The Science Behind the Law of Attraction Magazine December, 2015 | Page 55

we feel like we are a part of a group or a clan. Even introverts don?t like to feel lonely; this may seem like
the science of the blazingly obvious, but it bears repeating. Do you frequently feel isolated or lonely?
Make a resolution to routinely reach out to others.
Not sure how, or feel too busy? Join or start a group that meets regularly? maybe on the first Monday of
the month, or every Friday at lunch. Some of my closest friends have come from book clubs, church groups,
and standing family dinners. When we routinize our friendships, we remove the hassle of scheduling, and
increase the odds that we?ll actually spend time
with people we love or want to get to know better.
2. Everyday, f ind a way t o give somet hing t o
somebody. My favorite happiness booster is to give
t hanks: to a higher power for the abundance that
surrounds me; to my dad for taking my kids to ice
cream; to my main squeeze for all the ways he
supports my work.
Equally good is to give something else? a helping
hand, a compliment, a much needed $5 bill? even
if it is just a tiny act of kindness. In a world that is
more focused on getting than giving, a New Year?s
resolution to do one kind thing each day, or to give
thanks in one small way, is a pretty radical act.
When we make giving a habit, we make gratitude
and kindness central themes in our lives. In so
doing, we transform our lives with joy.
3. Get more sl eep and exercise. I know, that?s not
one resolution, it?s two, but the science around these physical happiness boosters is pretty compelling.
Studies are clear: You?ll be less stressed, less sick,
and less grouchy in the New Year if you get more
shut-eye. Try increasing your sleep 10 minutes a
night for a week, and then another 10 the next
week, and so on until you are regularly getting
your eight hours.
If you aren?t active, you want to lose a few
pounds, or you frequently feel a bit depressed,
try adding more activity into your life in a way
that feels fun or luxurious. I like to hike with my
friend Jen and her ecstatically joyful dog Lou. It
takes a couple hours out of my day (that?s the
luxurious part, since I?m so strapped for time) but
it leaves me feeling as bright and happy as Lou.
On days when I don?t have time for a hike, I walk on a treadmill while watching Modern Family. This is
luxurious and fun because I don?t watch TV at any other time.
It is miraculous to me that people can change themselves simply because they want to. New Year?s
resolution