Fri, January 29, 2010 - 4:18:25

Don’t Just Sweat the Small Stuff; Celebrate it.

There’s no question that the past few weeks have been challenging ones.  From rising unemployment statistics, to a troubled economy, to natural disasters around the globe, we’ve endured a heap of BIG problems this January, and it might have you feeling the winter doldrums even more than usual.

But, by zeroing in on the small stuff and focusing on the solutions one tiny detail at a time, you can overcome even the most seemingly insurmountable of obstacles.  And that’s not all. As a recent Today Show segment with Dr. Nancy Snyderman reminds us, the key to navigating the tough times isn’t just to sweat the small stuff; it’s to celebrate it.

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It may sound insignificant, but taking the time to recognize the tiny positive aspects of your daily life and then give back in even the littlest way can have a dramatic impact.  So, why not give these tips a try and discover the power of small for yourself?

Find small joys.  We’ve all heard the expression: “Stop and smell the roses.”  Yet, with today’s hectic, on-the-go lifestyle, it can seem hard to find the time.  But, if you simply open your senses to the everyday surroundings you normally rush by and ignore, you can discover beauty in the unlikeliest of places, from the historic architecture you pass on the way to work, to the smell of the coffee brewing at the café around the corner.  By giving yourself just a few additional seconds to appreciate the tiny pleasures all around you, you’ll find it’s easier to get through the less-pleasant things you encounter.

Celebrate your small wins: Sure, it’s great to work toward a big goal, like saving for a new home or getting a promotion at work, but when we disregard the little accomplishments we achieve along the way, it can make them feel unattainable.  So, instead of lamenting what you have yet to do, pat yourself on the back for the small things you have done today, like putting a few extra coins than the day before into your change jar or filing your error-free report ahead of schedule. Not only will it boost your confidence, it will motivate you to keep plugging away.

Give small gifts: As Snyderman explains, giving back in whatever way you can isn’t just helpful to those in need, it can actually have powerful physical and psychological health benefits for you.  In fact researchers from Case Western Reserve University discovered in 2007 that by volunteering for just two hours each Saturday or Sunday, you can dramatically reduce your risk of a host of ailments, from heart disease, to dementia, and depression.

Posted by Linda and Robin