Huffington Magazine Issue 46 | Page 30

Voices RANDY TARAN HUFFINGTON 04.28.13 are thinking making you feel better (appreciation) or worse (blame)? Consider reframing your thoughts and asking, “What am I learning from the challenge at hand?” EMOTIONAL: Emotions are contagious. Make a point of spending time with people that care about your well-being, happiness and success. Life is too short for “frenemies.” SPIRITUAL: Find your own way to connect with something greater. That can be through spiritual practice, spending time in community with like-minded people or even being in nature. TIPS FROM SCIENCE GETTY IMAGES/OJO IMAGES RM There has been much research in neuroscience that indicates we can actually rewire the neural pathways in our brains to reduce stress and be happier. Here are five ways that can help: EXPRESS GRATITUDE Instead of focusing on all the things you are worried about, think of what you are grateful for in your life. By jotting down even small things (good cup of coffee, sunny day, great conversation) Just as the food we take in affects the health of our bodies, what we take into our minds affects the health and resilience of our minds.” daily, you will train your brain to be on the lookout for the good stuff, and hence notice more of it. Try this for 21 days, the time it takes to create a habit. COMPLIMENT OTHERS Consider starting each day giving a compliment or recognition to one of your friends or colleagues. Not only will you enjoy their positive response, but according to Richard Davidson, you will “train your brain to see the good