”For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” – T.S. Eliot
A New Year brings infinite new possibilities. A clean slate. A reason to erase past mistakes and start afresh. We all know that resolutions don\’t always stick. But for a shot at real happiness, try penning a set of personal commandments (an idea borrowed from best-selling author Gretchen Rubin.)
I would suggest writing them down and keeping them handy. This may make you laugh, but I have mine scribbled on a post-it note stuck to a long-expired Bed & Bath coupon. Anytime I\’m stuck in traffic, listening to Zayn’s \’Trampoline’ repeat itself for the fourth time in a sixty-minute window, I find myself pulling out my handy-dandy list and ruminating on what\’s important.
Here\’s my list . . . to help you get started on your own:
1. Be grateful
“ I cannot tell you anything that, in a few minutes, will tell you how to be rich. But I can tell you how to feel more rich, which is far better, let me tell you firsthand, than being rich. Be grateful . . . It’s the only total reliable get-rich-quick scheme.” —Ben Stein, actor, comedian, economist.
We have spent the last few decades trying to have what we want—for the next few, I want to rejoice in what I have. Research proves that an attitude of gratitude can make you healthier and happier. Besides simply thanking people, try keeping a gratitude journal and write down what you’re thankful for every day. Experts maintain that jotting down even one sentence of gratitude a day can boost feelings of happiness.
2. More laughter
A wise friend once said to me, “You’re a very serious person.\” That made me think, and I realized she was right. While there\’s absolutely nothing wrong in being a serious person, the world around us is an unhappy place—anytime you turn on the television, they’re people dying from terrorism, war or natural disasters in every part of the world. If you\’re lucky to have your health, a good-enough bank balance and your children are safe, you\’re blessed. So, lighten up.
3. More sleep
\”Sleep is the best meditation,\” said the Dalai Lama. In fact, research shows that not sleeping enough (four hours per night) may lead to lower levels of optimism. And other studies show skimping on sleep can damage our on-the-job performance and academic performance. Be it a full-night’s sleep, catnaps or power naps—it’s time to reclaim your sleep!
4. Drink less
Keep in mind what\’s true for me may not be so for you. For instance, I\’ve decided to drink less wine. Although I love the taste of it, I find I get too sleepy or emotional after I\’ve had a glass or . . . three. And, I don\’t enjoy the feeling of waking up at dawn holding the back of my head in extreme agony. The pulsing pain reminds me of Gulliver shipwrecked on the island of Lilliput, who, when he awakens, discovers he\’s fastened to the ground by microscopic men no taller than six inches tall. It\’s as if those tiny men are dancing at the back of my skull with hob-nailed boots. Not a pretty feeling!
5. Sweat it out
No time to go to the gym or jog everyday? The latest research has found that physical activity does not need to be vigorous or structured to be good for you. House and yard work can be quite a workout, especially when done at a brisk pace. Scrub, vacuum, sweep, dust, mow and weed—it all counts!
Or, for a highly efficient form of exercise that utilizes High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT, try Dr. Zach Bush’s 4-minute workout (below.) In just 4 minutes you exercise the 16 largest muscle groups in your body. It is free, easy and can be completed multiple times a day, no matter where you are or what you’re wearing!
6. Meditate daily
My yoga mat had been sitting in the corner for years but when I finally gave meditation a try while I was at a wellness retreat (read about my adventures at Jindal Naturecare here: https://anoopjudge.com/blog/my-adventures-at-jindal-nature-cure?rq=Jindal) it made me shine. I felt calmer, more patient, a better parent, a kinder and gentler spouse, a nicer friend—so, I’m a believer and this year I want to make it a daily habit. Research shows that eight weeks of daily meditation can lead to greater happiness. Here’s how to get you started:


