Happiness Tip: How To Take A Mental Vacation

I'm working on my Happiness Project, and you could have one, too! Everyone's project will look different, but it's the rare person who can't benefit. Join in -- no need to catch up, just jump in right now.

Ever since the subprime mortgage mess began, and with the current financial crisis unfolding, many people--like me--have felt distracted and upset by the gyrations in the economy.

For some people, the anxiety is intense and relentless. If you've lost your job, or your job is at risk, or you're entering the job market; if you're planning to retire soon and your savings have taken a big hit; if you need to sell your house in a tough residential market - well, in those situations, you might find it hard to think about anything other than financial woes.

But try to give yourself a break from your worries, at least occasionally. By doing so, you'll re-charge your battery, find it easier to stay calm and cheerful, find it easier to take action to remedy your situation -- and you'll sleep better. But this is easier said than done.

We all suffer from "negativity bias," that is, we react to the bad more strongly and persistently than to the comparable good. Research shows one consequence of negativity bias is that when people's thoughts wander, they tend to begin to brood. Anxious or angry thoughts capture our attention more effectively than happier thoughts.

So look for ways to pull your mind away from your worries onto positive topics. One great way is to watch a movie - preferably something funny! -- or watch a favorite TV show. Don't muddy the experience by trying to multi-task; you're not going to get the benefit of taking a break from your own thoughts if you're watching Trading Places while you pay bills or fold laundy. Give yourself a proper vacation: sit down and enjoy what you're doing.

My favorite activity is reading, and when I really need "comfort food" for my mind, I read Victorian novels or children's literature. I always re-read, too; when I'm upset, I want the comfort of knowing that I'll love the book and that I won't be upset by some unexpected plot twist.

I do find that some activities that are usually happiness-inducing don't work very well when I'm preoccupied with bad thoughts. Listening to music, for example, is an extremely effective way to boost mood, but I find it too easy to start thinking about my worries when I'm listening - others might not have this problem. Similarly, although going for a walk usually cheers me up, it also gives me an excellent opportunity to brood if I'm inclined that way.

Cooking, cleaning, playing with your kids, playing video games, playing basketball - different people find different solutions. If you can find an activity that gives you exercise, gets you outside, or brings you in contact with other people, that's especially effective.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed, schedule a breather for yourself. By cheering yourself up, you'll make yourself feel better, and you'll also equip yourself to deal more effectively with tough situations.

Have you found a good way to give yourself a mental vacation -- or an activity that acts as a comfort food for your mind?

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If you'd like to read more about happiness, check out Gretchen's daily blog, The Happiness Project, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.

Comments

[bujeeboo]

My husband and I are self employed and like many self employed people, we tend to work every day of the week, very intensely, and for long hours at a stretch. Two things we've discovered lately: he golfs and I walk the greens with him just for the fresh air and to be outside and walking. And sneaking off together to see a matinee.

There is a perception out there that self-employed people goof off all day long. We escape for a few hours once in a while thinking "why don't we prove them right every once in a while?"

[OtayPanky]

You give the BEST tips!

Thank you SOOO much.

[lily of the valley]

Try going to a hockey game. It gets you out with people, has plenty of action, and you can shout & holler to your heart's content.

[OtayPanky]

Or - especially for you gals - run for vice-president!

Don't thank me. I'm here to help.

OtayPanky
Life Coach Extraordinaire

[forpeace]

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OtayPanky
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LOL ............ very funny indeed!

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