Science Says You Have Time for Happiness
Life for Village Managers is fast paced. It is non-stop. Emails. Phone calls. Maintenance requests. Forms to submit. Learnings to complete. There is always something.
How can we improve happiness for Village Managers?
To balance all these competing priorities its important to create an environment and routine for ourselves that fosters happiness and well-being. It will benefit us as Village Managers, as well as our colleagues and village residents. It might even benefit our relationships with loved ones at the end of the day.
I came across this list a number of year’s ago when it was shared by a colleague of mine. The infographic is from Huffpost, and talks to 16 scientifically-backed ways to enhance your happiness levels.
Some food for thought on a busy Friday.
16 Ways to Improve Happiness
- Smile: Genuine smiles can boost your mood. Research from Clark University shows that smiling activates positive memories, thus contributing to overall happiness.
- Go for a Run: Physical activity, like running, releases endorphins, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, leading to enhanced mood and well-being.
- Pray: Spirituality and religious involvement are linked with greater well-being. Prayer can also relieve stress and therefore contribute to a sense of peace and happiness.
- Laugh: Laughter not only relieves stress but also boosts mood and reduces anxiety and depression. Organise regular comedy nights or light-hearted activities to encourage laughter.
- Go for a Stroll in the Park: Spending time in nature has numerous health benefits, including increased well-being. A UK study found that people are significantly happier in natural environments compared to urban settings.
- Perform an Act of Kindness: Acts of kindness can boost your happiness. Encourage village residents and staff to engage in small acts of kindness within the community.
- Listen to Happy Music: Music can elevate mood. A study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that listening to happy music can make people feel happier.
- Walk Tall: Encourage an upbeat stride. Research from Florida Atlantic University shows that walking with long strides, swinging arms, and heads held high can make you feel happier.
- Meditate: Meditation lowers stress and has been linked with emotional well-being and improved sleep. Offer meditation sessions to help village residents and staff relax.
- Keep a Gratitude Journal: Being thankful can significantly enhance well-being. Encourage journaling practices where residents and staff can note things they are grateful for.
- Go on Vacation: The anticipation of a trip can boost happiness. Plan group outings or virtual travel experiences to give residents something to look forward to.
- Play with a Puppy: Interacting with pets can increase brain activity associated with pleasure and happiness. Pet therapy programs can be a wonderful addition to your community.
- Take a Nap: Sleep deprivation increases stress. Short naps can improve mood and memory. Create quiet spaces for residents to rest and rejuvenate.
- Enjoy a Nice Cup of Tea: Appreciating small pleasures, like a cup of tea, can rewire the brain for happiness. Encourage residents to savour these moments.
- Volunteer: Helping others boosts happiness and can ease depression. Organise volunteer opportunities within and outside the community to foster a sense of purpose.
- Think of Happy Times: Nostalgia can make you feel happier and more optimistic about the future. Create memory-sharing sessions where residents can reminisce about happy times.
Consider how you can incorporate one or more of these into your busy routines. Set yourself a challenge. It takes 90-days to change a habit. What if that habit makes you happier? Go on. You have nothing to lose, and a smile to gain.
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