Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Steps to Happiness

From another blog, I was directed to this video of a TED presentation by Nic Marks about what it takes or will take to create a happy planet. For much of this almost 17 minute video, the material deals with a global view based on statistics etc, but around the 13 minute mark, he begins to highlight five specific actions that we can engage in daily on a personal level. What follows below is what I understood the speaker to say, not necessarily his actual words.

    1. Take time to CONNECT with others. Relationships are the cornerstone of your life.
    2. The fastest and surest way to overcome a bad mood etc is to BE ACTIVE: go for a walk; put on some music and dance etc.
    3. TAKE NOTICE of life. Be aware of the changing seasons, of what people are saying, of your own inner thoughts and feelings.
    4. It has been found that older people who KEEP LEARNING are generally healthier than those who don't. One doesn't have to take formal courses, but it is beneficial to remain curious.
    5. There seems to be a part of our brains that is hardwired to feel good when we GIVE of ourselves.

    8 comments:

    Diana said...

    These are all great ideas AC. I agree completely. When I am feeling down I do try to do exactly those things that he mentioned. Sitting and stewing certainly doesn't help.
    Love Di ♥

    Donna said...

    I like #5 the best...works for me when I'm feeling blue...
    hughugs

    Ruth said...

    Those are five simple rules...so wise and yet many people do not understand how important they are.

    Doris said...

    I also agree completely. Five wise suggestions. Thanks for sharing.

    Bernie said...

    I love this site, found "Ted" a couple of years ago and visit often. Loved this post my friend, so very true especially now that we are getting older....:-)Hugs

    Anonymous said...

    I think subcon..subconsc..subconsciou.. in our own minds, :o) we know these things but it's marvelous to read them and give ourselves the little nudge we need.

    MARY G said...

    Good list! You find the most unexpected things.

    Lorna said...

    I always intend to make TED my home page, but then, how would I know the phases of the moon, or the weather in Toronto?