Extra Time - How will you spend it
What would you do if you had 60 mins more in the day?
More time on health, exercise, meditation, being with friends/family, sleeping, Netflix, working, learning?
Take a moment to really think.
Magic Wand waving...
Well those in the regions where clocks go back on Sunday you have the opportunity to use that "extra" hour.
I'll use it to learn and plan, what about you?
You could watch the Positive Grief recording, register for a HLH Course, watch Inspiration Point Podcast, do a google review or get a regular dose of positivity, inspiration, happiness with the regular sharing in the Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Positive Grief Action and Help Requested - takes 5 mins
Positive Grief - it's now been 4 weeks or almost 1 calendar month since I did this talk (recording plus additional resources can be accessed from here).
I'd really appreciate if you could take a few mins to fill out this short questionnaire so that:
(1) Get feedback on talk / recording
(2) Get input to develop a Free Positive Grief Support Group service
The questionnaire can be kept anonymous and you have the option to leave contact details if you want to be part of the Support Group etc.
Here is link for the questionnaire : https://forms.gle/toR4Kbe1fAyCRPpbA
Takes 5 mins
Thanks in advance
Seen shared on Facebook
Stress
Stress is natural, it is our body and brain's way of protecting us from danger and threat - to save our life. I have often shared that stress itself is not the problem but how long we hold onto the stress is the problem. We need to learn to put the stress down before we pick up again.
This is where self care practices such as mindfulness, gratitude and journaling help.
These have helped me deal with the stresses of life and continue to do so. Don't wait to be chronically stressed to react to find a solution/remedy. Act proactively now and respond by investing in you self care and coping mechanisms to build your resilience.
Invest in the 30 Day Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course - 2022 Dates have been amended.
Scentered : Product Review
I was aware that smells can evoke emotions and feelings. We can all relate to the case of freshly baked cookies / biscuits transporting us back to happy times in childhood or the sweet smell of cinnamon / gingerbread associated with Christmas. Also aware that Lavender can help with sleep. Our sense of taste is very much related to our sense of smell, remember when you have been ill with a blocked nose and everything tastes bland or different.
Smells detected by the nose send a message to the brain which sends to the limbic system which is important for memory, mood and emotion.
Some facts from https://www.aromaco.co.uk/20-fascinating-facts-about-our-sense-of-smell/
Your scent cells are renewed every 4 weeks
Studies show that 75% of emotions are triggered by smell which is linked to pleasure, well-being, emotion and memory
The sense of smell is the first of all our senses to develop. Even before we are born, our sense of smell is fully formed and functioning.
Your sense of smell accounts for 75-95% of the impact a flavour has. Without being able to smell the difference between onion and potato, it’d be difficult to tell them apart.
Recently I was given a product to review. It was the Scentered Signature Collection of Wellbeing Ritual Balms - 100% Aromatherapy. Not really having used aromatherapy or essential oils except on the occasions of having a cold using menthol or Eucalyptus based products and good old Vicks or a splash of aftershave after shaving I was curious.
This collection has five handy sized balms to help us feel:
De-stressed
Escape
Focus
Happy
Sleep Well
Each is blended with 100% natural, eco-conscious, plant based ingredients to create fragrances with therapeutic effects. Imagine you want to feel
De-stressed before an important meeting
Focused while you work on an important activity
Needing to get a good, rested sleep
Just need an uplift of feeling happier when feeling a little down
Escape and be inspired
then use the appropriate balm following the 3 simple steps:
STOP : apply to wrist, neck and temples
INHALE : deeply
RESET : your mood
I have done this before going to sleep when feeling in need of a deep relaxation, before sitting to get on with some work, before my public meetings and private meetings and it has been beneficial. The wonderful scents are released immediately as well as noticing them over time and reminding to be centred. Each is combined from 3 exotic ingredients including : Chamomile, Lemon Myrtle, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Neroli amongst others.
The 3 simple steps are quick and easy to apply with the balms coming in a portable, handy size.
It is part of my self care ritual that I used these to feel a particular way at particular times. I also love the fact that 10% of net profits are donated to Women for Women International - a charity.
I applied focus balm before writing this piece, it worked.
Find out more at: https://scentered.me/
https://scentered.me/products/signature-ritual-collection
Additional information
https://www.fifthsense.org.uk/psychology-and-smell/
https://www.aromaco.co.uk/20-fascinating-facts-about-our-sense-of-smell/
A mindfulness Exercise
There is a quick grounding mindfulness exercise called 5-4-3-2-1 related to the senses and observing and connecting to your senses right now, give it a go
5 - look for 5 things around you right now and say them out load
4 - 4 things you can touch and feel
3 - 3 things you can hear
2 - 2 things you can smell
1 - 1 thing you can taste
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
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Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.