 With the 2019 New Year right around the corner we're in that season of looking back and taking stock as we concurrently look ahead to what is to come: with a good number of us looking forward to time-honored and common themes of hope, health, happiness... Yet -- We live in a society that delays happiness. “I’ll be happy once I get that promotion.” “I’ll be happier when I have more money.” “Once I get that new car, I’ll be happy.” Sound familiar? Happiness is something that we all strive for, yet many of us find it challenging to grasp and even harder to maintain. It’s time to start living in the “now” and finding a happier life. Physicians First Messages wants to give you some tips on how to make it happen:   1) EMBRACE YOUR MISTAKES It is only natural that we make mistakes; it’s proof that you’re trying something new. Living in denial about your mistakes or getting wrapped up in your ego will only you make you miserable and block you from learning valuable lessons that will help you grow and improve. By embracing your mistakes, you will be able to forgive yourself. Happy people seem to intuitively know this, embracing mistakes as learning experiences and not judging themselves too harshly. 2) SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE Even though this life can sometimes feel like an individual journey, we need other people around us in order to feel happy. In fact, research has indicated that social relationships are the strongest predictors of happiness, more than income or wealth. Social support is a huge indicator of happiness and well-being. People with perceived positive social relationships even live longer! So be social, surround yourself with people who make you feel good, and release those who make you feel bad.  3) PRACTICE GRATITUDE Happy people can easily find gratitude in the world around them. They recognize that they always have something to be grateful for; it doesn't matter where they are, or what they’re doing! Each of us has a choice on how we focus our attention. Choosing to focus on being grateful for the beauty and uniqueness of life instead of the stresses and problems will make you feel happier, less stressed and less depressed. 4) MAINTAIN AN OPTIMISTIC ATTITUDE Happy people tend to respond to negative events in a more optimistic manner than unhappy people. They recognize that negative events are temporary and limited in scope. Research has linked optimism with a plethora of positive outcomes including longevity, recovery from illness, overall physical health, enhanced coping skills and problem solving in difficult situations. So, when in doubt, look on the bright side! 5) SMILE MORE It seems like a silly concept, but if you are feeling down or having a rough day, it is possible to cheer yourself up by simply thinking of a person, place or situation that makes you smile! Just the physical act of smiling alone will make you feel happier! 6) LEARN WHEN TO SAY “NO” Happy people know that they must say NO to people, ideas, and behaviors that do not serve their highest good. Saying yes to everyone and everything can lead you to feel overwhelmed, increase your stress, and leave you less time and resources to take care of yourself! This is especially true when you agree to do things that do not resonate with you, or allow yourself to be pressured into situations you are uncomfortable with. Before you commit to anything or anyone, ask yourself, does this serve my highest good? If the answers is no, then learn to say NO.  7) TRY NEW THINGS Happy people are not afraid to push their boundaries and try new things. People who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions than people who have fewer experiences. Sure it might seem scary at first, but what’s the worst that could happen? And hey if it doesn't go as planned, at least you still tried, didn't you? 8) PRACTICE FORGIVENESS This one can be challenging, but when we hold on to anger, resentment and fear towards people, they are actually occupying a space inside of us, blocking us from feeling truly happy and fulfilled. “If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.” – Mother Theresa  9) UNPLUG & SPEND MORE TIME IN NATURE
Human beings were not designed to spend our day hunched over a desk with electronics plugged into our ears and eyes. We are meant to be spending time outside, away from the buzz of technology, the radiation from cell-phones and the blaring of screens. Time outdoors in nature has been linked to happiness because light elevates people’s moods, as does vitamin D, a byproduct of spending time outside. That explains why so many people get cranky in the winter…less vitamin D! 10) TELL YOURSELF, “I LOVE YOU!” Years of being told by family, educators and especially the media that we are not good enough, not successful enough, not attractive enough, not capable enough and so on has left many of us feeling beaten down and unworthy. The truth is that no matter who you are and what has happened in your life, you are worth something! Psychologists have long known that self-esteem is intrinsically connected to happiness. One of the simplest things you can do is to look in the mirror every morning and say, “I love you!” With these tips for a happier life, I hope that you find joy and peace. Live each day to the fullest and know that there are always better things ahead. John Calhoun Owner & Operator
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 Holiday Season Is Here! Here Is A Quick Tip Of Safety.
I love December! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I have fond memories of the holiday season, especially since it’s a time to not only catch up with family, but friends as well through dinners, parties, informal get-togethers and maybe even a vacation. Physicians First Messages wants to encourage you to make the most of this holiday season, especially if you’re going to take part in one or more of the aforementioned functions over the next few weeks. But we’d also like to remind you to please celebrate the holiday season responsibly … for the sake of your well-being and others. Specifically speaking, we implore you to never drink and drive, no matter how careful you might think you are. For various reasons, conditions on the road are already borderline dangerous at times, so why make matters worse when you can hurt yourself, or more importantly, someone else. Furthermore, is it worth the embarrassment of getting yourself in trouble with the law should you get pulled over and fail a sobriety test? Come on, you know the answer to that! Here’s a couple of cold, hard facts about the dangers of driving drunk, according to the website about.com: 1. Motor vehicle wrecks are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for persons under 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Reports. And of those deaths, more than 40 percent are alcohol-related. 2. An estimated 40 percent of all persons in the U.S. will be involved in a traffic mishap blamed on alcohol at some point in their lives. 3. A driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 or greater is seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash than is a driver who has not consumed alcoholic beverages. And, that a driver with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or greater is about 25 times more likely. Basically, the more you drink, the more likely you are to have an accident, and a fatal one. Bottom line is, play it smart this holiday season. If you’re going out and planning to drink, bring a designated driver, plan to take car service or get on a bus … whatever it takes. Physicians First Messages would love to see everyone play it safe during the holidays and beyond. You owe it to yourself, your family, your friends and society in general. Won’t you please do your part? Sincerely, John Calhoun CEO, President @ Physicians First Messages, Inc. |
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