Positive Behavior Change

Build Positive Behavior Change 5 Easy Steps

5 Easy Steps to develop positive Behavior change, Decrease Depression and Build a Habit of Happiness as we head into Spring, these of course are besides hugging your furry friends

Positive behavior change will help decrease depression, that overwhelming emotion that robs us of happiness without mercy. When we are depressed, we are not able to get out of bed, be in a relationship, or just simply enjoy a cup of coffee. This emotion appears to be one of the most felt emotions within our current society. Almost everyone is struggling to feel happy. The 5 best things to do to create positive behavior change and increase happiness is not that difficult to cultivate. So here are 5 simple things you can do to develop positive behavior change and maintain happiness in your life.

1. Develop a habit of exercise

This does not need to be lifting the heaviest weights or developing a body to compete in a sport. Simply move at least three times per week. Do this consistently. Take a walk, ride a bike, join a health club. Make no excuses for why you can’t do this. Excuses lead to feeling defeated and add to depression. Make this a priority goal and just do it!

2. Develop a habit of exercise

Think of something you are afraid to do and do it. This only needs to be tackled one time per month. And if you are still afraid after doing it once put in back on the schedule for the following month. Fear is a hard-wired activity of the brain. It is there to keep us safe but also stuck. By trying something new and challenging yourself it gives you a sense of self and accomplishment. It provides the opportunity to be proud and yes happy. You got this!

3. Be grateful

Every single day set some time in the morning or evening to take note of 3 things you are grateful for. You can compartmentalize this activity to increase a certain aspect of your life like a relationship, career, or simply down time. But it is important to take note of what you are grateful for in your life to increase its presence. Write them down daily. This is an important practice, it connects your thoughts and actions and imbeds the emotion into your memory. Don’t skip this. Some of the most influential people in the world do this daily activity. It is simple and will increase your happiness factor.

4. Think and do something for someone else

When we are feeling down or overwhelmed, we are stuck in a cycle of how sad we feel, how hard things are, or how lonely life can be. This emotional downfall is a spiral that needs to be broken. By thinking of someone else you break the thought process of self-deprivation and build a process of counter behavior. By taking this a step further and doing something for someone else your action ignites your feel-good thoughts and emotions. By thinking of someone else you are caring for yourself because all thoughts of others are an extension of our own self-perception. Caring for another gives you the external reach of caring for yourself.

5. Read or watch something inspirational

Pick up a good book that is inspiring or watch a short video or long movie about someone who has overcome and developed a healthy way of life. Do this one time per week or at least once a month. We connect to others through our own view of the world. When we read or watch what someone else has come through, we connect to our own strength by seeing how we are alike. Your connection to another person who has gone through hardship and succeeded provides you with the knowledge that you are able to be what you know deep inside. That you are great and worthy of living your best life happily ever after.

There you go some quick short easy steps that you can do daily, weekly, and monthly to create positive behavior change and be happier this not only this Spring but throughout the rest of the year too.

If you would like to talk with someone please reach out. We are here to listen…animal assisted counseling of Indiana.