Saturday, April 18, 2009

Everyday Ways to Boost Contentment

A lot of folks may not be very content right now. With all the troubles we're seeing because of the recession, everything seems to be going down the tubes. It's hard to feel good when things are so bad.



To be content these days, you may have to get a little creative, maybe do a little downsizing. What I mean is, find little ways to be content every day. If we can't quite reach the level of contentment that financial security can bring, we can at least try to feel fulfilled in other ways.



Some ways we can add to our contentment:



Cherish and enjoy the things we have. Right now we may not be able to get everything we'd like to have. Taking stock of what we do have and being grateful for it can make us realize just how fortunate we are. For example, folks who still have their job or their home have probably learned to appreciate those things more given these tough times.




Spend time with our loved ones. Just being around the people we love and care for, knowing how much they love and care for us and enjoying quality time together is the most fulfilling thing. Sometimes it's more important who you have than what you have.



Get out and enjoy the simple pleasures. Go for a walk or a bike ride. Just enjoy all the splendor that this world has to offer. You can listen to the birds or your iPod while you get some exercise and get some positive feelings going at the same time.


Share some smiles with a baby, play with the dog. I love to just go to the park and let my feet dangle in the creek (Not quite warm enough for that yet.) Just taking time to enjoy the little things in life can make us more content.



Treat ourselves. Ditch the diet for a bit and indulge in those chocolate chip cookies. Get your hair cut or rent that movie you've been wanting to see. It's okay to splurge once in a while, as long as you don't go overboard.


Until the financial crisis is over, we won't be able to rest easy or stop cutting back. But seeing as we really can't buy contentment anyway, it's something we can always have.




No comments: