The WM Parenting Connection

• can increase your life span
• can lower rates of depression
• can help lower levels of stress
• help increase resistance to illness
• helps create better psychological and physical well-being
• can help reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• can help create better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
  

So what can you do to turn your frown upside down?

• Set aside some time for yourself. It doesn't have to be a large amount of time. Take a bath, read a book, go for a run. Do something that makes you happy. If locking yourself in your closet with your iPod blasting Snoop Doggy-Dog's latest jam is what makes you happy then do it!


• Do something for someone else. Making someone else's day can go a long way in making your day. How can you feel bad when you are making someone else feel good? You think you got it rough? There is always someone out there that has it worse then you do - take time out to ease their suffering and I bet it makes you look at your life in a different light.


• Count your blessings. It's easy to get caught up in the things we don't have or can't do. Take a moment to think about the things in your life you are grateful for. Yes, your kids drive you bonkers and your hubby forgets to put the seat down. Quiet is over-rated and we all need a bath anyway right?
  
  Exercise. Exercise causes your brain to release endorphins - feel good chemicals. Give your body a little nudge in the feel good department and burn some calories at the same time.
  

• Take action. Make a plan. Something isn't going quite right or encountering hurdles that prevent completing your goals? Make a plan of attack to get over those hurdles. I always feel better when I have a plan and I can SEE what needs to be done and cross off the things I accomplish. In fact, I make it a habit to put every little minute thing I want to do on my list. The more things I can cross off the more I can convince myself I got something done after all.

• Laugh, laugh, laugh. Laughing is good for your soul and good for your attitude too! Don't take life so seriously - learn to laugh at yourself. I would be one bored individual if I didn't crack myself up all the time. The bonus plan is making other people laugh...but my main concern is entertaining myself!


• Change the chatter in your head. What we say to ourselves greatly influences how we live our lives. If we are constantly thinking about the negative things in our lives then they overshadow the positive things and cause us to dwell on negativity. Besides I rock and I tell myself as much all the time. And admit it - you rock too - now say it out loud. Go ahead - do it - now just keep saying it! If you don't feel like you rock that's OK. If you tell yourself enough that you are the best thing since white bread then eventually you will BE the best thing since white bread.

Listen, we all have craziness in our lives. I don't know about you, but in my house chaos is the norm. Today's society thrives on cramming 28 hours worth of activity into a 24 hour day. Do yourself a favor and change your negative frown upside down and start thinking in a more positive light.

Half Full Or Half Empty? You Decide.