Comments on: Investing in Yourself: Feeling Good

By: Brick Andrews

Brick Andrews — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:45:03 +0000

I like the part about eliminating some of your goals. In my own life, I have started to categorize goals into one of four classes:

1. Essential and Unforgettable: goals that have to get done and will make an impact on my life. These are goals I focus on – these sorts of things are of the highest personal importance and really deserve mind space.

2. Essential but Forgettable: goals that need to get done, but will not really have an impact on my life. Changing the oil in my car probably falls into this category. All I really need for these is a reminder to do them at an appropriate time and place – nothing more, nothing less.

3. Unessential but Unforgettable: goals that don’t need to get done, but which may provide a great deal of fun or lasting memories. I go out of my way to do these, but I do not go out of my way to keep them on a list of “goals”.

4. Unessential and Forgettable: goals for which no one is depending on me, and that do not really impact my health or happiness. These are the ones I eliminate!

By: IveGotOne

IveGotOne — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:41:07 +0000

How about a dawn simulator clock to add to the mix?

http://www.apollolight.com/daybreak.html

By: laura k

laura k — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:28:42 +0000

Trent- You’ve mentioned grapes several times recently. Have you tried them frozen? Rinse, let dry, throw in the freezer in the colander (or other container. They’re crunchy in a different way and are a fantastic way to try to cool off a little in the heat of the summer!

By: Minimum Wage

Minimum Wage — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 20:33:07 +0000

With a good mood, you’ll interact with others in a generally positive way, feel positively about the things that are going on around you, and be more driven to work hard and succeed in life.

Life can be delish
With a sunny disposish?

By: margo

margo — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:03:34 +0000

Oh yes, I love the mornings that start with something intensely positive. I try for those mornings as often as possible *wink, wink*.

Joking aside, maintaining a healthy level of intimacy with one’s partner is very important, both to maintain the relationship and to positively influence your own mood.

I am getting married in a month, and one of the best “marriage” rules I’ve heard of so far is the three-day rule: Barring highly irregular circumstances, don’t let busy schedules and the humdrum of life keep you from turning to your partner any less frequently than every third day. Clearly not every couple will need the same kind of time interval, but I think the concept is a good one.

The first thing I do in the morning 3 to 4 days a week is go for a run. Clearly its good exercise, but I can tell a huge difference in days that I start with a good run: I have more energy, I am in a better mood, I am more capable of dealing with stress, I sleep better.

By: krasni

krasni — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:12:48 +0000

It’s important to mention that sometimes, for some people, none of the above will work. Long periods of low mood or unhappiness can indicate depression, a genuine medical problem. In fact, if none of Trent’s suggestions work, I’d suggest that you spend some time researching the possibility and visit a doctor.

Please be aware that depression is connected to disturbed sleep, unusual concentrations of stress hormone (cortisol) in the brain, and sometimes brain lesions. Trying to jolly yourself out of it can be like trying to treat diabetes by adding more fruits and veggies in your diet–a good idea by itself, but wildly insufficient in the face of dysfunctional body chemistry.

This is my PSA of the day! :-)

By: Lisa Spinelli

Lisa Spinelli — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:09:11 +0000

I especially like the “get a bit of pampering.” It’s easy for me to feel guilty about spending money on “frivolous” indulgences. But to do it infrequently, and maybe as a reward for some personal success,makes good sense.

Lisa

By: sai

sai — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:34:09 +0000

Mornings can start with deep breathing exercises(pranayama) / yoga. They do not take much time, but immediately lift your mood and keep you fresh all day long.

By: LC

LC — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:20:05 +0000

And don’t take too long doing all these things! Leave for work five minutes early, so that you don’t create extra stress. This one thing will eliminate half of your daily stress.

By: Melanie

Melanie — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 08:57:17 +0000

Mark, I put fans in my kids rooms – they sleep a lot better, and noises don’t wake them up.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 06:32:49 +0000

Mark:

I’m guessing this isn’t an option but what works for me is the night before I wake up I pack my work clothes and in the morning I head to my gym just before work to get a quick workout and shower in. After the shower I get dressed for work and then head over, I am a bit fortunate in that my work is only a couple of blocks away from the gym.

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:39:29 +0000

Mark: Can you try getting up and waiting on the shower? I know this sounds like an oversimplified solution, but I personally will hold off on the shower until the last possible minute – I find that I am less likely to do little positives like taking out the trash or recycling or doing the dishes if I am showered, since I don’t want to mess that up. Perhaps if you wait on the shower, you can duplicate that success AND not wake up the kids. HTH!

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:36:56 +0000

I would love to start my morning with a nice, positive, relaxing routine, but the kids wake up the second they hear any noise in the house. I am lucky if I can get a shower in before they are up and full of energy. I have even tried waking up earlier, but they hear the shower running and wake up. My kids are 2 years old and 9 months old. HELP!

By: eaufraiche

eaufraiche — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:17:46 +0000

As a teacher, I’ve found it helpful to keep a book of “trophies,” a journal collection of great moments from my career. Frankly, teachers don’t receive many awards, and logging special moments to revisit on tough (or ordinary) days feels like visiting a trophy case.
We are all responsible for our moods, Trent. Great post!

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:00:55 +0000

Great article.

A great book related to this topic is called, “Evolving Your Brain: The Science of Changing Your Mind”, by Joe Dispenza. It explains the chemistry behind positive and negative thought patterns, and how, oddly, we become addicted to worry and negative thoughts. By identifying these patterns, you can “reprogram” your brain to replace them with positive thoughts. It’s an amazing concept.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:54:53 +0000

I lift weights 4 times per week — it makes me feel absolutely fantastic. If it weren’t counterproductive, I’d do it every day (and in fact, I often add a little cardio on my off days just for the high).

By: Tyler

Tyler — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:04:44 +0000

I always like to start the day with a guaranteed success. What I mean by this is completing a task that gives you a sense of success to start the day…momentum can be a terrific thing.
P.S. – I didn’t know that about grapes – “food for thought”
~Tyler