7 Surprising Keys to Happiness

Have you ever had one of those days where you just wish youwere in a better mood? Perhaps you tried to shift your stateof mind to something better but struggled to achieve it.

Sometimes we get stuck in our own 'stinking thinking' andforget how easy it is to feel happier, so here are sevensimple ways to lift your mood that many people have founduseful and some of them may surprise you!

1. Go for a walk.

Most folk know that going for a short daily walk is one ofthe best forms of exercise. If you can, go into a naturalenvironment with flowers, trees and birds. What will younotice first? The different shades of greenery, the fresh smell of country air, the bird sounds, or the sunlightshining through the tree foliage.

2. Listen to some quality music.

Music creates magical effects. It can shift the listenersstatewithin moments. Why not dig out that album you haven'tlistened to in ages or why not tune in your radio tosomething you've never listened to before.

3. Think of others less fortunate.

The fact that you are reading this article suggests that youare probably much better off than many, many people on thisplanet! What if you were to imagine being in space lookingdown on the amazing beautiful earth, noticing all the oceansand lands with the clouds above... And then thinking aboutthe fact that there are many human beings that are starving,homeless and in lots of pain... Allow your compassion forthem to grow.

4. Read something radical!

How many different types of magazines can you get thesedays?! Have you ever waltzed into a big newsagents and justbrowsed through the magazine racks? It's incredible. Why notbuy a magazine you wouldn't normally buy. You never know youmay discover something wonderful!

5. Laughing at laughter.

Have you ever had the experience when you just laugh for nogood reason? Isn't it great! Laughter is one of the bestways to lift your spirits. Can't think of anything funny?Try grinning at yourself insanely in the mirror and noticehow difficult it becomes to control your giggle muscles!

6. Simple breathing meditation.

A great exercise that you can do anywhere is a simplebreathing meditation. No need to dress in orange robes.Simply find yourself in a comfortable sitting position withyour back straight. Now close your eyes and become aware ofthe flow of air into and out of your nostrils. That's it! Dothis for 10/15 minutes and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised how you feel afterward.

7. Doodling just for fun!

Remember when you were young and you used to doodle withcrayons for hours. Kids love drawing silly little pictures,why not adults? So get some pens, pencils, crayons orwhatever you have and just draw - doodle away until yourstate of mind shifts.

You might agree that these are all pretty simple and that'swhat's so good about them. Making changes, mundane orprofoundly life-changing, are easily and quickly achieved byputting into action simple ideas, methods, tools andtechniques.

Colin G Smith is a licensed Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and author of 'The NLPToolBox', a personal development book that enables thereader to master any area of their life with amazing speed.Complete information on Colin G Smith's books are availableat his website, including a FREE personal development eBook.http://www.NLPToolBox.com