Simpleology Blog

Special Days. The Fourth of July is more than just about barbecues and fireworks. By commemorating this important day, we honor our identity as a people. That's why we all go out to have fun on this historic holiday. You ought to do the same for your personal red-letter days. Fireworks on your birthday? Why not?

With all the stress we experience from our hectic schedules, we often forget to take time out. It's downright baffling that many of us feel guilty when we take a break or splurge on a much-needed treat.

You don't need to take a trip to an exotic location like the Caribbean or spend oodles of cash to make yourself feel good. Just check out these simple yet uplifting moves and pick one that will give you that happy buzz:

1. Throw a party. Don't let your red-letter days just pass by uneventfully. "Honoring life accomplishments is essential," says Dr. Patricia L. Gerbarg, assistant professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College in Valhalla and co-author of The Rhodiola Revolution: Transform Your Health with the Herbal Breakthrough of the 21st Century. Marking our milestones help us reexamine how far we have come as people. As Gerbarg explains, "You're learning from the past and using your energy to move forward with hope. So, celebrate a personal landmark, whatever it is, with activities that define who you are." Having a great week at work is reason enough for you to invite your friends for a laid-back dinner at your place.

2. Stay positive. Too many bad days will take their toll on you. According to Dr. Pier Massimo Forni, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct, negative emotions cause your body to release a sudden onrush of stress hormones. Now, if you're always throwing fits and having meltdowns, your heart will suffer from a great deal of strain. "Over time, this response could hurt the cardiovascular system, as well as weaken immunity," says Forni.

3. Choose good friends. Various studies featured in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community, show that people with a close circle of friends could outlive those who claim to be contented with "strong family ties." Experts theorize that this happens because you experience more emotional stress with your relatives, whom you're bound to be with whether you like them or not. When it comes to your friends, it's likely that you enjoy their company more because you got to pick them. After all, you wouldn't be friends with them if you didn't genuinely like them in the first place. Make sure to surround yourself with friends who empower you and urge you to be the best that you can be.

4. Take leaps of faith. Playing it safe is good--but it may keep you from doing something great or prevent you from getting the best things that life has to offer. In fact, a study published in Psychological Science shows that risk-takers don't let the outcome of their ventures affect them. Whether or not they got what they wanted or missed it completely is immaterial. The fact that they had the guts to go for their dream goals is more than enough. So, from time to time, take a chance on things that may help you win big--be it in your career or in your personal life.

5. Get wet. Cooped up indoors for far too long? Maybe you should hang out near a wet spot. "The air around bodies of water is full of energy-enhancing ions that help bring oxygen to the brain," says Dr. Pierce J. Howard, author of The Owner's Manual for the Brain. If the beach is a long way off and there's no pool near you, just open the bathroom window and get into the shower. This "wet session" helps energize and soothe your brain, which, in turn, leads to having clarity and a more positive view on things.

These five feel-good things should help all of us remember that we have every right to make ourselves feel great. After all, it's not a crime to treat yourself well.

Credits: Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Scott Taylor, courtesy of the US Navy.