Be Happy, Healthy & Terrific

Keep smiling, YOU CAN get back on track and beat the winter blues!

The holidays are over, the arctic chill has set in, and those resolutions you set on January 1st have all been implemented. Or maybe not? It’s not too late to start, or to get back on track with your goals. Many of us have grand expectations of a fresh start, only to find our motivation lagging behind and excuses setting in.

Get Started – Beat the Winter Blues

1. Re-evaluate your priorities and goals…
2. Complete a time analysis to see how you can use your time better. 
3. Set aside time each day toward achieving your goals
4. Don’t obsess or dwell on a “bad day”; we all have set backs.
5. Think positively and believe in yourself; you can do it!
6. Remember: each new day is the gift of a fresh start

Attaining your goals can be more easily accomplished when you are happy. Being happy starts from the inside and radiates out. Wondering how you rate on the happiness scale? The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was developed by psychologists Michael Argyle and Peter Hills at Oxford University. Take a few moments to take the survey~ it’s a good way to get a snapshot of your current level of happiness.

How did you rate? Looking to achieve greater happiness in your life? Remember the lyrics to the old song, “You only get what you give”. The faces you see around you many times mirror your own. Try smiling at someone, even when you don’t feel like it, and see the response. Your character directly influences your happiness in life. Character encompasses your thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, opinions, faith, and spirituality as expressed in your relationships and experiences. Character reflects integrity; who you are and how you act when no one else is looking. Your character not only influences your happiness, it is the very foundation to your happiness.

Top 5 Ways to Increase Happiness

1. Be forgiving
2. Act selflessly
3. Act lovingly
4. Be honest
5. Be grateful

As we develop our character, we naturally see our happiness increasing~ give it a try!

Debbie Riddle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Delaware and New Jersey and CEO of Total Family Solutions. www.totalfamilysolutions.com

Established in 2003, Total Family Solutions is a therapist owned and operated provider. Services are individually developed to meet the unique needs of each adult and child and are implemented in accordance with a plan of care. Services are short term solution focused, utilizing an adult, child and family centered strength based approach. Total Family Solutions is a NJ Medicaid Approved Provider and we accept select private insurances.