Feeling happy and healthy is a goal we all have.  Sometimes it isn’t always easy to know how to achieve these goals. However, there are certain factors that can help you reach them!

Today I am sharing Part 2 of what I learned from Dr. Bernie Siegel in The National Institute of Whole Health (NIWH) media course called Living With Illness. Click here for the first post on Insights of Illness & Disease. Here are some of his insights on factors that may affect our health and happiness.

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Factors Affecting Health & Happiness

Understand that everyone is wounded

Experiencing suffering is beneficial because it helps us to have compassion and empathy for others. Hopefully, we always learn a lesson in our suffering and how it can lead to positive outcomes. Don’t judge anyone because you don’t know what they are going through.

Accept your own mortality but do not be afraid of death 

Understand that we will all die sometime but don’t focus on it or be afraid of it. Live your life and enjoy it while you still can!

Choose to be happy even in the face of crisis 

Be content with what you have and live in the moment. If you are faced with illness- try to see the silver lining and what the lesson may be from it.

See abundance instead of lack 

Look for the positive in things and people and be grateful for everything in your life. Remind yourself of what you do have and appreciate it. Gratitude is POWERFUL!

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A Few More to Consider

Remain kid like 

Always try to get back to that little kid inside you and don’t take life so seriously. Remember the innocence of a little child and the pure joy they experience in the little insignificant things. I LOVE this one!!!

Keep your sense of humor

Laughter instantly changes your body chemistry in a healthy way and has been proven over and over to have a healing effect. Hands down one of my top ways to unwind. LAUGH every day!!

You decide how you want to live and when you want to die

No one can tell you what to do or how to feel. You have control over your decisions and also how to live your life. The mind is a powerful weapon and is sensitive to negative and positive thoughts. So choose wisely!

Siegel, B. (20) Living With Illness NIWH media course. Retrieved from http://www.classroom.wholepersonhealthcare.org


Find Your Happy

Find some ways today to make yourself happy.  Leave some comments on your thoughts on what affects health and happiness. I am heading down to South Carolina for some rest and relaxation so I will be back to writing in a couple of weeks. Enjoy the first couple of weeks of August!

xoxo

Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage Stress, Chronic Pain, and Anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is for general education purposes only and is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical conditions. Check with your health practitioner before making diet and lifestyle changes.