Ending the Happiness Conflict

Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, our happiness expert and author of “A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription for Happiness,” joined us today on Your Caregiving Journey. (You can listen to our show via the player at the bottom of this post.) She helped us find the answer to this tough question: Can I be happy if my caree isn’t?

The answer?

Yes!

Here’s why: Your happiness helps your stress level remain manageable. The higher your stress level, the harder managing your day will be. Making room for moments of happiness, by enjoying an interest or hobby that lights you, keeps your stress in check.

Elizabeth gave us some happiness tips:

• Remove one word from your vocabulary: “should.” Know what you need to be a better and happier you. Then, do it.
• “Change your brain, get more champagne,” Elizabeth says. It’s the motivation to bubble up, to let your joy surface to the top.
• Ask yourself: What’s my stress level, from 1 to 10? If it’s a 7 or higher, Stop! Do something for yourself.
• Avoid “If only” thinking which withholds happiness. “If only I could get help, I would be happy.” “If only I had more money, then I would be happy.” You deserve happiness without any strings.

So, tell us: How will you be happy today?

Resources

Elizabeth has great (and free!) tip sheets you can use; visit her website to download: http://www.ahappyyou.com/free-happiness-resources