ARTICLES & BLOG
Good Morning Routine
How we start our day can set the tone for the whole day.
I like to embed practices into my morning routine that support, enhance and rejuvenate my happiness, wellbeing (physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual), positivity, energy and productivity.
The great thing is most of these only take 2-10 mins each and return much more for energy, attention, mindset and mood.
How we start our day can set the tone for the whole day.
Good Morning Vietnam!
Good Morning Vietnam : https://youtu.be/6S8MV523ASA?si=X49lZrobtHgLKJ_s
If you watch this clip of Robin Williams in Good Morning Vietnam I am sure you will be smiling / laughing by the end of it. His character was in Vietnam to uplift morale which he did through comedy in a morning radio show at 6:00am.
Morning Routine
How we start our day can set the tone for the whole day.
I like to embed practices into my morning routine that support, enhance and rejuvenate my happiness, wellbeing (physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual), positivity, energy and productivity.
The great thing is most of these only take 2-10 mins each and return much more for energy, attention, mindset and mood.
These include:
Review my personal mission statement and goals
Gratitude
Journaling (Gratitude, Intentions, Affirmations)
Breathwork
Meditation/Mindfulness
Prayer
Learning
Exercise
Sharing a positive quote on HLH Quote Group
Over the last 18months or so - using the habit development strategy shared in 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course I have added the following practices to my established morning routine:
High 5 Habit (Mel Robbins)
Reading a page of the Daily Stoic
Listening to favourite playlist while journaling and doing exercises
Extended morning Prayers
Breathwork exercises - 2 since Sep 2024 Retreat
Sharing prompts for Gratitude Group Practice (Not daily)
They each have a cue, action and reward.
Mylenation
Repetition is a key component to building habits, routines and skill. With deliberate repetition we ingrain the neural pathways. The neurons go through mylenation, a membrane/sheet thickens around the neurons. Thereby insulating and increasing the speed of signals between neurons. Similar to insulation on wires or think of it like super fast fibre optic broadband.
A great example of this is with a new evening routine with my mum.
Evening Routine - The power of prayer
My mum is in her mid-eighties, has Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia too. Dementia causes memory and cognitive issues.
Once 9th April 2025 the very first Unite for World Peace: Navkar Mahamantra Day Celebration was organised by a group called JITO.
Jain organisation from across the world took part to chant the universal Jain prayer for 24 hours across the different countries and time zones.
There were community gatherings to recite in person, online and all of it was streamed.
Due to mum’s conditions and mobility were we not able to attend these community gatherings.
Instead we just did the prayer ourselves at home just before going into bed to go to sleep. Having learnt this prayer as a young child, through much repetition and mylenation my mum was able to sing the prayers from memory. It is a 9 line universal prayer.
This has now become our evening ritual where each night we recite together before she goes to bed. Sometimes I lead, sometimes she does.
We have added a forgiveness prayer, the Kshmapna. I’m not sure if she had learnt this as a child. However she is learning it through daily repetition.
I use is as my way of asking for forgiveness in any issues looking after/interacting with mum that day.
It is a sweet ritual that I cherish allowing me to have a moment where I can be present, connected and ask for forgiveness with her. I know this will change as her condition deteriorates and she ages.
Celebrating 5 Years of the Happy Life Habits 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course.
June 1st marks 5 years since Happy Life Habits launched its unique life changing 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course. This was during the Covid19 pandemic and lockdowns where people were feeling anxiety and stress. Emotional and Mental wellbeing was being impacted negatively.
After learning to create videos, edit, subtitle we created in a really short time videos to support during Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) (same videos shared this MHAW). This including a live online workshop and the launch of the 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course.
About 20 people joined that initial course. I am grateful to that initial set of trainees and those subsequently for their faith, support, participation and feedback on the course. I felt we made a positive difference and keep doing so by sharing these valuable skills, habits and way of thinking.
The first course some found overwhelming as I had tried to give it all to them - the live sessions, journal practice, accountability, daily Facebook practice and also thrown in a 21 Day Gratitude Challenge on a different platform. It was extreme immersion.
We learnt from the experience to break things down, take it step by step, introducing new things bit by bit and help establish the habit and the learning gently so that it sticks. We learnt that learning and sharing together was powerful.
With each iteration of the course we made amending to improve and enhance the course and experience.
Now the course is broken down to be more that 30 days to provide that extra support and deepen the learning.
We now have a really comprehensive, one of a kind training course:
The Happiness Journal (The 5 minute Journal)
the Journal Workshop to start using the journal
Daily accountability / feedback on entries.
Weekly sessions to share more on gratitude, further the practice, address questions and challenges with the practice, enhance the practice with suggested actions
The 30 Day Facebook Daily practice is now on WhatsApp and this activity is done separately from the 30 Day Journaling Habit Development as a post course addition.
Celebration session / Meal
If you are interested in developing these positive habits register on the waiting list.
From 1st June in the HLH Gratitude Practice Group (https://chat.whatsapp.com/LbhAgWJ5ZSR4lYlrOp08c7) we will start our 10 Day Practice which we will extend through the month as we will likely pause for the Summer.
London Festival Of Architecture - A Walk through Space and Time in Mill Hill
Happy Life Habits is proud to be part of the London Festival of Architecture
We have organised a free walk titled "A Walk through Space and Time in Mill Hill" on Sunday 8th June from 9:30am - 12:00pm
If you would like to join here is the link:
https://www.londonfestivalofarchitecture.org/event/a-walk-through-space-and-time-in-mill-hill/
Please note there are limited tickets so act fast to secure your ticket.
NO Yoga Retreat! - Early Bird finishes at the end of the week
We (Saijal Ladd and I) have purposefully chosen not to have yoga at our Luxury Self Renewal Retreat at The Vedanta, Lincolnshire, 7-9th November.
Except Laugher Yoga which we will do.
Not because we are against yoga, in fact yoga is part of my morning route in terms of Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar).
There are many benefits to the practice and way of life for our wellbeing.
We have chosen not to have yoga as there are many retreats and opportunities that offer yoga.
We want to offer something different that you can experience and incorporate into you daily life to benefit your happiness, wellbeing, energy and productivity.
That's why at our retreat we offer opportunities to experience:
Breathwork
Meditation
Laugher Yoga
Grounding
Walks
Gratitude
Journaling
Mindfulness
Sound Bath
Time to connect, reflect and be
Attendees of Sep 2024 rated their experience 9/10
What is included?
* Mix of workshops, activities, energisers and relaxation
* Workshop sessions led by Shaileen and Saijal
* Sessions to practice breathwork, meditation/mindfulness, movement, gratitude, journaling, sound bath & more
* 2 nights in shared accommodation with en-suite. Eco-friendly mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets, guaranteeing a deep and restful sleep. Each room includes a welcome pack with body wash, shampoo, a vanity kit, lotions, and fluffy towels
* 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners - be nourished with wholesome, heart warming, vegetarian/vegan meals - no garlic/onion. Let us know of any allergies/dietary requirements
* Access to venue facilities (including our swimming pool and spa area with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, plus our 24-hour gym and games room) at designated times
* Refreshments station, with teas, coffees and hot drinks
* Walks in the beautiful grounds
* Relax & Connection time
* Various gifts worth £150+ including coaching session with each of Shaileen and Saijal
We also have pre-retreat and post-retreat session on zoom / in person and a Retreat Attendees WhatsApp group
Travel to and from the venue is not included - though lifts are often arranged with fellow attendees with a contribution to the fuel.
Register your interest, more info and FAQs at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/retreat
Banana Tree Reward Offer
The Banana Tree Restaurants have a referral program.
Sign up using my link and you'll get £10 off and I'll get a £10 voucher after you have visited the restaurant. A win-win for all.
https://gifts.bananatree.co.uk/claim/Shaileen-Shah-1747675099
25 Reminders to help you lead with meaning - Intelligent Change
This aligns with what we have shared in this blog.
1. What you focus on grows. Choose carefully.
2. People with clear values don’t get lost.
3. Discipline is freedom.
4. What you build will outlast what you buy.
5. Comfort zones are beautiful places. But nothing grows there.
6. You will never regret being kind.
7. Energy is your most valuable currency. Spend it like it matters.
8. If you don’t know what to do, do one thing well.
9. Your attention is your power. Stop giving it away for free.
10. The fastest way to earn respect is to do what you said you would.
11. Creativity is not a mood. It’s a decision.
12. No one is coming to give you permission.
13. If you’re waiting to feel ready, you’ll be waiting forever.
14. A good idea means nothing without execution.
15. You become what you repeat.
16. Say no more often. It’s a skill.
17. If you don’t define success for yourself, someone else will.
18. Action beats overthinking. Every time.
19. Your calendar shows what you really value.
20. Surround yourself with people who raise your standards.
21. Your future is built in five-minute choices.
22. Great work comes from curiosity, not certainty.
23. Don’t waste your life proving your worth.
24. Simplicity scales. Complexity breaks.
25. You don’t get more time. You get to decide what to do with it.
Shaileen Shah - Happy Life Habits Coach, Speaker & Trainer
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list and join the Happy Life Habits Community WhatsApp Group
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Happy Life Habits Positively Impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels
A Thousand Mile Journey Begins With The First Step...
Is you life too busy, boring or bland? If yes, read on, focus on self-renewal and energy management making your life beautiful by prioritising how you use your energy, time and attention to engage in activities that help you flourish, thrive, have zest and engagement to feel fully alive.
The year 1994 was a defining year in my life. I was just reflecting and realised that 2024 marks 30 years since I started my personal development and growth journey.
Is you life too busy, boring or bland? If yes, read on, focus on self-renewal and energy management making your life beautiful by prioritising how you use your energy, time and attention to engage in activities that help you flourish, thrive, have zest and engagement to feel fully alive.
The year 1994 was a defining year in my life. I was just reflecting and realised that 2024 marks 30 years since I started my personal development and growth journey. It was the year I also started my corporate IT career with a US based consulting firm by being proactive and creating my own luck. You can read more about it here: https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/news/2023/08/01/work-ethic.
While working in Michigan, USA I was introduced to the classic and transformative The Seven Habits of Highly Effect People : Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Dr Stephen R. Covey. This had a profound impact on me. Around the same time while working in Chicago I flew back to London for a long weekend in November to attend with my family the legendary Tony Robbin’s 2nd ever UK Unleash The Power Weekend (UPW) Seminar. This is the one where on the first night you end up doing a fire walk over hot, smouldering coals.
The 7 Habits and the UPW experience were my first steps on a journey of self development and growth and of sharing with others what I was learning. One major learning has been to focus on Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw: Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal.
habit 7 Sharpen the saw : Principles of Balanced self-renewal
Covey says
“Habit 7 is taking time to sharpen the saw. It surrounds the other habits in the Seven Habits paradigm because it is the habit that makes the others possible.”
“It’s preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have - you. It’s renewing the four dimensions of your nature: physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional.”
“Taking time to sharpen the saw is a definite Quadrant II activity.”
“This is the single most powerful investment we can ever make in life - investment in ourselves, in the only instrument we have with which to deal with life and to contribute. We are the instruments of our own performance, and to be effective, we need to recognise the importance of taking time regularly to sharpen the saw in all four ways.”
Physical: Exercise, Nutrition, Stress Management
Metal: Reading, Visualising, Planning, Writing
Social/Emotional: Service, Empathy, Synergy, Intrinsic Security
Spiritual: Value Clarification and Commitment, Study and Meditation
The Self-Renewal Retreat
We have organised for end of September will share sessions on Self-Renewal and Energy Management. The Self Renewal was instilled from ideas from The Seven Habits of Highly Effect People : Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Dr Stephen R. Covey my first personal development book and start of my self development and growth journey. The Energy Management from my current book Arete by Brian Johnson and Heroic Coaching.
The focus on these themes have helped through out my journey and in particular in my current roles as a carer for my mum, family man, being of service in volunteer work for community organisation Young Jains and sharing through Happy Life Habits.
Acutely aware that Life is Short, I have habits, awareness and priority for how I use my Time (Planning, Priorities, Quadrant II), Energy ( Eat, Sleep, Move, Breathe) and Focus.
H.E.A.L.T.H =
Happy
energy
attention
life
time
habits
Progress on mastering these six, designing and crafting them into your awareness and every day routines will lead you to have a beautiful life.
Here is my very first blog article on Happy Habits for a Happy Life.
https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/news/2019/1/15/happy-habits-for-happy-life-1
"The clocks may have gone forward one hour, we may have "lost" one hour. What's more important is how we use the hours we have left."
Shaileen Shah - Happy Life Habits Coach, Speaker and Trainer
Recently I had a one week period of amazing experiences reminding me of how far I’ve come, my purpose and passion and the things that are important for Happiness, Health, Wellbeing and to flourish.
These were:
Thursday:
Last session of set of 5 of the Happy Life Habits Book Club with is working through the book Arete by Brian Johnson.. This was an engaging session with lots of insight sharing, differences made by applying the ideas and I left with good energy and motivation.
Friday:
Session 8 of my Every Day Happiness 10 week course with Mind in Enfield and Barnet. The topic was journaling. The attendees have been given course work for a few weeks to apply practices and it is wonderful to hear about them going for it, seeing the impact on their happiness score and observations of the what they experience.
Sunday:
We ran a in person Social Connection event with Young Jains, an organisation that has had a big impact on me and one that I have the opportunity to be of service to. A small group gathered, some familiar faces some meeting for the first time. We had deep and meaningful conversations that helped use connect and know each better. This was facilitated by some group questions such as “What is your favourite book and why?” to using various cards for one to one interaction. There was warmth, trust, open sharing and a strong sense of connection and belonging with like minded people. Social Connection is vital for our happiness, health and wellbeing.
The Social Connection continued with conversations continuing over a delicious vegetarian/vegan meal at Little Resham. Food for mind and the body. You can get a 5% discount at Little Resham if you mention Shaileen Happy Life Habits.
Wednesday:
On International Day of Happiness I had the opportunity to share a talk on The Science of Happiness. An opportunity due to relationship building and persistence. This was great as I was living my purpose and sharing my passion.
Thursday:
A colleague calling me at 12:40pm just as I was getting ready for lunch. He said he was stuck in traffic and if I could run an online taster session at 1pm, in 20mins. I said I would call him back in 2 minutes once I had check something. I called him back, said yes. Set up my computer, opened the slide deck and joined the online platform to share a session. It went well.
In the evening I ran the first of 3 Free Positive Grief sessions in the lead up to June’s Growing Around Grief : 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course.
Here are some of the comments in feedback:
“Thank you for the informative session. Hoping to use your methods to grow around the grief to support me”
“That was a really good reminder of all aspects of grief brought together. Love that you have brought all aspects in a positive way”
“Loved being part of this session.”
Why and How
I was able to do all this due to putting time and effort into learning content, developing skills, building relationships, handling set backs and having a gut feeling that it was the right thing to do . I have developed inner confidence in that I have deep trust in myself that I can handle whatever unfolds.
The beauty of this book club there is not set number of pages to read till the next session. You read what you can, apply what you want and when we meet share accordingly. This takes away the pressure of having to have reached a certain point or to keep up with everyone else. The sharing by all gives deeper and different perspective on ideas, inspires and motivates. A great opportunity to consistently focus on Learning and Growth, an aspect that is key for our happiness and health.
Details here of the next set of dates, if you would like to attend a session to see how it works get in touch:
Shaileen Shah - Happy Life Habits Coach, Speaker & Trainer
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list and join the Happy Life Habits Community WhatsApp Group
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Happy Life Habits Positively Impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels
Looking Forward and Creating Magic
Having things to look forward to has a positive impact on us. The holiday or the together that you have planned; you enjoy the anticipation leading up to the event sometimes more than the actual event. Looking forward also can fill us with hope. I’ve enjoyed planning things and having activities to look forward to, they have helped to navigate the turbulent experiences life gives us.
Self Care Retreat
Having things to look forward to has a positive impact on us. The holiday or the together that you have planned; you enjoy the anticipation leading up to the event sometimes more than the actual event. Looking forward also can fill us with hope. I’ve enjoyed planning things and having activities to look forward to, they have helped to navigate the turbulent experiences life gives us.
In December I worked on the Year Compass and the Mel Robbins Best Year planner that I have shared in the Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Community. I filled out the planners, looking back on the last year and the plans for the forthcoming year. In addition to more corporate opportunities two I had added as dream/stretch goals were : (1) A retreat and (2) a TED Style talk.
I am excited that plans are progressing for both of these faster than anticipated. This is due to the power of goal setting visualisation, planning, nurturing relationships, taking action. In doing these I set my subconscious in motion and when the opportunities came or I created it was like magic.
In the supermarket after not being in direct touch for many years I bumped into good friend of mine, Saijal. We had served together as volunteers with the Young Jains community. We re-connected and later she reached out with an idea of doing a self care retreat together. I am looking forward to it, sharing our individual skills and experiences to offer great value to the attendees.
We are organising a 3 night / 4 day Self Care Retreat in the Autumn:
Invest in yourself at this self care retreat in a beautiful setting whilst connecting with like-minded people
The retreat offers yoga, breathwork, meditation, gratitude, journaling sessions as well as group life coaching workshops.
Share open discussions & conversations
Providing you with self care tools to be the best version of yourself to perform your various roles.
Get in touch to express interest for more details.
In relation to the TED Style talk, I have been booked for a private session for International Day of Happiness to share about Happiness. Do get in touch if you have any opportunities.
Happiness Boosters: A Shot of Positivity
In addition to the various workshops and talks for the corporate space, businesses, organisations and charities we are offering Happiness Boosters: A Shot of Positivity. BOOST Wellbeing, Productivity, Resilience & Positivity. A fun, interactive, small group, online / in person Happiness Booster that lifts the mood, energy & connection. Designed to support Mental, Emotional, Social Wellbeing & Positive Growth Mindsets. Scientific proven practices (e.g. Gratitude, Mindfulness, Kindness ).
Book this for you team, Department, Clients, Networking / Community / Charity Group
Team building, Wellbeing Days, Mental Health Days. Offsites, Ice Breaker, Orientations, Retreats, Conferences
For each referral you give that leads to a booking we will reward you with the option of: A Happiness Journal or 10% off Happy Life Habits Training courses/workshops or 45 min 1:2:1 coaching session.
Happiness Boosters: A Shot of Positivity. BOOST Wellbeing, Productivity, Resilience & Positivity.
Social Connection - International Day of Happiness
Many a time we have shared the importance of social connection and positive relationships for our happiness and wellbeing. Our Social Connection offering comes together for a meal, conversation and celebration. Last year we gathered in Autumn for Diwali/ Thanksgiving. Our next one is in March for International Day of Happiness.
Join the HLH Social Connection WhatsApp Group if interested.
HLH Book Club
In the 2 book club sessions we have had interesting conversations. Each of us is reading the Arete book at our own pace. We are coming together and sharing our insights, application and seeking perspectives and clarity. It is a great learning opportunity. Some recent information on Brain Health highlighted the benefits of continuous learning, social connection, nutrition and movement for good brain health and to reduce chances of Dementia,
One conversation has been on the Viktor Frank quote:
“BETWEEN STIMULUS AND RESPONSE THERE IS A SPACE.
IN THAT SPACE LIES OUR FREEDOM AND POWER TO CHOOSE OUR RESPONSE.
IN THOSE CHOICES LIES OUR GROWTH AND OUR FREEDOM (HAPPINESS)”
One has been what do we do to create that space to choose our response and another what does it mean by Freedom? Send your answers on a postcard or join the Book Club!
We have also looked at Energy from the Energy, Work and Love triplet. Choosing something we can commit to do, as a small change between one Book Club session and the next in order to put the theory into action. Various actions chosen such as : more walking, less sweets, no biscuits or fizzy drinks for 10 of the 14 days, going to bed earlier and drinking more water. We share our experiences at the next session and choose another small action to commit to for the next 2 weeks.
Happy Life Habits Book Club
Happy Life Habits 21 Day Challenge: Reverence
Before the pandemic and lockdowns started in 2020 I had hosted a 21 Day challenge. It helped me very much during this period that I continued to host a further 4 in subsequent months on themes of gratitude, kindness, simple living and mindfulness.
21 Day challenges are a great way to get new perspectives, shift mindset, develop discipline, consistency, learn, connect and grow.
I am hosting another free 21 Day Challenge on the theme of Reverence starting at the end of Feb and running till International Day of Happiness on March 20.
To join the challenge and receive the daily challenge emails click here :
https://www.kindspring.org/challenge/join/2239/
In addition this time we have a HLH Challenge WhatsApp Group where details of zoom catch ups during the challenge period will be shared.
Join the Happy Life Habits Challenge WhatsApp group for potential zoom sessions during the challenge.
Here is an example of one of the daily emails.
To join the challenge and receive the daily challenge emails click here :
30 Day Gratitude & Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course for Growing Around Grief
In recent months we have experienced grief with anniversary of the death of my father, death of my father in law and other death anniversaries and losses. Gratitude and Journaling helps big time.
We have adapted our core 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course to offer support for Growing around Grief. The live zoom sessions will have activities and exercises related to growing around grief plus opportunity to share and support each other.
The Positive Grief Talk will be part of this offering.
Dates are being finalised, you can join waiting list.
Shaileen Shah - Happy Life Habits Coach, Speaker & Trainer
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list and join the Happy Life Habits Community WhatsApp Group
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Happy Life Habits Positively Impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels
Happy New Year? Life Goes On
We started and ended 2023 with grief. In January my aunt passed away and last week on Wednesday my father in law.
This is Life.
Since the Review 2023 blog in early Dec life has radically changed. One weekend we are celebrating Christmas with family; joyful moments, lovely food, games, photos and conversations making memories.
The following weekend, having the funeral for my father in law, feeling shock, disbelief, grief, sadness and much more. This is Life - joys, happiness and sadness, grief.
We started and ended 2023 with grief. In January my aunt passed away and last week on Wednesday my father in law.
This is Life.
Since the Review 2023 blog in early Dec life has radically changed. One weekend we are celebrating Christmas with family; joyful moments, lovely food, games, photos and conversations making memories. The following weekend, having the funeral for my father in law, feeling shock, disbelief, grief, sadness and much more. This is Life - joys, happiness and sadness, grief.
‘Khabie Khushi Kabhie Gham’ - sometimes happy, sometimes sad.
I have found that writing helps me express my thoughts, feelings and cope with the changes.
On Christmas Day (Sunday) my father in law, Harshna’s dad, who is in Kenya had an emergency operation which went well though a bit more complicated than initially thought. Tuesday night we get a message that the body is struggling to cope with the changes of the operation. Wednesday evening I take the call to be told that he has just passed away. Devastating news. Harshna and her brother made arrangements to go to Kenya landing on Friday morning for the funeral and cremation on Saturday. None of us have slept well these last few days.
Time has gone strange - it’s just about a week since he passed away yet a lot has happened in that week. The first few days felt they were passing very slowly.
We had our first New Years Eve apart in a long time, second maybe in our 27 year marriage.
December and January are heavy months for us with various family member death anniversaries including my father’s near beginning of December and father in law towards the end.
There are some resources to help with grief we have created and collated including a video of losing a parent, spouse and helping children. These can be found at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/positive-grief.
Highly suggest you save/bookmark the link and go through the materials before you experience grief. As the brain on grief goes haywire on emotions/thinking.
Gulabchand (Jayendra) Premchand Kanji Shah (Hansas)
27-5-1947 - 27-12-2023
Gulabchand (Jayendra) Premchand Kanji Shah (Hansas) 27-5-1947 - 27-12-2023
He was calm, humble, friendly, helpful, funny, curious and happy to learn.
We are grateful to have had him in our lives creating many memories. In particular in the Summer of 2023 when we had a family holiday together in Kenya.
I am grateful for technology that allowed Harshna to video call her parents each day and stay connected.
I am grateful for international travel options.
May Your Cup Always Overflow
--John Paul MooreI've never made a fortune,
And I'll never make one now
But it really doesn't matter
'Cause I'm happy anyhow.
As I go along my journey
I'm reaping better than I've sowed
I'm drinking from the saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I don't have a lot of riches,
And the going's sometimes tough
But with kin and friends to love me
I think I'm rich enough.
I thank God for the blessings
That His mercy has bestowed
I'm drinking from the saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
He gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough
I'll not ask for other blessings
For I'm already blessed enough.
May we never be too busy
To help bear another's load
Then we'll all be drinking from the saucer
When our cups have overflowed.
May your cup always overflow.
I am reminded in the difference between contact and connection shared in Positive Grief, here is the snippet:
In the full Positive Grief talk I shared at a high level the Top 5 regrets of the dying by Bronnie Ware. Earlier this year some friends recommended reading that book. I got hold of it and read it. It is awesome. Sharing the observations of a palliative care nurse who looks after terminally ill patients in their final stages.
The empathy, care and compassion Bronnie showed in her role has helped me in my role as a carer for my mum. See blog post on A Christmas Care-Role Who Cares?. Reading the book expanded the top 5 regrets.
Top 5 Regrets of the Dying - Bronnie Ware
A palliative nurse called Bronnie Ware who cared for people in their last 12 weeks of life has captured in the book The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying :
I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. (Values/Purpose/Meaning)
I wish I hadn't worked so hard. (Balance)
I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings. (Emotions/ Gratitude Letter)
I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. (Connection)
I wish that I had let myself be happier. (Focus on Happiness)
Personally and through Happy Life Habits I am working on not having these 5 regrets.
How about you?
Shaileen Shah - Happy Life Habits Coach, Speaker & Trainer
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list and join the Happy Life Habits Community WhatsApp Group
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Happy Life Habits Positively Impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels
End Of Year Review 2023
Review 2023
At various points in the year I take a moment to review the preceding time period and what is forthcoming. This is often at the end of the year with the Looking Back, Looking Forward workshop, the middle of the year and sometimes ad hoc too.
Like journaling, writing and sharing the review helps me celebrate the wins, learn from the challenges, see growth and gratefully acknowledge the opportunities.
My chosen highlights for 2023
Here are the themes for my chosen personal and professional highlights for 2023 with a brief example. Details on these continue in the blog article.
Commitments, Learning & Habits-
The projects and roles I have committed to I have delivered on. What has helped is consistency, focus, intention & creativity. I have worked from my strengths, stretched, stepped out of my comfort zone, attempted new ideas, used a growth mindset, been resourceful and drawn upon my various past experiences.
Social Connection and Celebration - Various birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated including milestone ones.
Rest & Renewal - much needed overdue holiday break in Kenya with Masai Mara Balloon Safari, forest walks and relaxation at the beach
Community Service & Volunteering - Mental Health Awareness Week digital support and masterclass on Anxiety
Achievements & Creative Innovation - Becoming a certified Heroic Performance Coach from 300 Day coaching program
Review 2023
At various points in the year I take a moment to review the preceding time period and what is forthcoming. This is often at the end of the year with the Looking Back, Looking Forward workshop, the middle of the year and sometimes ad hoc too.
Like journaling, writing and sharing the review helps me celebrate the wins, learn from the challenges, see growth and gratefully acknowledge the opportunities.
Here is review from 2021, 2022 and mid year 2023.
My chosen highlights for 2023
Here are my chosen personal and professional highlights for 2023. Details on these continue in the article.
Commitments, Learning & Habits -
The projects and roles I have committed to I have delivered on. What has helped is consistency, focus, intention & creativity. I have worked from my strengths, stretched, stepped out of my comfort zone, attempted new ideas, used a growth mindset, been resourceful and drawn upon my various past experiences.
A daily focus on learning, self care / renewal, mission statement review, setting intentions, gratitude, journaling, meditation, exercise, nutrition, virtue cultivation, planning, reflection, developing new positive habits have been the bedrock to allow the successes, opportunities, deal with the challenges and be resilient.
Social Connection and Celebration
Various birthdays and anniversaries celebrated including milestone ones.
Happy Life Habits lunches to celebrate 3 years of 30 Day Gratitude & Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and second annual Thanksgiving Lunch.
Catch up and get togethers.
Rest & Renewal - much needed overdue holiday break in Kenya with Masai Mara Balloon Safari (Bucket List), forest walks and relaxation at the beach
Community Service & Volunteering
Pure Soul exhibition
Young Jains NEC
Focus on Forgiveness digital offering
Mental Health Awareness Week digital support and masterclass on Anxiety
Workshops for World Values Day - What Values would you die for?
Achievements & Creative Innovation
Becoming a certified Heroic Performance Coach from 300 Day coaching program
Being a Heroic Ambassador
Join the SoulBrite Winning Wellbeing team - taking part in LinkedIn Lives
Launch of Inner Compass - Program for deeper clarity on your life, time, energy and focus
Move to Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Community with various subgroups
Dedicated Mental Health group with Master Class on Anxiety and daily support / sharing for Mental Health Awareness Week
Daily sharing of Positive quote in Daily Quote group - to start the day with a positive
Publishing Every Day Happiness Book
Mind In Enfield & Barnet asking us to design and deliver a 10 week course on Happiness in addition to the Gratitude for Wellbeing Workshop.
Happy Life Habits Community Facebook Group - Each week on various days sharing of a question that promotes happiness and wellbeing
Purely digital/online daily offering for Jain Festival of Forgiveness
This was shared at the 6 month review blog in June https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/news/2023/08/01/work-ethic-e585y
___________________________________________________
The year started with a key note presentation for an HR conference in Athens.
We launched a new program Inner Compass and continued with the Master Mind Program.
Took part in 2 podcasts : People on Purpose and Estrella of Happiness - Within You.
Delivered two 3 hour workshops on Gratitude for Wellbeing for the charity Mind in Enfield and Barnet and supported Mental Health Awareness Week on the theme of anxiety sharing resources daily in a dedicated WhatsApp group and Master Class on Anxiety.
Our flag ship 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course celebrated it’s 3rd year. We positively impacted trainees when we ran the course in March and a last minute decision for June. June was opened as free gifted refresher to previous attendees.
We celebrated completion of the June course and three year anniversary for the first time with an in person celebration dinner (which was open invite for all Happy Life Habits Community members) at the restaurant Little Resham. We shared delicious, vegan food, conversations and connected deeper with the use of the gratitude cards.
_________________________________
In addition to those shared above here are some more Happy Life Habits and personal highlights
Got Oshwal Connect New Years Honours List Award for the Mental Health and Wellbeing work
Organised a virtual surprise for my friend Priti who was celebrating her 50th Birthday. We had an Inner Compass/Master Mind session scheduled on her birthday. At the end of the session she was surprised on return from break out room when many of her friends and family had joined. We all shared memories and qualities that we saw in her. Awesome part was that in addition it to being a complete surprise we recorded the sharing and she now has that a gift to look upon and savour the memories.
We celebrated my wife Harshna’s 50th too with various get togethers. There were various milestone birthdays and anniversaries we were able to take part in celebrating, connection and creating memories.
Met up with a few university friends from 30 years ago
Ran Daily Facebook part of 30 Day course in November for past course attendees and also had annual Thanksgiving Lunch
My son finished his first year at University, passed his driving test and I’m just beaming with pride at his maturity and cultivation of virtues. The first time we went for driving practice in the family car after he had already been having lessons I was a little cautious. Watching him do all the safety checks and drive diligently the cautiousness went away and I feel really safe when he is driving.
Rest & Renewal
We had an awesome Summer break in Kenya, our first since Covid and lockdowns. Time spent with different family members for parts such as trip to Nanyuki near the foothills for Mount Kenya where the Equator is. A memorable experience was a trek to swim in waterfall lagoon at Ngare Ndare Forest. This was followed with a Masai Mara safari and ended with a whole family trip to the Mombasa including the South coast beach.
Many memories and wonderful experiences created. In particular the Masai Mara trip where on one particular day we set off before sunrise to watch the sunrise from a Balloon Safari (Bucket List) over the Masai Mara plains. An amazing experience followed by a bush breakfast. We did safari the whole day with a delicious picnic lunch inside the Mara where zebras were our backdrop. in In that one day we saw all of the Big Five : Elephants, Rhino (rare), Leopard (rare), Lions and Buffalo. More than 12 hours later we ended the day after the afternoon safari with a sunset sundowners.
Community Service & volunteering
As Happy Life Habits we supported for free Mental Health Awareness Week in May. The theme was anxiety. We shared daily videos, articles and quotes on a dedicated HLH Mental Health WhatsApp Group. An anxiety masterclass was shared.
Late February I was invited to join the Pure Soul team that was delivering 2 weekends of community events as SOAS university as part of the Pure Soul exhibition related to the Jain faith. I joined the team to assist with this project and draw upon my experiences for projects and leadership roles in Young Jains and SCVP as well as those gained from Happy Life Habits. I helped provide support, guidance, communication, create and coordinate a volunteer team. As Young Jains we delivered a workshop on Radical Forgiveness. Priti and I played the MC roles of the Sunday afternoon.
I rejoined the Young Jains NEC (non executive committee) at the end of July to aid the organisation which is facing various challenges.
Within the first few days against the odds I proposed an idea to deliver an digital offering for the Jain forgiveness festival of Paryushan at the start of September. Leading up to the festival, during and after we had a dedicated Focus on Forgiveness WhatsApp group. Each day we shared in English articles, quotes, songs, poems and awareness actions. For four evenings we delivered live online reflection sessions.
On World Values Day in October we offered 2 workshops: What Values would you die for? . One had no attendees despite registrations. This was disappointing. The second session was well received by those who attended. A strong reminder that our role is to show up, do our duty and understand that the results/outcomes are not in our hand.
List of articles shared in 2023
Here are links to articles shared this year.
INNER CHEERLEADER INSTEAD OF INNER CRITIC
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2023 : 15TH - 21ST MAY: THEME ANXIETY
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK: ANXIETY RESOURCES
A STRONG WORK ETHIC - WORKING 9 TO ...
Many thanks for your support, encouragement and engagement during the last year. We look forward to continuing to serve you in the new year.
Shaileen Shah - Happy Life Habits Coach, Speaker & Trainer
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list and join the Happy Life Habits Community WhatsApp Group
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
3 is The Magic Number
Three is a magic number. Many good things come in 3s and it is small enough for our brains to work with.
I had put a request out on LinkedIn and Facebook. I am working on a blog article related to things in 3s such as:
Mind, Body and Spirit
Heaven, Earth, Hell
Past, Present, Future
Gas, Liquid, Solid
Creator, Maintainer, Destroyer
or 3 positive words such as
Enthusiastic, Inspiring and Encouraging
Any 3s that come to mind for you that I may be able to include in the article?
What 3 virtues would you like to be remembered for?
What are 3 items of clothing that give you joy?
Three is a magic number. Remember De La Soul singing that? If you do you are from the best generation!
Watch and listen to this video by De La Soul on The Magic Number, if you remember it, turn it up, smile and sing along. If it is new to you - still do the same before reading on.
Many good things come in 3s. It is small enough for our brains to work with. This is published as we come towards the month three of the year. Published on “30/03/2023” - (how many 3s?) around 3:33pm.
I had put a request out on LinkedIn and Facebook. I am working on a blog article related to things in 3s such as:
Mind, Body and Spirit
Heaven, Earth, Hell
Past, Present, Future
Gas, Liquid, Solid
Creator, Maintainer, Destroyer
or 3 positive words such as
Enthusiastic, Inspiring and Encouraging
Any 3s that come to mind for you that I may be able to include in the article?
Here are responses…which resonate with you? What would you add?
Happy Life Habits embodies these sets of 3:
Which 3 interest you? Let me know.
The 3 domains for personal development, science of happiness and spirituality I actively nurture and continue learn in by committing to a 300 day coaching program, writing, speaking and running workshops and training; and being involved in community groups (including faith based).
What 3 virtues would you like to be remembered for?
At a recent prayer meeting for a friend who was very much part of one of the communities we belong to and who we had been on holiday with; when speeches were given by family, friends and community members; I was reminded of these 3 things which contribute to our happiness.
Connection - Our friend, Mr K, was very much about connection and relationships. Studies such as the 85 year Harvard study led by Robert Waldinger have shown that these help us life long, healthy and happy lives. His friends of more than 67 years shared how Mr K encouraged them to buy a house on the same street he was on when a house came up for sale. In this way Mr K has many of his close friends and families living on the same street over 6 or more homes.
Kindness and sharing - When Mr K went to Wembley, more that 30 mins from where he lived, to get the famous, delicious crispy bhajias from Maru Bhajia House he would order extra portions and deliver these goodies to his friends.
Service and helping make memorable experiences - we heard many stories of his contribution to service and in creating memorable experiences. Examples where writing a diary/journal for each of his daughters, helping people have a memorable experience of Madeira by taking them to places and activities which he had already done many times before.
What 3 virtues would you like to be remembered for?
For me its : Enthusiastic, Inspiring and Encouraging
Bucket List of 3
Growing up I had a bucket list or goals list with many items. Some achieved some drifted away and some still to pursue. As I learnt more about the science of happiness where the research showed that experiences rather than material things adds to our happiness my focus has shifted to experiences.
Before it was to own a Ferrari. Now it is to rent a Ferrari for a weekend or a week.
To swim with the dolphins - preferably somewhere exotic
To do a hot air balloon ride over a scenic area
One of these is planned for this year. Have you any experience of the above 3? Any suggestions or advice?
What 3 things are on your bucket list?
Triple Dipping
I was reminded of the triple dipping of a positive experience:
The planning, the anticipation, the looking forward to
The actual experience unfolding, the moment to moment joy
The savouring in the future of the past experience, reliving and retelling the experience.
A bit more about savouring in this blog article BACK TO THE FUTURE: CREATING MEMORIES TO SAVOUR.
What is an experience you can savour?
3 Jackets / Coats for the seasons of Autumn, Winter and Spring
I highly encourage investing in 3 good quality coats or jackets for the different seasons. I have one for Winter, Autumn, Spring (Rain) - each is well made, comfortable, functional, a joy to wear and feel plus having plenty of pockets for hats, gloves, pens, phone etc.
What are 3 items of clothing that give you joy?
Gratitude to the power of 3
In our gratitude workshops and gratitude journaling training we share Robert Emmons insight about Gratitude to the power of 3. Gratitude has the power to :
Heal
Help us when we feel deflated / down, to energise us
Give us Hope for the future
3 good things
A popular happiness practice that I have as part of my daily routine is the 3 Good Things practice. It is one of the 5 positive psychology based practices in the Happiness Journal ( The 5 Minute Journal) that we supply, use and teach how to use. The practice counters the negative bias that is in the world by purposefully finding 3 good things that happened in the day. A focus on positivity, optimism and goodness. In the last week or so many good things happened. I’ll share 3 here.
Was on the receiving end of The Gratitude Letter Activity that we do in the 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. Heard stories of others experiences and how they have adapted which is creating ripples further a field.
Celebrated International Day of Happiness with two Happiness Booster sessions where we used the gratitude cards. Great energising session combined with a wonderful sense of connection with familiar faces and strangers.
A focused, uplifting and knowledge sharing Master Mind Group Session where we continued to share with other the practices we are doing and the impact they are making. Plus shared the Law of the Garbage Truck. The story was shared to the Happy Life Habits Community and a member messaged to share their personal experience of applying the ideas from the story when they had been in an accident.
In addition to reading this blog article …What 3 good things happened to you this week?
The Happy Life Habits Pay it Forward Fund
Enables those who currently at this moment in time not be able to financially take part in the Happy Life Habits services to do so. It has been contributed to by generous people who believe in the services that Happy Life Habits provides.
During the last year we have been able to support 3 people.
Giving the Happiness Journal to a course attendee let them continue their practice one year after they had completed the 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course.
Provided partial funding to two people of the 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course.
Get in touch if you would like to pay it forward or if you would like to use the funds.
3 ways of staying connected to Happy Life Habits
We will be less active on social media using WhatsApp Community, email mailing list and sessions (virtual and in person) to enhance connection, community and coaching.
Join the new WhatsApp Community group that replaces the HLH Broadcast list. Stay informed about Happy Life Habits activities plus add value information such as events, offers, articles, videos, quotes plus dedicated HLH groups. Positively Impacting Happiness and Wellbeing Levels to go from theory to practice to mastery.
Average 2 messages a week.
Join the WhatsApp Happy Life Habits Community at https://chat.whatsapp.com/FJ4vetMGbEIEd2hH5BRfU2
Only admins will be able to see your name, number and message. No other members of the community will be able to contact you.
Join the HLH mailing list - see bottom of this page.
Attend a HLH session: talk, workshop, training course - virtual or in person.
3 ways of helping Happy Life Habits positively impacting happiness and wellbeing levels
Join a training course, workshop or service
Let people at your workplace, company, organisation, community group : HR, wellbeing officers and leaders know that Happy Life Habits can do talks, workshops and training that make a difference.
Help others know about HLH who may benefit from what we offer. You could help them positively change their life.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Inner Cheerleader instead of Inner Critic
Inner Cheerleader instead of Inner Critic
2, 4, 6 8 Who Do We Appreciate?
Do you sometimes amaze yourself?
We often succumb to the inner critic we all have who tells us we can't do it, we not worthy, we are not good enough, it's going to fail etc.
I believe we have an Inner Cheerleader too.
Inner Cheerleader instead of Inner Critic
2, 4, 6 8 Who Do We Appreciate?
Do you sometimes amaze yourself?
We often succumb to the inner critic we all have who tells us we can't do it, we not worthy, we are not good enough, it's going to fail etc.
I believe we have an Inner Cheerleader too. I amazed myself yesterday. I went for a walk and chose to listen to the People on Purpose podcast by David Roberts which released the episode I am in on 1st Feb. We had recorded it end of last year so I had forgotten some of what we have covered.
It's bloody brilliant if I humbly say so myself, so rich in content, David has asked questions which give breadth and depth covering so much in 60 mins about life, happiness, wellbeing, stress, work life balance, habits, routines, practices, planning, my journey, personal development, science of happiness and spirituality.
Here are the show notes:
For this episode, David is joined by Shaileen Shah who is a happiness coach. He is the founder of Happy Life Habits. A business that helps people, communities, and companies to be happier, kinder, and more effective, and to respond in a meaningful way to the challenges that life and indeed wider society throws at us on a daily basis. Shaileen shares his own learning journey. Explaining how he explored the science of happiness and sharing some of these experiments and the results. Shaileen explains how to develop habits that naturally release the happy chemicals and flush away the stress chemicals. Something that automatically makes you feel happier as well as benefiting your health and improving the balance in your life.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Shaileen´s approach is informed by scientific studies into happiness as well as by cultural practices. Doing the things that naturally release the happy chemicals in your body is powerful. Hedonic happiness is fleeting. Eudaimonic happiness goes far deeper. Pro-social practices contribute massively to happiness. Acknowledge negative emotions like anger, but don't dwell on them. You have to actively counter society's negative bias. Shaileen shares several ways to do this. Connection with others is really important. Be aware of what you have achieved in the past year. It can be used as fuel to take you further. Take stock 4 or 5 times a year. Life is short, make the absolute most of it.
BEST MOMENTS
‘With that timeout, I revisited and really looked at the things which were important to me, I reflected, I looked at my values again,’ ‘Happiness is not just a fleeting emotion, it's bigger than that.’ ‘There is flex in my planning, if an opportunity comes along, which I hadn't planned for, but it feels right … I say yes to this’
It is 60 mins, take 10 minutes and listen today, if you like what you hear listen to another 10 today or tomorrow and repeat. (use link in original post or one shared in comments)
What's your Inner Cheerleader cheering you on about?
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Gratitude is my Super Power
Gratitude is my superpower. When I am immersed in the feeling of gratitude I come alive, have hope, optimism, see some many possibilities, am creative and very productive. My whole energy is different - feel very positive, connected and grounded.
Gratitude is my Superpower
7 THINGS THAT AFFECT YOUR VIBRATORY FREQUENCY FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF QUANTUM PHYSICS
What are your Superpowers?
Thanksgiving
Inner Compass Good Life
Outstanding Black Friday Offer
Gratitude is my SuperPower
7 THINGS THAT AFFECT YOUR VIBRATORY FREQUENCY FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF QUANTUM PHYSICS
What are your Superpowers?
Thanksgiving
Inner Compass Good Life
Outstanding Black Friday Offer
Gratitude is my Superpower
Gratitude is my superpower. When I am immersed in the feeling of gratitude I come alive, have hope, optimism, see some many possibilities, am creative and very productive. My whole energy is different - feel very positive, connected and grounded. The sense of bouyancy and levity where feet a firmly on ground, grounded yet at the same time head and heart are in the skies.
Gratitude vibrates at 540 Mhz frequency - this is the same as joy. Peace and Love sit on either side. Fear is at around 100, Depression at 50 and Enlightenment 700+.
If everything is energy and the law of attraction works on energy frequencies it makes sense for us to cultivate higher energy states on a more regular basis. This is beneficial to our health and happiness.
Gratitude vibrates at 540 MHz. Being grateful falls on the same level as love — it is one of the highest vibrational frequencies you can be at. The more time you can spend in gratitude and love, the more your body’s frequency raises and the healthier your body becomes.
https://www.moravianmanorcommunities.org/practicing-daily-gratitude-to-enhance-health
Gratitude has the ability to heal, feel less deflated and give us hope. It amplifies the good in our life, rescues us and helps us feel connected.
Depression is sadness with not hope
Tal Ben-Shahar - Happiness Teacher
While writing this blog article my friend Nilpa sent me this:
7 THINGS THAT AFFECT YOUR VIBRATORY FREQUENCY FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF QUANTUM PHYSICS.
Vibration in quantum physics means that everything is energy. We are beings vibrate at certain frequencies. Each vibration is equivalent to a feeling and in the "vibrational" world, there are only two kinds of vibrations, positive and negative. Any feeling causes you to emit a vibration that can be positive or negative.
1– Thoughts
Every thought emits a frequency towards the Universe and that frequency returns towards the origin, so in the case, if you have negative thoughts, of discouragement, sadness, anger, fear, all that returns to you. That is why it is so important that you take care of the quality of your thoughts and learn to cultivate more positive thoughts.
2– The Companies.
The people around you directly influence your vibration frequency. If you surround yourself with happy, positive, determined people, you will also enter that vibration, now if you surround yourself with complaining, cursing and pessimistic people, be careful! Well, they may be decreasing your frequency and, as a consequence, preventing you from making the Law of Attraction work in your favor.
3– The Music.
The music is very powerful. If you only listen to music that talks about death, betrayal, sadness, abandonment, all of that will interfere with what you vibrate to. Pay attention to the lyrics of the music you listen to, it may be lowering your vibration frequency. And remember: you attract into your life exactly what you vibrate to.
4– The things you see.
When you watch programs that address misfortunes, death, betrayals, etc. your brain accepts that as a reality and releases a whole chemistry in your body, causing your vibration frequency to be affected. See things that do you good and help you vibrate at a higher frequency.
5– The Environment.
Whether at home or at work, if you spend much of your time in a disorganized and dirty environment, this will also affect your vibrational frequency. Improve what is around you, organize and clean your environment. Show the Universe that you are fit to receive much more. Take care of what you already have!
6 – The Word.
If you use to complain or speak ill of things and people, this affects your vibration frequency. To keep your frequency high it is essential that you eliminate the habit of claiming, complaining and speaking ill of others. So avoid making dramas and victimizing yourself. Assume your Responsibility for the choices of your Life!
7– Gratitude.
Gratitude positively affects your vibrational frequency. That is a habit that you should incorporate right now into your life. Begin to be thankful for everything, for the good things and those that you consider not good, be thankful for all the experiences you have lived. Gratitude opens the doors for good things to flow positively in your life.
What are your Superpowers?
Gratitude is in my top 5 of Virtues in Action Character strengths. If you would like to know yours you can find out here. The new Happy Life Habits Inner Compass Good Life program has a session on Strengths. When you identify your strengths and values then proceed to work from them you have your super powers.
Through working from my superpowers and knowing the benefits of gratitude, Happy Life Habits offers your some opportunities to develop your superpowers, skills and cultivate the virtue of gratitude.
Thanksgiving
ThanksGiving gives us an opportunity to count our blessings and consider what we are grateful for.
Gratitude can help shift our mood, amplify the good we already have and give hope to a better future.
Gratitude is a habit of the heart. We recognise, acknowledge and reflect upon the gifts and blessing that we already have in our lives. We develop an abundance mindset as opposed to a scarcity mindset.
Happy Life Habits is hosting a Thanksgiving event giving an opportunity to explore grateful living using gratitude cards, to reflect, play and connect. These cards were gifted to Happy Life Habits by our friend Ashik Shah. Thank you Ashik for this gift (and others you have given). Looking forward to putting them to good use and sharing gratitude.
Gratitude Cards offer both playful and deep questions, inviting you to tune into life's abundance and the transformative possibilities of grateful living.
There are 5 themes :
Perspective - enhancing the capacity to see life anew - e.g. When was the last time you took a leap of faith?
Wonder - awakening to the beauty and magic of life - e.g. In what way is life inviting you to embrace uncertainty right now?
Sufficiency - noticing and savouring life’s abundance - e.g. Describe a role model in your life who demonstrates contentment
Connection - holding and nurturing our interdependence - e.g. What is something you can do today for your future self?
Healing - restoring ourselves, one another, and the world - e.g. What is one way you make a difference to your community?
As a group and in small groups we will explore some of these themes using the cards.
Inner Compass Good Life
This is a new program we are launching. Program for deeper clarity on your Life, Time, Energy & Focus. It will help you review the last year, make plans for the next year, identify your strengths, create a personal mission statement, recognise what’s important to you and refine your self image. Guided step and actions to make small positive changes that have a big impact.
These have helped guide me and I look forward to sharing them with you.
This program is for you if you need a refocus, refresh, clarity on time, energy and focus to live a fulfilled life.
We are launching with an special introductory launch price to work with a small group of people committed to making positive changes in their life. Starting now.
Happy Life Habits Black Friday Offer
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) 2022 Theme Loneliness
Resources to support Mental Health Awareness Week : Theme Loneliness include articles, videos and events.
Prassannachandra story from Jain Faith
Mental Health can manifest as physical issues
Mental Health Awareness Week 9 -15 May 2022 : Theme Loneliness
Articles, videos, events, resources
Mental Health can and will impact everyone of us in some way : directly or indirectly. The better aware we are the better we can respond. The below video is a Jain faith story being used here to highlight how a person may appear externally does not reflect what is going on internally. The image below it (shared to me by Nisanka Wickramarachchi) shares some of the physical issues that manifest due to mental health. At Happy Life Habits we share that health, happiness and the human being are based on 4 main inter- related dimensions: Physical, Mental, Social/Emotional and Spiritual. An impact in any one has a knock on effect on others. A 4 are very much connected.
Mental Health can manifest as physical issues (image by Mellow Doodles).
Mental Health Awareness Week 9 -15 May 2022 : Theme Loneliness
Happy Life Habits (HLH) is again supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). This year The Mental Health Foundation has chosen the theme of Loneliness. This theme is a very important to me personally, I’ve written about it many a time and we strive to create Happy Life Habit events to have a sense of community, connection, interaction and belonging to help avoid loneliness.
Am I alone in thinking; actually; in believing that loneliness need not exist. We have the power in our choices of thought, speech, action to increase a bit more kindness, compassion, love, forgiveness, friendliness, mindfulness and gratitude in our interactions; to mean no one need ever feel alone. We are social animals and expressing these virtues lead to pro-social behaviours; a sense of connection and community.
- Shaileen Shah
This article from the Mental Health Foundation explains why the theme of loneliness. It shares:
Loneliness is the feeling we experience when there is a mismatch between the social connections we have and those that we need or want.
It found that the warmth of our relationships throughout life had the greatest impact on our life satisfaction and health.
During the lockdowns, we found that loneliness was almost 3 times that of pre-pandemic levels.
The Paradox is you are not alone in feeling alone.
When have you experienced Mental Health Challenges or loneliness? How did you feel? What did you do? What Helped?
I've felt lonely or experience Mental Health challenges:
1st week and 1st year at University - had no immediate like minded friend circle.
During the Summer when finishing an MSc. - Most of the other students had left the city.
In my first job during my twenties for a US consultancy when I was posted in the US for a few weeks/months - first and only birthday and Diwali on my own without family or friends.
When on honeymoon in the Maldives and better half needed an emergency operation. In a time when mobiles did not readily exist, international calls were expensive; we needed to deal with this on our own.
At work when there was after work drinks at pub, being a non-drinker and introverted I felt out of place.
When I suffered work related stress - felt could not talk to anyone.
At the start of the pandemic - see Together in Isolation article.
I felt disconnected, on my own, low, no drive.
Here are some snippets and links (click title) to Happy Life Habits articles on Mental Health, Connection, Loneliness etc. Plus one from The Charity Mind.
Together in Isolation
The communities that I am a part of; being for me a source of faith, learning, growth, health, service and social activity were all stopping events and activity - badminton clubs, youth clubs, Jain Faith School, Jain Faith Convention, meditation circles, etc. This was impacting my sense of connection, community, clarity and meaning.
— Shaileen Shah - Together in Isolation
The Ups and Downs of a Happiness Coach
During this pandemic I have been craving for connection both people to people and grateful for the technology connections, I guess with the previous articles on Happier Relationships and what I have learnt over time I understand the importance of this to our happiness, well being and mental health. I have also been through the turbulence of insecurities and validation issues.
Houston we have a problem : we’ve lost connection
Imagine if I was not in good Mental Health and maybe even Suicidal what could have happened if that one email did not come through? I know from website statistics that more than one person had read the article. The picture on the article of me sitting on a chair , on a cliff edge looking out and contemplating could have turned into standing up and taking a few steps to the cliff edge and then a few more steps…
What do we all have in common? Community
Happy Life Habits (HLH) has been working hard to serve and cultivate a community of people who want to positively impact happiness and well-being levels. When we are happy, kind, optimistic or hopeful by contagion the people around us also feel that. An act of kindness done to one person ripples out to 6 others and then with each of those 6 rippling to another 6 for three further levels.
No man is an island
They remind us we do not achieve things on our own (poem), that what/who we are surrounded by (our community, environment) has an impact on us (corn story) and we have an impact on others; and finally that real wealth, happiness and life satisfaction is in being kind, giving and making a difference to others.
The Charity Mind Resources on Loneliness
Explains loneliness, including the causes of loneliness and how it relates to mental health problems. Gives practical tips to help manage feelings of loneliness, and other places you can go for support.
Feeling lonely isn't in itself a mental health problem, but the two are strongly linked. Having a mental health problem can increase your chance of feeling lonely.
Here are a set of curated videos on the theme of loneliness and how to deal with it.
We are partnering with some groups, organisations and individuals to support in terms of awareness, community and connection. These are : Mind In Enfield and Barnet, Young Jains, Oshwal Connect, Manish Gohel (Asian Parents Club, Business Club) , Reshna Shah, Aarti O Gosrani (Oshwal Connect), Sonal Dave, Priya Shah, Hansa Pankhania and Martine Drake (Mind In Enfield and Barnet) . We ae also very grateful to Shandip Shah from Balance Consultancy in providing sponsorship for this project.
https://www.oshwalconnect.org/
Daily Evening sessions (will be recorded) with guest speakers followed by activity to foster connection & community.
Sessions on
Panel discussion on Community & Connection
The charity Mind in Enfield & Barnet sharing on Mental Health and Loneliness
How to overcome Loneliness
Stress & Anxiety in the Workplace
Suicide Prevention
See the posters below or events page for more details.
Day 1
Recordings of sessions
Here are a set of short, useful videos that Happy Life Habits has created on Mental Health drawing on my own experience of Mental Health. They share some stories, concepts, quotes and actions for you to take.
Introduction
What is Mental Health?
Impact of Stress
Thinking
Worry
Loneliness & Depression
Happy Life Habits
These all help our well being
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
What are your strengths and why be aware of them?
What are your strengths and why be aware of them?
What am I doing here?
I hated every minute, every moment.
Patience is a virtue…
Marketing is about Values says Steve Jobs
Last 100 Days or so plus next 100 Days or so
Mental Health Awareness Week 9 -15 May 2022 : Theme Loneliness
Pay it Forward Fund
What am I doing here?
I hated every minute, every moment. “What am I doing here?” I asked myself many a time. I was unhappy, frustrated, annoyed and unproductive. Losing company loyalty fast. Working late again on a task which I was ill equipped for. Not having the correct skills, knowledge or support. One that was not really part of my role or responsibilities. I was caught in the cross fire of stupid office politics between 2 departments; my department : Technology and the other department : Business Change. I was a technical lead on the project, that meant I’m a coder, designer, integrator not a business specification writer. However here I was sat at a desk in business change trying to write business specifications for the first and last time in my life. Hating every minute, every moment. Some additional back story context, the bank I had worked for had been bailed out in the financial crisis of 2008, yes that bank. It had spent silly amounts on a takeover of another bank, now I was in a changing culture, uncertain future, with managers who did not really know me, on a project from hell.
This was because I was not working from my strengths. In fact far from it.
These days when I work from my strengths I am in good flow mode, creative, productive, engaging, happy, on fire and on purpose. For an example of that, have a listen to recent podcasts/talks. Most recent is the Woo Woo Wednesday Show Podcast where we covered a lot of ground from gratitude, grief, science of happiness to Tony Robbins Firewalk Seminar and Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I was asked to share an overview of the 7 Habits - this was not pre-planned, it was spontaneous. Fortunately the habits have been a big part of my development so I was able to share my view and insights enthusiastically. I loved every minute, every moment. I was feeling energetic, connected and congruent. I was living from my strengths.
What are your strengths and why be aware of them?
Character Strengths are the positive parts of your personality that impact how you think, feel and behave.
Knowing and applying your highest character strengths is the key to you being your best self.
Character strengths are the core personality traits that define your unique identity and make you feel authentic, alive and engaged in life.
Research shows learning about your strengths and how to express them can make you happier, less stressed, more productive at work and better connected to others.
From VIA Institute on Character
As I continue learning and exploring I am regularly reminded of virtues and character strengths. These have been a core part of my spiritual development, personal development, happiness & wellbeing. In fact the initial version of the Gratitude Workshop was born more that 7 years ago at a Young Jains Virtue Lab where we explored and practiced virtues such as gratitude, forgiveness, humility and compassion. There are 4 foundation qualities recommended to nurture and cultivate for our spiritual journey. I’ll share two of them here, The first being ‘Maitri’ , universal friendliness, unconditional love and I akin it to the Buddhist concept of Metta, Loving Kindness. More on this in next blog dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Week which is on the theme of Loneliness. Another is ‘Pramod’ , recognising and appreciating the good qualities in others. This for me is an expression of gratitude and we fully experience this in the 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course when we do a powerful Gratitude Letter exercise.
Current coaching program and courses I have done re-iterate knowing our core virtues /strengths and living/expressing them.
I have been taking the VIA (Virtues In Action) character strengths test for the last few years. I encouraged our Master Mind Group members take the test in 2021 and we learnt more about them in the course on Happiness and Health we were doing together. Interestingly MY TOP 5 (from the list of 24 split over 6 categories : WISDOM,COURAGE, HUMANITY, JUSTICE, TEMPERANCE, TRANSCENDENCE) have been fairly consistent last few years though order does change. Here they are for March 2022.
This is great as it fits hand in glove with what Happy Life Habits is about:
HAPPY LIFE HABITS = PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT + THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS + SPIRITUALITY
The 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course expresses all 5 virtues. The Master Mind Group has learning as a core component. The community talks and free events / talks are acts of kindness and spirituality.
If you would like to find out your character strengths then you can take the free short survey by clicking here VIA Character Strengths Survey or finding the survey at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Patience is a virtue…
I have enjoyed the very visual posts shared by Janis Ozolins recently on LinkedIn.
This one, in relation to patience, struck a chord. I am all of the roles shown in the image. Being a parent definitely needs patience.
I suggested another one right next to parent and of same height or taller is "carer for your parent".
I suggested another one right next to parent and of same height or taller is "carer for your parent".
The last 15 months or so I have needed to cultivate my patience as I become one of the main carers for my elder mum (80+) who was widowed 15 months ago and suffers from both Parkinson's and Dementia.
Sometimes I have lost my patience but the lesson and opportunity comes again and again.
As they say Patience is a virtue and I'm all for developing and expressing virtues.
Marketing is about Values says Steve Jobs
A brilliant example of focus on strengths, virtues/values as well as conviction to a vision and sense of purpose. Watch the whole 15 minute video introducing the Think Different campaign for Apple - it is a master class, so inspiring and in hindsight what awesome foresight.
Last 100 Days or so plus next 100 Days or so
Here are some of the activities and events we have delivered and will be delivering. They include the Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course, Master Mind Group sessions, Gratitude & Journal Workshop for Mind In Enfield and Barnet, Kids Happiness Booster sessions, Happier Relationships, Positive Grief talk for the Lohana Community of North London, Stress & Mental Health at Better plus just last month the Happiness Festival with over a dozen speakers to celebrate International Day of Happiness.
Mental Health Awareness Week 9 -15 May 2022 : Theme Loneliness
Happy Life Habits (HLH) is again supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). This year the theme is Loneliness.
The Paradox is you are not alone in feeling alone.
When have you experienced Mental Health Challenges or loneliness? How did you feel? What did you do? What Helped?
I've felt lonely or experience Mental Health challenges (stress) :
1st week and 1st year at University
During the Summer when finishing an MSc.
In my first job during my twenties for a US consultancy when I was posted in the US for a few weeks/months - first and only birthday and Diwali on my own without family or friends
When on honeymoon in the Maldives and better half needed an emergency operation
At work when there was after work drinks at pub, being a non-drinker and introverted I felt out of place.
When I suffered work related stress
At the start of the pandemic
I felt disconnected, on my own, low, no drive.
Anyone else experienced Mental Health Challenges or loneliness and are happy to share?
_____________________________________________________
We are partnering with some groups, organisations and individuals to support in terms of awareness, community and connection. These are : Mind In Enfield and Barnet, Young Jains, Oshwal Connect, Manish Gohel (Asian Parents Club, Business Club) , Reshna Shah, Aarti O Gosrani (Oshwal Connect), Sonal Dave, Priya Shah, Hansa Pankhania and Martine Drake (Mind In Enfield and Barnet) . We ae also very grateful to Shandip Shah from Balance Consultancy in providing sponsorship for this project.
Daily Evening sessions (will be recorded) with guest speakers followed by activity to foster connection & community.
Sessions on
Panel discussion on Community & Connection
The charity Mind in Enfield & Barnet sharing on Mental Health and Loneliness
How to overcome Loneliness
Stress & Anxiety in the Workplace
Suicide Prevention
See the posters below or events page for more details.
The next blog will be fully related to Mental Health Awareness week and the theme of loneliness. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get it in you inbox and not miss it.
Register Now for life changing, happiness inducing events
Register Now for life changing, happiness inducing events
What an opportunity and uplifting experience. Thank you Shaileen Shah, at ‘happy life habits’.
I truly appreciate every session (and all the encouragement and support, connection and sharing in the group, and between sessions), and your incredible commitment to making it such a enriching experience.
There are so many benefits from this experience. It has opened my eyes and shown me how much more intentionally and enjoyably I can be living. I highly recommend engaging with Happy life habits.
Mary Thomson. NHS Public Governor, nurse and educator._________________________________________________________________________
Joining the Mastermind Group enabled me to be among like-minded people who all wanted to learn new things and improve their lifestyle. I enjoyed the discussions which were inspiring and uplifting. I found everyone in the group non-judgemental and genuinely interested in helping and supporting each other. Personally, they helped me resolve a difficult challenge by suggesting a few different solutions.Pragna, Carer
_______________________________________________________________________
In 2021 I joined the Mastermind group where it enhanced my own personal development and learnt some techniques to optimise my learning and energy which were put in practise as well. We also had to choose a book to the relevant topic and discuss what we grasped from it.
It's all about exchanging themes and ideas to suit your own pace and being with like minded people who want to make a change for themselves in a positive way!
This has definitely made me utilise my time in an efficient way and see what my priorities are and bringing about awareness.
Thank you Shaileen for bringing colours to all the members and touching the lives of many friends!
See the change in you as you bring happiness to yourself and others!
Reshna Shah
Finance Manager
Pay it Forward Fund
A sponsored or part sponsored space on the excellent, life changing, mind shifting 30 Day Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course (worth £135+).
As a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer I have experienced Mental Health challenges such as stress, grief, loneliness, etc. One of the practices that science says and certainly has been my experience for better mental and emotional wellbeing is the practice of gratitude and journaling.
That is why during the start of the pandemic in 2020 we launched the 30 Day training course that has positively impacted many. There are many benefits that I can't list here but refer you to the dedicated web page for the course.
Through some generous seed funding from my old badminton club, Sonal Dave and others who see the benefits of the work we do have a small Pay It Forward fund.
If you or you know someone who may benefit from the Training Course but at the current moment are not able to due to financial reasons then the Pay It Forward Fund can help. As the name says Pay It Forward is someone having paid before to allow this opportunity. If you do take up the Pay It Forward funding we hope that when circumstances change for you that you are able to help Pay It Forward for someone else.
On registration form in the referral code put "Pay It Forward Fund" if you want to request use of the fund.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
International Day of Happiness Virtual Festival hosted by Happy Life Habits
I don’t know about you but I’ve been feeling a bit down, some grief and just unmotivated recently - not my normal self. I think it is a combination of the World news and happenings in Ukraine, personal and work challenges, the mid-life crisis I’ve been in for the last 10 years! and life in general. I am digging deep into my habits of gratitude, journaling, mindfulness, kindness and learning.
I don’t know about you but I’ve been feeling a bit down, some grief and just unmotivated recently - not my normal self. I think it is a combination of the World news and happenings in Ukraine, personal and work challenges, the mid-life crisis I’ve been in for the last 10 years! and life in general. I am digging deep into my habits of gratitude, journaling, mindfulness, kindness and learning.
At Happier Relationships workshop I shared how Connection is so important to our happiness and wellbeing. Study after study has shown this as has my own experience. That is part of why as Happy Life Habits we do workshops and sessions virtual but live so as to foster that sense of connection.
I have been invited by the Lohana Community of North London to share the Positive Grief talk next week which I am looking forward to. The sense of grief is part of what I am feeling due to the Ukraine war and hearing the stories of the changes and challenges the people are facing.
Also next week I am talking part in a Facebook live with Asian Parents Club where I have been given the opportunity to by one of the coaches to share and support in that group.
Join us for both of those events and also I invite you to the Happiness Festival we are hosting on the 19th March. It’s going to be very special and different and much needed at this time.
The UN's International Day of Happiness aims to make people around the world realize the importance of happiness within their lives.
Imagine a Happiness Festival a bit like the Ideal Home exhibition or trade show with different themed zones, show stages with scheduled events and individual stalls.
Multiple sessions running at the same time
Attendees free to move around
Various Zones such as Laughter, Happiness etc
We have a great line up of speakers and workshops for all including kids.
All this available globally and virtually. We are using the Wonder platform which is a great, easy to use platform from laptop/pc (does not work on tablet or phone). Fostering the different stalls, stages and activities. On the platform you will be able to see the running agenda of what is happening at what time and where. With a simply drag of you mouse you can go into your chosen activity/space.
To book FREE ticket and find out more visit the Festival page.
Happy Life Habits continues to run Gratitude & Journaling workshops and training, Positive Grief talks, Mental Health Awareness, etc. See the events page for more details.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Sometimes it’s just Mission Impossible
Sometimes it feels like Mission Impossible with the projects and activities we have ongoing with Happy Life Habits at the moment (most are this month!) however the Life in 3 Acts sums up Happy Life Habits’ approach. This is what we have been up to or have on the near horizon.
The Self Care Infographic has been well received and shared. It has help my business clients connect with their clients including past clients.
Kids Happiness Boosters for Half Term (completely new)
Gratitude Journaling for Happiness Workshop with Mind In Enfield and Barnet
30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
Happier Relationships with Happy Life Habits
HLH International Day of Happiness Global Virtual Festival
Master Mind Group focus on Learning
Initial discussions regarding HLH taking part in podcasts or speaking at community groups and companies
ONE FOR THE KIDS, ONE FOR THE ADULTS (FREE) AND ONE FOR EVERYONE (FREE)
Happy Life Habits have got
(1) Half term Happiness Booster sessions arranged for kids
(2) Happier Relationships workshop for adults - Free tickets available now (limited number)
(3) Global Virtual Happiness Festival - for all - pre-launch early bird free tickets available now (limited numbers).
We have session suggestions from authors, coaches, trainers, speakers, comedians, chocolatiers etc that are being reviewed such as:
Nothing Links Like Laughter
Healthy Lifestyle = Happy You
Chocolate for a happier life
Mindfulness / Meditation for younger children
Center of Happiness
Like a Comedian
What's self care to you?
How to be kind to yourself when the world hasn’t been kind to you
If you would like to share/present/run session or have stall at the Festival there are currently opportunities to get involved
Sometimes it feels like Mission Impossible with the projects and activities we have ongoing with Happy Life Habits at the moment (most are this month!) however the Life in 3 Acts sums up Happy Life Habits’ approach. This is what we have been up to or have on the near horizon.
The Self Care Infographic has been well received and shared. It has help my business clients connect with their clients including past clients.
Kids Happiness Boosters for Half Term (completely new)
Gratitude Journaling for Happiness Workshop with Mind In Enfield and Barnet
30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
Happier Relationships with Happy Life Habits
HLH International Day of Happiness Global Virtual Festival
Master Mind Group focus on Learning
Initial discussions regarding HLH taking part in podcasts or speaking at community groups and companies
All of these involve a fair bit such as:
What we are doing and Why
Research
Posters /Graphics for the event
Setting up/sharing HLH Activities on Eventbrite, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, HLH Website, WhatsApp, Blog, Emails
Booking forms
Conversations with various parties and collaborators
Learning various platforms
I’m loving it, learning, growing, connecting, collaborating and impacting.
Sometimes it’s going to have to be Mission Impossible
Image from https://www.imdb.com/
I was only going to watch 10 minutes of the film Mission Impossible, again, having watched it many times before during the last 25+ years, it still entertains.
An hour and half later the film ended and I felt good. I felt good because the film has fast moving action, gadgets, plot twists, cool music score all keeping the brain engaged as the good guy wins.
Tom Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt shows resilience, confidence, resourcefulness, creativity and attention to detail to name but a few.
It has some iconic memorable scenes like Tom Cruise’s character catching the bead of sweat from falling onto the floor which has sensors to trigger alarm if pressure changes, the accessing of the CIA computer while dangling from the ceiling and the helicopter tied to the Eurostar train as it goes into a tunnel.
Which film(s) do you watch for 10 minutes again then end up enjoying the whole film again and what do you like about the film?
Kids Happiness Boosters for Half Term (completely new)
I really believe if we can introduce positive habits to children early on then they can develop and use coping tools for the rest of their life.
To find out more or book click here
Gratitude
We continue sharing and making a difference with the Gratitude Journaling for Happiness Workshop with Mind In Enfield and Barnet.
The January 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training course has just ended. Lovely sharing and feedback during the month and on the celebration call as trainees shared their experience and transforming shifts. Each iteration of the course has unique elements and new ideas introduced.
Our guest speakers those who had done the course previously shared the impact of the course on them. Terence shared how it helps him cope with depression with medication and the positive impact it has given him. The course brings so many positive elements.
Next course dates are 1st May.
Here is a guest speaker testimonial. Next blog will have another one.
Priti Shah - Debt Solution Specialist : Regional Director at Lightside Financial
Build Resilience and Mental Strength for the future
Resources that will help now, every single day and for the future for the rest of life
Benefiting from: Positive intentions
Setting the day up well
Think in detailed/ granular way
Feel happier from the morning
Discipline and Habit to do every day
Happier Relationships
Good healthy relationships are shown to lead to long, happy, healthy lives. February being the month of Valentines we have an event on Happier Relationships
It is for singles, couples, friend, groups, You!
It will be a mix of sharing some information, interactive discussions and fun games on the exciting Wonder platform. Come alone or bring a friend or few.
Master Mind Group (MMG)
The MMG had a bonus kick off meeting in January where we shared the focus for February meeting to be on Learning. Using our chosen platform at self pace we are learning how to learn effectively When we meet in the month each member will share key ideas from a book they have chosen on the platform as well as how they are applying the ideas. Examples of the books are: Limitless, Make it Stick, How to be a straight A student, Mindset, Flow, Deep Work etc.
I’m very much enjoying the learning process and look forward to enhancing my knowledge with the group sharing.
Happy Life Habits International Day of Happiness Global Virtual Festival 19th March
Imagine a Happiness Festival a bit like the Ideal Home exhibition with different themed zones, show stages with scheduled events and individual stalls. Multiple sessions running at the same time. Various Zones such as Laughter, Relaxation, Movement, Creativeness, Science of Happiness
The pre-launch free tickets are available for booking now.
For the last few years Happy Life Habits (HLH) has hosted and served during the UN’s International Day of Happiness (IDOH): 20th March and Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) :May.
In 2022 we are continuing this with an International Day of Happiness Virtual Festival on Sat 19th March 2022 (1 day before IDOH)
ARE YOU INTERESTED TO BE A BIGGER PART OF IT?
THE OPTIONS ARE:
Share a session for 15mins - 60mins
Share a session and also have a stall
Be a sponsor
For further info on any of these.
We have session suggestions from authors, coaches, trainers, speakers, comedians, chocolatiers etc that are being reviewed such as:
Nothing Links Like Laughter
Interactive chat about what makes us laugh. The what, why, and how to make it happen. Appreciating how it positively affects every aspect of communication, whether spoken or written, whether for pleasure or business.
Healthy Lifestyle = Happy You
We often think that when we'll be successful, fit and settled, we'll be happy. In this session we'll discuss the steps everyone can take to become more confident, energised and healthy and just be the best and happiest version of yourself. You'll get clear and easy actions that you can implement straight away and will give you a sense of achievement to help you take back control of what you think, eat and do so as to releasing the real you!
Chocolate for a happier life
An introduction to chocolate appreciation
From an OBE awarded chocolatier with over 30 years experience
Mindfulness / Meditation for younger children
Mindfulness activities and book reading
Center of Happiness
You can spend your whole life searching for happiness. Once you discover the center of happiness, your search ends and you truly start living a happy life. Learn what is that center and how can you connect with it.
Like a Comedian
There is a lot we can all learn from the approach we comedians take to our work. I'm not just talking about laughter, although that is invaluable. Our approach to creativity, our willingness to try out imperfect material in public, our connection with our audience. I will give people some tools to help free them from some of the stresses they encounter, especially in their working lives, based on the comedian's craft.
What's self care to you?
Self Care session - to provide an overview of what self care can be for you. An opportunity to consider the eight components of self care
How to be kind to yourself when the world hasn’t been kind to you
People will take away simple tools to help themselves when they feel negative emotions. These are simple and powerful and gives an immediate release whilst building our ability to accept our emotions.
These are some, others include book readings for children, financial wellbeing for kids, breathwork etc.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Self Care for Blue Monday
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday when many people feel at their lowest, depressed and unhappy.
This is supposedly due to some factors occurring at a similar time which include Christmas being a fading memory, payday still a week away, January bills coming through, rest of the year still to go through, high hoped resolutions broken, cold, gloomy weather, pandemics, working in office/ from home, world crisis’ and such factors.
Monday Blues on Blue Monday
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday when many people feel at their lowest, depressed and unhappy.
This is supposedly due to some factors occurring at a similar time which include Christmas being a fading memory, payday still a week away, January bills coming through, rest of the year still to go through, high hoped resolutions broken, cold, gloomy weather, pandemics, working in office/ from home, world crisis’ and such factors.
Ways to combat Blue Monday…
Seeing the beauty of nature ( I saw a gaggle of geese fly in V formation overhead)
Write down 3 things that your are grateful for
Take a moment to enjoy mindfulness and focus on your breathing, do a short body scan, a mindful walk or mindful eating
Read and share an inspiring quote e.g “Every day may not be a good day, but there is good in every day”
Tell a joke
Laugh out loud for no reason
Call a friend, have chat
Get together for a coffee or meal with a friend or family member
Happy Life Habits has created this useful Self Care infographic to help remind of self care practises for Blue Monday, working from home or working in the office and remind them that you are there for them.
You can share this with :
Employees
Clients
Customers
Suppliers
Prospective clients
Family and friends
By distributing via
Email
Website
WhatsApp/Messenger/Facebook
Intranet
Newsletter
Printing and putting on desks or office walls
To order an infographic with your logo and website : email us. Many thanks to the various companies/individuals who have ordered an infographic supporting the work we do.
The Self Care Infographic is based on material from this article Together in Isolation.
Click image to download a printable version
Future events being planned - opportunity to be involved
Last year we hosted a International Day of Happiness event in March using the Wonder platform and having multiple workshops happening at the same time. This year we are planning something similar for International Day of Happiness in March and for Mental Health Awareness in May.
If you would like to have a “stall” and host a workshop or talk or two then get in touch. It could be linked the self care infographic such as laughter workshop, Stress/Anxiety talk, yoga, meditation, confidence, self esteem, tapping, visioning, mindfulness, breathwork, tai chi, qui gong, art, poetry or such like. Ideally it needs to be positive, add value, sharing knowledge and practice.
All current events are in the events page
Company and Corporate Opportunities
We have a range of offerings for small, medium, large companies and corporates including talks, workshops, training and infographics that help with productivity, resilience, resourcefulness, positivity and mental wellbeing.
Get in touch if you think it would be of interest to your workplace for teams, network groups, well being programmes etc.
Feel Good Friday (Financial Wellbeing and consistent good money habits are good for our happiness)
I've learnt from studying the science of happiness that acts of kindness are good for us. We should do them regularly (even daily). One study additionally found that now and them by stacking acts of kindness together in a time slot such as a few hours or a particular day give a more longer lasting feel good factor then one a day.
Today I had the pleasure of stacking some acts of kindness together and getting this boost when I delivered books I had to local primary schools.
Recently my friend Will Rainey author of Grandpa's Fortune Fables ran a competition in which I won 5 copies of his book. 1 for me and 4 to give to a local primary school. I asked If instead I could give split the copies to give to 4 primary schools and Will happily obliged.
The 4 chosen schools are:
Dollis Primary School - My Primary
Whitchurch First School - where a friend works and where I did my first happiness / gratitude workshop for schools
Krishna Avanti Primary School, Harrow ( part of Avanti Schools Trust) - the first state-funded Hindu faith school in the United Kingdom (my son is at the secondary)
Millbrook Park School- a Church of England school where my nephew attends.
Here is a short note for the schools which Will wrote.
______________________________________________
Letter from the author of Grandpa’s Fortune Fables:
I wrote Grandpa's Fortune Fables to help children learn about money in a way which is fun and memorable. I strongly believe that children who learn about money grow up more confident, have higher self-esteem and less money worries as adults.
Learning about money shouldn't be boring and hence why I put the important lessons into fables. I still remember learning from Aesop's fables as they were read during the headmaster's assembly when I was at school many years ago.
Grandpa's Fortune Fables covers different money topics so that children learn to earn, save and grow their money whilst avoiding debt, scams and gambling. Empowering every child, regardless of their background, to take control of their financial future.
To help teachers (and parents), there is a discussion point, at the end of each chapter, to start a conversation with children about what they have just heard or read.
I hope you believe this book will be a great resource to the school.
If you would like to order more copies of the book, I am more than happy to arrange a discount for your school. Please contact me at will@bluetreesavings.com.
Enjoy!
Will
30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training course
The January course has started well and we have incorporated some new improvements to the course including new content for the habits section of the Journal Workshop.
Waiting list is open for future training. Upon request we can do dedicated training for small teams, groups, family and friends.
One of the benefits shared from the course
The Gratitude Journaling for Happiness workshops with Mind in Enfield and Barnet are free and scheduled for February and March. See events page for details.
Last chance to join the MMG 2022
We have a bonus kick off meeting on Wednesday 19th January, last chance to join the MMG
Take a moment to reflect on the last year. Also look forward to where you want to be, what you want to have experienced and learnt by this time next year. Take control and supercharge your development in 2022 so when you look back you have grown and developed from where you are now. MasterMind Group is open for registration, you can register here
Here are some free opportunities shared to the MMG members that may interest you for your learning, development and growth, I will incorporate learning from them in HLH activities and the What I Learnt Today page :
What I learned today… #WhatILearnedToday
Learning, education and growth is important to me, helps us be happy, reduces chances of various ailments in older age As the year goes by I am collating some of my learnings and sharing here. Updates will be on an adhoc basis maybe weekly, maybe monthly, maybe longer. Some are posted on Social Media and they are collated here.
Looking Back, Looking Forward workshop attendees, now is a good time to review what you captured in the workbook and to do so on a regularly basis.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.