What we can learn from children

"Children smile 400 times a day on average ... adults 15 times. Children laugh 150 times a day ... adults 6 times per day. Children play between 4-6 hours a day ... adults only 20 minutes a day. What's happened "

- Robert Holden from 'Living Wonderfully'

4-6 hours a day playing? Unscheduled time to do whatever they feel like doing?

Can you remember the last time you gave yourself even half an hour to do whatever you felt in the mood to do? No lists, no chores no pressure?

If you can't even imagine it, let your mind wander a little. What would you want to do if you have that amount of time to play, doing whatever you felt like doing (and you'd caught up on all the sleep you've been deprived of and have done everything that needs to be done)...?

How can you schedule more time to play into your life? Remember your school days with morning and afternoon breaks plus lunch? Squeeze some mini breaks into your life and you'll find yourself laughing and smiling much more...

Time to smile

So Monday was officially the Most Depressing Day of the Year.

Now that it's over, think about the kinds of things bring a smile to your face. How can you do more of them.

Last year (21/1/08) was pretty awful - my kitchen burned down (electrical fault) and I had to move out for several months.

I had to force myself to go swimming and yoga-ing today as that little part of my brain that panics too much worried something bad might happen again today.

And, of course, having taken action rather than giving into fear, I came home feeling far more relaxed and productive.

Swimming, yoga and cycling are almost guaranteed to make me feel better (though there are maaany days when I just want to stay warm and cosy indoors).

What works for you?

Even though the days are getting longer and the weather seems a bit milder, protect your good mood by doing what you can to enhance it every day.

© Eve Menezes Cunningham / http://www.applecoaching.com/ 2009.