I used to hug my dog every day*. Multiple times. My family think I may have doted on him a little too much! I hugged him because I loved him ❤️ I hugged him when I was happy 😀 I hugged him whenever I saw him 🐕🦺 and … I hugged him when I was feeling down! 😞
The last part is what might help: doing something for someone else when I’m feeling down boosts my mood!
Often I think I need something, or someone, to help me when I’m feeling flat. But my dog scientifically** proved if I do something for someone when I’m flat, I feel better! Weird! 🤷♂️
Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
When we give a “hug”, or whatever it might be, we’re doing something for others and ourselves. If we pay a genuine compliment, learn something new, overcome an obstacle, offer to pay for someone’s groceries … you get the idea. When we put in the effort, we get a positive emotional return.
Whereas, sometimes we think it is when we get something that we feel better. And sure, getting stuff is cool, but if we wait to get stuff, we may be waiting … and waiting … 😳
Putting in the effort makes us feel better even though we are doing something for someone else. Even if they don’t care too much. We become a better person. We knowwe do. And no-one else needs to know that.
Don’t overthink this.
Who will you encounter today?
Family, friends, colleagues Mr and Mrs/Ms General Public?
What might you give today? You’ll feel better.
Try this for 7 days. Let me know how you go! #dontstress
*Unfortunately, we recently had to put Django to sleep due to his failing health health! We are still coming to grips with this. It broke our hearts.💔
**Possibly scientific, I need to do more research! 😉
Here’s a template to get you started.