3 Good Things!

Even when things seem at their most miserable, we at the Happy Zone always try and cheer ourselves up by looking on the bright side. On my way home from hospital today it was cold, windy and teaming down with rain. I was disgruntled after my consultation with the doctor, my umbrella kept blowing inside out and the hole in my shoe was letting in the rain.

So when I got home, instead of allowing myself to fall into a deep depression, I decided to do what I sometimes do when feeling low. I made myself think of three good, positive things that had happened today. They could be things that I had done, or other people had done or just something happy I'd heard on the news but I tell you what - it wasn't even that difficult! If you really think about it you can always find good, happy things occuring around you each and every day.

Why don't you try it? Let us know what 3 good things happened to you today! If you're on Twitter just tweet your three positive things with the hashtags #3goodthings and #happyzone and share your happy thoughts with the world! You can also comment below or on our Facebook Page.

For the record, here are my 3 good things :

• Work finally sorted out all the mistakes they'd made with my salary over the last few months and that definately brought a smile to my face when I read my payslip.
• I have been craving Nestle Walnut Whips (delicious chocolate candy!) but couldn't find any in all the stores I searched in yesterday - but today I found one, bought one and thoroughly enjoyed it.
• I received a really really sweet email from one of my favourite actresses, the lovely yummy mummy Emily Booth!

THE UK RIOTS - What Can We Do To Make Things Better?

We at The Happy Zone blog always concentrate on positive, happy and life-affirming stories, news and ideas. Now that London and the rest of the UK has been hit by violent riots, looting, mayhem and arson for the last three days we want to take a look at how we can all help to make things better both in the short and long-term.


We are not a political or religious site but do believe that by everyone pulling together no matter what they believe in we can all help build a better community for all. We welcome your positive comments, ideas and stories so please post in the comment box below or on the Happy Zone Facebook page.


The picture above is actually of those wonderful people who have already become known as the Riot Wombles on Twitter who are banding together to help clean up all the areas of London affected by the riots. If you want to help then you can follow @Riotcleanup on Twitter or go to their website.

Long-term solutions to stop this happening should all involve ways of helping people, particularly young people to learn to love and respect their local communities. This needs to come from schools, parents and the communities themselves in equal measure. Please contact us with positive ideas on how everyone can help rebuild these shattered communities and restore pride and self-esteem in our youth.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS - EFT

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a simple yet remarkable healing system that reduces the stress that underlies much disease. It has proven itself successful in many scientific studies. It works on a variety of health issues, psychological problems, and performance issues, even those that have been resistant to other methods. It can be learned and applied rapidly, which has contributed to its popularity among millions of people. EFT Universe is the home of the vibrant, worldwide EFT community. It hosts the wealth of resources available to both experienced and new EFT users.

EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques and is a form of alternative psychotherapy that uses tapping on acupuncture points as a means of tackling many emotional and physical problems. Once you've mastered the technique, a round of "tapping" takes just a couple of minutes and can help lift your mood. Check out this website for full details on how to start practising EFT.

There are many positive affirmations that can be used when practising EFT but sometimes the simplest can be the best! Try the affirmations below and let us know how you get on.

• I choose to be happy today.
• I choose to be calm today.
• I choose to be motivated today.
• I choose to be in a good mood today.
• I choose to be positive today.

5 POSITIVE THINGS TO DO TODAY!

OK so the weather's awful and it seems like the summer is over before it's even begun, but lets not get gloomy and depressed about it! There are loads of ways we can make ourselves and others feel better even when the skies are grey. Here are five positive things that you can do today. Can you think of any more?

1. Perform a random act of kindness - if you have any neighbours who are old and on their own, pop round and see if they need anything. Or help a mother with their baby buggy if they're trying to get on or off the bus. You know the kind of thing!
2. Meditate - A short 10 minute meditation daily can do you the world of good. It's quick and easy and is totally free!!
3. Smile at a stranger - Yes, they may think you're mad but then again maybe it'll make their day! Just do it and spread the happiness!
4. Recycle - If you don't do this already then start doing it today. It's a great way to make yourself feel good especially when you know it's helping the environment.
5. Listen to music - Put on a couple of your favourite tracks or a cd that makes you happy and chill out for half an hour. You could even sing along!

Let us know of any positive things you've done recently. What makes YOU happy? And don't forget you can follow The Happy Zone on Facebook too!