At Healing Hands School of Holistic Health, we’re all about our Student’s happiness. Defined as “the experience of joy, contentment, or positive well-being, combined with a sense that one’s life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile”, happiness is something we all seek more of. Toward that end, the Faculty at Healing Hands offers these suggestions to Students seeking to create more joy in their lives.
Modify Your Lifestyle! Even small positive changes like: healthier dietary choices, drinking water instead of soft-drinks, getting 7 hours of restful sleep, and walking in nature each day can make a big impact on one’s health and sense of happiness. As you incorporate small changes you will enjoy the satisfaction and self-empowerment that comes from new accomplishments.
Keep a Gratitude Journal! Did you know that by contemplating those things you are grateful for, (the love of family, the laughter of your children, the camaraderie of friends, the beauty of nature, the comfort of a therapeutic massage, a delicious meal, etc.) you will happiness, and appreciation paves the way for more to come!
Get a Massage: Massage Therapy has been shown to increase focus, energy, immunity, circulation and feelings of well-being while reducing pain, anxiety, stress and risk factors for disease. Even just a one- hour massage has been clinically proven to increase Endorphins (good feeling hormones) by 30-40% while also reducing Cortisol (stress hormones) by 30-40%, which is why Massage feels so good.
Exercise! Exercise is essential to health and happiness. All forms of exercise release ‘happy hormones’ which elevate your mood and increase happiness. Just ½ hour of brisk walking daily can substantially reduce many health risk factors. Find something that brings you happiness, and make it a part of your regular routine, every System in your body will thank you!
Have a Good Laugh! Who doesn’t love a good belly laugh? It’s one of the best feelings in the world and offers many substantial benefits. These include improving cardio-vascular-health, boosting T-cells (immunity), lowering blood pressure, reducing stress-hormones, exercising your abs, reduces pain by releasing endorphins (natural pain killers) and creates a general sense of happiness!
Focus on the Positive! So often we think and talk about everything that goes wrong in our day, and literally fill our bodies with stress hormones that can lead to anxiety, depression and illness. Alternatively, when we make a habit of observing our positive interactions and the positive happenings and conditions around us, we release ‘good-feeling’ hormones into our body. They reduce pain, enhance focus, and increase energy levels and happiness.
Dedicate yourself to Happiness! Recognize that when it comes to your holistic (whole) health, you really can’t afford the luxury of negative thoughts. Negative thoughts and worry facilitate the release of stress hormones that wreak havoc on our physical and emotional health. Unfortunately, resisting them only holds them closer. The best course of action is to recognize and accept your negative thoughts, then consciously turn your attention to something more pleasing, moving in the direction of joy and happiness
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Aromatherapy! The practice of using infused aromatic oils as a mood enhancer has been around for centuries, it was re-discovered and popularized in the West by French surgeon, Jean Valnet. Dr. Valnet used Aromatherapy during World War II, proving its medicinal benefits. Today it is commonly used as an Integrative Holistic Practice to facilitate both physical healing and emotional balance.
Inspire Yourself! Read inspirational books, attend inspirational conferences, watch inspirational videos on YouTube, surround yourself with inspiring people, and challenge yourself with inspirational goals. Life is to be lived…don’t spend it on the side lines, create your own happiness by inspiring yourself and being an inspiration to others.
Listen to Music! One of the fastest ways to change your body’s vibration and alter your mood is to listen to music that moves you. Find out what music resonates with you and makes you fell happy. Keep it handy for the moments when you need a little pick-me-up.
Established in 1992, Healing Hands boasts two Certification Programs and 80+ Massage and related Holistic Health classes. To date, we’ve prepared more than 7,000 Graduates for rewarding careers as Professional Massage Therapists and can do the same for you. Find out more online at www.HealingHandsSchool.com or call us at (959) 305-2722 in Laguna Hills, (760) 746-9364 in Escondido, or (858) 505-1100 in San Diego.