Very often, we have everything—education, money, social status. But sometimes, we lack the most important things—health and happiness. Sometimes, to be happy and healthy, all we need to do is bring order to our inner world, our thoughts. There is a system that can help us with that. This article is about the rules of this system.
Don’t dwell on negative thoughts.
Create a treasury of good memories in your mind and revisit the good things that happened in your life more often, but without regrets, only with joyful awareness that it happened and will forever remain with you. Dream of the good. Make plans, learn to see the good in the world around you, and don’t focus on the negative.
Learn to forgive.
A person who carries a mountain of grievances cannot be healthy. Forgiveness means letting go of the bitterness of offense, pain, sad memories, and everything unpleasant and unwanted that happened in your life. Don’t hold grudges against offenders and enemies, don’t plot revenge. Remember that the best revenge is indifference. Ignore offenses and offenders, don’t carry them within you, don’t think about them, and you will always be healthy.
Learn to do everything you do with pleasure.
When eating, think not about how beneficial and necessary it is to satisfy your hunger, but only about doing it for your own pleasure. When we strive to enjoy our food, we automatically start to eat properly, which means chewing it thoroughly, slowly, unhurriedly. When doing physical exercises, also think only about your own pleasure. Don’t overexert yourself by forcing yourself to train when you’re not up to it. Remember: only what is done with pleasure is beneficial. Everything else is harmful.
Think more often about what can bring you joy, but beware of false pleasures. Sometimes a person thinks that by overeating, they are pleasing themselves. This is self-deception. After such “joy,” usually, there is no joy at all, and both the body and the soul feel very bad. Remember: true joy is the joy that, when it passes, leaves behind pleasant memories and a good, joyful state of being. Stick to such joys and choose for yourself only those pleasures that don’t later turn into the downside—mental and physical anguish. And then life as a whole will gradually become a joy.
Learn to see people around you who are worse off than you are right now.
Learn to sympathize with them and instill in them faith and optimism. But don’t belittle them with pity. By pitying a person, we only reinforce their miserable condition. Believe in them, that they have the strength to overcome their misfortunes and illnesses. Learn to help such people to the best of your ability, but not at the expense of yourself and your interests. When you help others without sacrificing yourself, you also help yourself.
Behave as if everything is going well for you, regardless of how things are in reality and what your health is really like.
Remember that we become what we think of ourselves—never forget that! There’s no need to turn your behavior into a show, showing other people that everything is supposedly fine with you. Do it not for others, but for yourself, even when you’re alone. When we hold our heads high and tell ourselves that everything is fine, our positive thoughts attract well-being into our lives.
Never tell yourself, “I can’t,” whether it’s about recovery, work, or physical exercise.
Say instead, “I don’t want to.” By saying “I can’t,” we greatly limit our own abilities. And often behind those words, we hide not our own inability to achieve something, but rather a lack of desire or motivation. When you say, “I don’t want to,” you acknowledge that you have a choice and can change your mindset. It empowers you to take control of your actions and make positive changes.
Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.
Choose your companions wisely and spend time with those who uplift and inspire you. Avoid toxic relationships and negative influences that drain your energy and bring you down. Surrounding yourself with positive people will help you maintain a healthy and happy mindset.
Take care of your physical health.
Engage in regular exercise that you enjoy, eat nutritious foods, and prioritize adequate sleep. Pay attention to your body’s needs and listen to what it tells you. Prioritize self-care activities that promote your well-being, such as relaxation techniques, hobbies, and activities that bring you joy.
Cultivate a positive mindset.
Practice gratitude daily by acknowledging and appreciating the good things in your life. Focus on the present moment and embrace optimism. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and beliefs. Train your mind to see opportunities and solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Set goals and work towards them.
Having clear goals gives you a sense of purpose and direction. Break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way. Stay motivated and persistent, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Remember that setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning.
Embrace a balanced lifestyle.
Find a balance between work, relationships, leisure, and personal development. Prioritize activities that bring you fulfillment and align with your values. Create boundaries to protect your time and energy, ensuring you have enough for self-care and pursuing your passions.
Practice mindfulness and self-reflection.
Take time each day to be present and aware of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations. Engage in practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to foster self-awareness and inner peace. Reflect on your experiences, learn from them, and use them as opportunities for personal growth.
Remember, becoming a healthy, strong, and happy person is a continuous journey. It requires consistent effort, self-compassion, and a commitment to your well-being. By following these principles and incorporating them into your daily life, you can cultivate a positive mindset and improve your overall health and happiness.
