lovin’ the way that I’m walking, baby.”
Mindfulness. Bill’s statement on loving how he’s walking reveals he’s only thinking about the present moment. He’s not worried about what’s happening in the future, nor contemplating the past.
The definition of mindfulness is: “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.”
In a 2013 Massachusetts General Hospital study, participants who practiced mindfulness experienced a significant reduction in anxiety. Other studies have shown mindfulness helps in reducing depression, improving focus, and reducing fatigue.
Want to feel better? Take a step outside and love the way you walk!
“Take a step outside”. Want to be happier? Once again, get off your rear and step outside. That’s all it takes. Nature amps up brain waves, gives you a nice dose of mood improving Vitamin D, and reduces stress.
“It’s so great to be alive”. Gratitude. Being thankful for the small-even the fact you are alive-can greatly improve your overall happiness. According to an article from Harvard https://goo.gl/ghHFNB: “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”
“Smiling at those you meet”. The literal act of smiling, whether you feel like it or not, is associated with greater happiness and reducing anxiety. Why? Smile lines around the eyes. The muscles around the eye trigger a change in brain activity that boosts mood.
AND my favorite: “When things ain’t cool, here’s my real simple rule. Why not just change your point of view?” The power of your perspective is mighty. The simple act of changing the way you view or approach life, or how you perceive a difficult situation, greatly determines your own personal happiness. Remember, your way of looking at life or a problem is not the only way. As my husband likes to say, “There’s a million ways up a mountain.” You may be right in certain things you observe and “feel” about life-but you’re way is not the definitive. If your perception is making you miserable-change it!
So, if you’re feeling blue-here’s what you do. Pick up a beat and listen to my new favorite song: “Happy Street”.
Stacy Pede
rson is a Colorado based Humorist and Funny Motivational Speaker who is incessantly insecure with a chronic Thai Food / Netflix binge habit.