7 Ways in 7 Days to Be Happy: Day 5

Sometimes, we all just need a little piece and quiet. You may have noticed that many of the daily tips provided so far will not only make you happier but they will also make you less stressed. Stress comes in many forms, some of which are very obvious: annoying people, too much too do, things going wrong, etc. But sometimes, we don’t recognize that technology can also make our lives stressful. I am not an anti-technology type of person and in many ways technology certainly makes our lives easier. However, it can also make our lives more stressful by making us so dependent on it. For example, how many people reading this have a Bluetooth wireless phone earpiece that you wear most of the day, a beeper you wear all day, a portable device to check your email, or carry a cell phone at all times. Most people do one of these things and some do all of them.

My advice? Take some time to get away from it all. Get away from the computer, put all the electronic devices away, and just go outside and enjoy what nature has to offer. Whether it is going for a walk or a jog, working in your yard, or sitting on your porch, these are all good ways to take some time for yourself and relax. For me, I try to take at least one time a week where I go in the woods and chop down some wood for the winter. It's a good stress reliever and I know no one can interrupt me with a phone call or an email. Other times, I go for a walk in the neighborhood or at one of the local parks. Feel free to write in with any suggestions you have for others on this topic. Go here for Day 6.