The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

    I believe we have all been a part of a conversation in which someone exclaims, “The beach is my happy place!” That comment is most likely followed by a list of extremely desirable qualities about the beach.  Some of the most common that come to my mind are the warm sun, calming waves, friendly people, low-key atmosphere, and exclusive water activities.

Having just returned from Destin, Florida on vacation, I would agree that the beach encompasses all of the above, which in turn create a relaxing environment that transposes us away from daily stressors.  However, as much as we all love traveling to this “happy place”, the truth is that only some are fortunate to go once a year, if that often.          

            What if we could create a similar destination in our minds in which we could escape from time to time?  I recently read an article suggesting that people benefit from having a place they can go to evade negativity in their lives. We are all prone to days in which we feel down in the dumps and could use a pick me up, and creating a desirable location to promote positivity can improve our mood.  Sadness doesn’t have to get the best of us if we can be aware and in the moment and practice a few simple ideas. 

            When working with clients, sometimes I suggest an actual physical happy place—one that is realistic and available most days.  This concept is unique for each individual and is based on what they feel brightens their mood. Recognizing your mood is not quite where you want it to be allows you to emotionally cope with those feelings by physically changing your scenery.  Here are a few ideas to create your own personal happy place:  walk in a nearby park, create a personal sitting/reading space in your house, go to your favorite lunch spot/coffee shop, or find a spot in your backyard to enjoy the outdoors.  While these are a just a few, it is important to have insight into your own life to figure out what works for you and your schedule.

            If you’re like me, finding time to yourself is obsolete and changing scenery can be challenging at times.  Finding your inner happy place can also be achieved by altering your thought process. As I discuss in therapy, negative thoughts can become like a snowball effect-it only starts with one to create an overwhelming avalanche in our minds.   If we want to find a happier thought process we must be aware of what’s going on in our heads.  Here are some suggestions to channel some positivity without transporting your body to a different location:  recall some good memories from the past, be mindful of the present and what you are thankful for, recollect on your achievements both personal and professional, replace each bad thought with a positive one, and finally, look towards the future and what it holds.

It is essential to remember that we are in charge of our own happiness. It is not a specific place that creates a positive mood, but our own outlook and mindset.  Finding your inner happy place is only possible when you put forth an effort to make it happen!