ARTICLES & BLOG

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.

HLH Book Club

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




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A Strong Work Ethic - Working 9 to ...

Strong Work Ethic

With Labour day celebrated this weekend in the USA I reflect on some of my work experiences and work ethic.

Observing a strong Work Ethic in my early years

I grew up observing a strong work ethic. Hearing about how my grandfathers emigrated from India to East Africa in their early teens for the want of a better life and opportunities. They faced many hardships and challenges in a new country, culture, language and at the time not much of a community. They went into business at a young age. It was part of the cultural blood. Higher academic education was less of a priority at that time.

My father and his brothers were running business in Kenya while in their teens, being trained and taking over from my grandfather. Then having to restart in a different city before taking the step to emigrate to London in the early 70s and going through the same hardships and challenges of being in a new country, culture, language and at the time not much of a community with the added aspect of cold, wet, raining miserable weather for seasons of the year.

My mother followed 6 months later on her own travelling with 3 young children, the oldest 7 and the youngest, me only 1 years old. Imagine how the airflight was then going through luggage control to get and carry the luggage with a 1 year old in her arms. The cold of the December month and are then a quite racist environment - very distance from the now diverse, accepting, aware and cosmopolitan nation the UK is.

My working career - early days

In my youth I polished shoes and washed cars for family members to earn a little bit of money. Helped my brothers on their paper round. Worked in the holidays and some weekends in my uncle’s news agent shop as well as in another uncle’s jean shop. Mid teens around GCSEs (‘O’ Levels) and ‘A’ levels I had my first Saturday job. I would go to Oxford Street, London to work in Olympus Sport at Selfridges. Did the Christmas season there too.

image: Photo by Xin on Unsplash

Photo by Xin on Unsplash

Strong Work Ethic

Observing a strong Work Ethic in my early years

I grew up observing a strong work ethic. Hearing about how my grandfathers emigrated from India to East Africa in their early teens for the want of a better life and opportunities. They faced many hardships and challenges in a new country, culture, language and at the time not much of a community. They went into business at a young age. It was part of the cultural blood. Higher academic education was less of a priority at that time.

My father and his brothers were running business in Kenya while in their teens, being trained and taking over from my grandfather. Then having to restart in a different city before taking the step to emigrate to London in the early 70s and going through the same hardships and challenges of being in a new country, culture, language and at the time not much of a community with the added aspect of cold, wet, raining miserable weather for seasons of the year.

My mother followed 6 months later on her own travelling with 3 young children, the oldest 7 and the youngest, me only 1 years old. Imagine how the airflight was then going through luggage control to get and carry the luggage with a 1 year old in her arms. The cold of the December month and are then a quite racist environment - very distance from the now diverse, accepting, aware and cosmopolitan nation the UK is.

In those early years I hardly saw my dad as he would leave to go to work as a sales assistant before I was awake and return after I was asleep. I do recall my mum taking on various jobs such as sewing and stitching. Dad did various sales / retail related jobs and was very good at it becoming the manager of the store.

Later he would join the John Lewis Partnership on recommendation of his younger brother. I remember we would visit him on Oxford Street and feeling pride seeing him in action serving customers. He would joyfully introduce us to all his work colleagues.

Mum continued to do various jobs, raise the children, run the household and when I was 7 she went to evening classes to learn skills such as typing. This lead to her getting part-time and full time office related employment.

These observations of work ethic has an influence on me.

My working career - early days

In my youth I polished shoes and washed cars for family members to earn a little bit of money. Helped my brothers on their paper round. Worked in the holidays and some weekends in my uncle’s news agent shop as well as in another uncle’s jean shop. Mid teens around GCSEs (‘O’ Levels) and ‘A’ levels I had my first Saturday job. I would go to Oxford Street, London to work in Olympus Sport at Selfridges. Did the Christmas season there too.

After ‘A’ levels I worked on the famous Bond Street in a Moss Bros clothing store. Often going to Mayfair and Park Lane to deliver tailored cloths to customers or take to tailors to make alterations. Just realised that playing Monopoly helped me become familiar with these places.

During the holidays of the university years I worked Marks & Spencers during the summer, Christmas and Easter. My first summer I was holding 2 jobs at the same time. The Marks and Spencer retail job and also as a steward at Wembley Stadium and Arena. This was really memorable as Prince, Madonna and The Rolling Stones played their gigs.

After my Masters I graduated into a recession hit work environment finding it very difficult to get an IT job. That first Christmas I worked at the retails store Next in the morning and Argos in the afternoon, observing the madness during the sales.

Sometimes you have to make your own luck and opportunities

The recession made it difficult to get employment. You did not get employment as you had no relevant work experience. How do you get the relevant work experience if you did not get opportunities?

Sometimes you have to make your own luck and opportunities. My brother shared a snippet from a computing journal that a US based consultancy was going to set in Europe including in London. The article the the company name: Cambridge Technology Partners (CTP) and that it was based in Richmond and perhaps the name of a manager as part of a quote. Armed with this information before the time of the internet or Google search I proactively called the phone directory service with the company name and area based to get a phone number. Calling the number I said I had seen the article and was interested in joining the company. I was asked to send my C.V. This lead to an interview and subsequently a job offer where I become the 6th or so UK employee of the firm.

The IT Career

I travelled to Cambridge, Massachusetts near Boston for a few weeks of orientation training. The next few years as junior consultant I learnt lots, worked many long hours, developed skills, travelled within the UK and US for projects with household FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies like: BT, Unilever, Prudential, Norwich Union Health Care and Disney Consumer Products. One of the main things I learnt was that the life of a travelling consultant living out of hotels without home food, family, friends, routines was not the life for me, especially after becoming newly married.

I moved into financial technology working for Schroders and thereafter becoming a contractor for a few years with long dry spells. Working on projects for United Bank of Kuwait, Equitas (Lloyds of London insurer) before joining Greenwich NatWest. I joined Greenwich NatWest as very soon after Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) announced it was taking over NatWest. I witnessed redundancies, fear, confusion and lots of uncertainty. As the various systems from the merger were integrated I worked on those projects for Finance Technology moving from being a contractor to an employee. Going from a developer to senior developer to technical team lead/project manager. Some projects were very demanding and involved working for long hours for an extended period of time.

I experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress during the financial crisis on 2008 and thereafter. Leaving RBS in 2016 through redundancy the next chapter of my career begins.

During all of this I actively volunteered for community groups and took on roles in the Jain faith based charities : Young Jains and SCVP. This further helped my development, growth, skill set, leadership, organising and public speaking skills and confidence.

All Change

All of these varied work and volunteer experiences contributed to :

  • Understand what is important to me

  • Clarity on my values and way of working

  • That I wanted flexibility and control in the work I do

  • What my strengths are

  • How I want to contribute and serve

  • Whatever you do, do you best and give your best

In a way I semi-retired, choosing on how I use my (limited) time. It led to some time exploring various options before training in the Science of Happiness. This leading to starting Happy Life Habits were I combine my interests in : Personal Development, The Science of Happiness and Spirituality to positively impact Happiness and Wellbeing Levels.

I have a portfolio career where I have been a workshop facilitator for NCS The Challenge ( National Citizen Service) and exam invigilator for school exams.

Currently the portfolio career involves:

To balance or harmonise work, personal life and community work requires me to be proactive, have plans with priority and flexibility and be organised and really work my habits/routines/protocols for energy, self care, focus and productivity. The Heroic training has helped with this.

What has been your journey? What has helped?

Are you happy with your work?




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.

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6 month Review 2023

Review

At various points in the year I look taking a moment to a review of the preceding time period. 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. This year I have had the mid year review in mind, thought about it in my head, made notes but not been able to write up and share till now.

Like journaling, writing and sharing the review helps me celebrate the wins, learn from the challenges, see growth and gratefully acknowledge the opportunities.

Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course Celebration Dinner at Little Resham

Review

At various points in the year I take a moment to a review of 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. This year I have had the mid year review in mind, thought about it in my head, made notes but not been able to write up and share till now.

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 and 2022.

2023: 6 month review Highlights

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.

Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course Celebration Dinner

We have a discount available at Little Resham for Happy Life Habits members. Be on the WhatsApp Community Group and email mailing list to show proof you are member of Happy Life Habits Community.

Little Resham discount code for Happy Life Habits members

Regular positive focus

The Happy Life Habits Community on Facebook now has regular weekly questions to help focus on positivity, happiness, optimism and hope.

These include :

A check on how happy you currently are at this moment

What small wins can you celebrate from the week?

What did you learn?

What good things happened to you?

What are you grateful for?

Come join us in the group and share your thoughts.


We have set up a Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Community Group. This is the main way to stay informed of Happy Life Habits activities followed by the email mailing list.

To start the day with a positive focus we have a HLH Daily Quote Group.
Daily Quote, Question or Reflection. Max 1 a day, 4-7 days a week. A regular dose of positivity, happiness and meaning to help counter the world's negative bias.



I became an author! The ebook is “Every Day Happiness”.

I joined SoulBrite as a Wellness Coach, part of a team delivering wellbeing workshops into companies.

I am a hero and so can you be

I completed the 300 Day Heroic Coach to be a certified Heroic Performance Coach and also an Ambassador. This is a great personal development program and platform. Something for everyone who wants to learn, grow, change and make a positive impact. I really like the theory and practice delivered in short videos. audio are written format along with live training calls. You can check out the impact of the Heroic materials here in this research done by the Happiness Researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky and get free access to book summaries and great content.

The Heroic training has helped me focus on three areas:

  1. Energy

  2. Work

  3. Love

With each of these areas I define 3 elements:

  1. Identity

  2. Virtues

  3. Targets

Who I am or want to be in each area, my Heroic best self. How I want to show up to be that Heroic best self and the daily things I need to do to show up as best Heroic self. These are reviewed and committed to daily as part of morning routine.

I have got immersed again in voluntary roles for Jain faith based community groups and projects.


looking forward

Some of the the future plans and activities are:

Supporting World Values Day with some workshops

Continuing Gratitude Wellbeing Workshops for Mind In Enfield and Barnet. They have asked me to design and deliver a 10 week course in the Autumn.

30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and Thanksgiving Dinner.

Reading 1 book a month - inspired by the book Limitless by Jim Kwik

Keep focus on Energy, Work and Love.

Keep sharing what I learn and making a positive impact.


Shaileen Shah - Happiness Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

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.

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Every Day Happiness

In addition to being a coach, speaker and trainer, I am now also an author of the ebook, “Every Day Happiness”.

‘Every Day Happiness’ provides understanding, tools and habits we can utilise to navigate a world with rising uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. This increase makes more demands on our Physical, Mental, Emotional, Social and Spiritual Wellbeing. Everyday Happiness is a nonfiction book written for professionals, business owners, leaders and managers reminding them to choose to put Happiness and Positive Emotions at the heart of everything they do. Thereby they will have better happiness, mental and emotional wellbeing, productivity and life satisfaction in all areas of their life.

In addition to being a coach, speaker and trainer, I am now also an author of the ebook, “Every Day Happiness”.

I had not planned to write a book yet. The opportunity was presented and I chose to take it.

I've shared as much as possible both of science of happiness and actual ways to apply in order for the reader to choose to have Every Day Happiness. Every Day!

I hope it provides the reader real benefit. More so when they apply the ideas. That's where the magic is.


‘Every Day Happiness’ provides understanding, tools and habits we can utilise to navigate a world with rising uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. This increase makes more demands on our Physical, Mental, Emotional, Social and Spiritual Wellbeing. Everyday Happiness is a nonfiction book written for professionals, business owners, leaders and managers reminding them to choose to put Happiness and Positive Emotions at the heart of everything they do. Thereby they will have better happiness, mental and emotional wellbeing, productivity and life satisfaction in all areas of their life.

The Contents are:

  1. What is Happiness?

    1. How Happy Are You?

    2. What Makes You Happy?

    3. What Makes You Unhappy?

    4. What Do We Mean by Happiness?

    5. You Cannot Make Everyone Happy: The Fable of the Father, Son and Donkey

    6. What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?

  2. Why is Happiness Important?

    1. The Science of Happiness

    2. The Negativity Bias

    3. How Does Happiness Help?

    4. What Can We Do?

    5. The World Happiness Index and Report

    6. What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?

  3. The Happiness Chemicals – Daily D.O.S.E

    1. The Happy Chemicals

    2. The Daily D.O.S.E

    3. What did I learn? What will I do?

  4. How to Increase Happiness

    1. Models and Frameworks for Happiness

    2. Which Model to Use?

    3. What did I learn? What will I do?

  5. Mindfulness Meditation

    1. What is Mindfulness?

    2. Benefits of Mindfulness

    3. Practicing Mindfulness

    4. What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?

  6. Kindness

    1. Kindness and Compassion

    2. Benefits of Kindness

    3. Practicing Kindness

    4. Self Compassion

    5. What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?

  7. Gratitude

    1. Gratitude and Blessings

    2. Benefits of Gratitude

    3. Practicing Gratitude

    4. What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?

  8. Journaling

    1. The Magic of Journaling

    2. Benefits of Journaling

    3. Types of Journaling

    4. What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?

  9. Happy Life Habits: How to Structure an Every Day Happiness Day

    1. What Do We Include in an Every Day Happiness Day

    2. Habits

    3. The Investment Banker and the Fisherman

    4. Do You Choose to be Happy?

    5. Support

  • Quotes & Key Messages

Happy Life Habits is available for corporate talks, workshops and training.


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.

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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.

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Back to the Future: Creating memories to Savour

The word savour (savor in American English) is an interesting word, it is a verb. It has at least 2 meanings in the dictionary:

  1. To fully enjoy the taste or smell of something

  2. To fully enjoy a time or experience

Back to the Future The Musical

The word savour (savor in American English) is an interesting word, it is a verb. It has at least 2 meanings in the dictionary:

  1. To fully enjoy the taste or smell of something

  2. To fully enjoy a time or experience

I feel the first definition is limited to taste and smell when I feel it should be all the senses. Another definition I feel encompasses the sentiment better : 

  • to enjoy food or an experience slowly, in order to enjoy it as much as possible

This extends to one more which is the one we will use in this article: 

  • attempt to fully feel, enjoy, and extend our positive experiences

The practice of savouring leads to more happiness. We can savour all three tenses of time: Past, Present and Future. I have enjoyed this practice. I share a few examples here.

Savouring the Past

Recently I enjoyed reminiscing about a convention that I co-led 20 years ago for Young Jains, a faith organisation I volunteer for. The experience 20 years ago was amazing, creative, high energy and innovative with wonderful team work. Individually I enjoyed seeing some photos, reading a souvenir magazine and listening to music  from the event. We hosted a 20 Year catch up and some people who had attended 20 years ago joined sharing their experiences and memories. This led to a feel good energy, re-living the positive experiences and memories and a sense of community and connection. A benefit of savouring the past positive experiences is you get to live them again and create new memories.

Another example is Facebook popping up a memory from 2018 when we took part in a volunteering programme in India with the Jain school that we are part of. It brought back many good memories and associated with it good feelings.

What is a past experience that you savour?

Savouring the Future

I enjoy planning for the future, having events and activities scheduled in the diary to look forward to. These may be a holiday, trip away, catch-up with family/friends, visit to theatre etc. The anticipation and looking forward to generating positive emotions and good feelings as much as the actual event. An example of this is booking tickets for the Back To the Future musical months in advance of chosen visit date. Back To the Future is a classic film I grew up with so we are already onto a winner. Again looking forward to the actual day with much enthusiasm was wonderful. The musical did not disappoint; great sets, acting, humour, music and a De Lorean. It was a shared experience with my family. We created a memory that we can relish and savour in the future. 

What is a future experience you can schedule to later savour?

Savouring in the Present

A key to savouring the past or the future is to be fully present in the present. To be mindful, engaged in the moment, aware and enjoy it. Some examples I have experienced are:

A few years ago I took part in a retreat where the meal at lunch time was in silence. I ate mindfully, chewing slowly, observing and enjoying each bite and chew. Savouring the taste, experience and textures.

During a full packed day with my wife visiting London we enjoyed St Paul’s Cathedral with a tour, boat trip on the Thames, lovely vegan meal, Mama Mia the Musical with a walk across Waterloo bridge at night time. Each of those moments I experienced being in the moment, enjoying it and not thinking about the experience before or coming after. This led to deeper enjoyment of each moment.

Ways to Savour

Journaling

The Happiness Journal (the 5 minute journal) we supply and use in the Happy Life Habits 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course helps capture some savouring across the past, present and future with sections on gratitude, what would make today great and what was amazing about today.

Facebook memories

Capture memories in Facebook on your timeline and enjoy savouring when Facebook pops up the memory on it’s anniversary

Google Photos

Capture your digital photos and store them in google photos letting it pop up the memories on your phone. I enjoyed seeing memories from 14 years ago.

Create memories to savour

Book, schedule experiences and activities. Even better if you can book them with someone else to create shared memories.

Take photos / videos. My son recently turned 18. A great idea would have been to take a photo of him on each birthday and capture it in an album. Likewise for anniversaries.

Happy Life Habits events, talks, workshops and training are a great opportunity to create positive memories and emotions. The waiting list for the 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course is open.

We enjoy celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and World Days… see below.


Happy Life Habits us supporting World Values Day 20th October

Have a Great Day

There goes another day of your life. How did you live it?

What did you choose?

Happy Life Habits is celebrating the following upcoming World Days.

World Mindfulness Day : Monday 12th September

World Gratitude Day (Also International Day of Peace) : Wednesday 21st September

Shaileen Shah's Birthday : Monday 26th September

World Values Day : Thursday 20th October

World Kindness Day : Sunday 13th November

We hold dear Mindfulness, Gratitude, Kindness, Values and Birthdays as reminders of the things important in our life and essential for our happiness, wellbeing and a good life. An opportunity to celebrate, reflect, re-enforce and connect.

If you would like a passionate, enthusiastic, inspiring and encouraging talk or workshop on these topics during the World Day or the week the World Day falls in then look no further than Happy Life Habits. This is what we believe in and live by : Positively Impacting Happiness and Wellbeing Levels (every day)!


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.

These include the 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and the monthly MasterMind Group sessions

Great investments that produce outstanding results - guaranteed!

 

The Happiness Journal used by Tim Ferris, Emma Watson and Shaileen Shah (pretty much every day for the last 6.5 years) is a great starter tool to shift your mood and develop morning routines. For a DIY option the journal is available for £27 (£30 inc p&p in UK, international please enquire. Order 2 or more journals at £25 each).

This is a perfect, unique and life changing gift that can be gifted for:

  • teachers at the end of the year as a thank you

  • Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings

  • graduations, new job

  • staff / employees

In fact it has been well received as a corporate gift by staff, clients and suppliers when given by my clients. (Enquire for bulk orders and add value workshops). A journal workshop and 30 Day gratitude & journal habit immersion training course (running for the last 2 years) are also available.

Contact Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk for any enquiries.


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.

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The 7+ Highly Effective Morning Habits of a Happiness Coach

Recently I had the opportunity to contribute to a feature in the Metro on Tips for better/happier/mentally healthier mornings. I submitted my morning Happy Life Habits and was very pleased that they used a few of them. I hope you find them useful and take action to apply them. We have trained many on Gratitude and Journaling. If you need support you know who to call (Not Ghostbusters but Shaileen at Happy Life Habits!).

Recently I had the opportunity to contribute to a feature in the Metro on Tips for better/happier/mentally healthier mornings. I submitted my morning Happy Life Habits and was very pleased that they used a few of them. I hope you find them useful and take action to apply them. We have trained many on Gratitude and Journaling. If you need support you know who to call (Not Ghostbusters but Shaileen at Happy Life Habits!).

The 7+ Highly Effective Morning Habits of a Happiness Coach

Shaileen Shah a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer with Happy Life Habits loves morning routines to help kick start the day energised, focused, positive, happier and healthier. He has various daily routines that support his physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing - each only taking a few minutes to do before breakfast but the effects lasting throughout the day. Here they are:

  • Drinking water by keeping a water bottle by the bedside to rehydrate (we can dehydrate during the night) and activate the stomach

  • Opening the curtains and letting the morning sun into the room - helps the circadian rhythm

  • 5 minutes of mindfulness/meditation using an app which has a few minutes of learning and then the meditation - helps develop focus, centredness and resilience (from my subscription to mindfulness.com, each month I have some 30 day trial passes I can share. Get in touch if you are interested).

  • A few minutes of stretching and exercise : 3 Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar yoga), 10 press ups and 5 push ups

  • A short prayer - humbles and grounds

  • Recommit to personal mission statement - sense of purpose and meaning

  • An element of learning - reading a few pages from a book, listening to a podcast or going through material of a year long coaching programme he is on

  • Tackling a challenge, activating the brain, applying strategy by doing Wordle - a sense of accomplishment. Making the bed can give a sense of accomplishment too.

  • Using a Happiness Journal (which he has used for more than 7 years; now runs workshops on and trains people to develop a habit in over 30 Days) has these 3 morning activities done in 5-10mins


  1. A daily practice of practising gratitude / counting blessings. This causes an immediate positive shift in mood, activates the learning centres in the brain and feel connected by releasing the happy chemicals dopamine and oxytocin.

  2. Asking and answering “What would make today great?” helps focus on intentions for the day.

  3. Reflecting on Positive Affirmations to help cultivate virtues and remind of strengths.

These habits are kept easy and quick to do so they actually get done. They prime his Mind, Body and Soul to bring his best to the day by being energised, positive, happy, healthy and focused for the challenges and opportunities that unfold.

Here is the Metro article with a great selection of tips from various coaches and experts, including me :). https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/04/27-expert-backed-tips-to-make-your-mornings-better-16757102/



2 Things you can help us with…

We are asking for your help on 2 activities for Happy Life Habits to grow and sustain positively impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels

(1) Help on renaming Happy Life Habits YoutTube channel

I'll be sharing some videos on YouTube which won't necessarily be immediately shared on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Asking for a favour, if you subscribe to the Happy Life Habits YouTube Channel you will get the videos first and not miss any. Plus if we get 100 subscribers I can rename the channel from a random link name to Happy Life Habits. Really appreciate if you are able to subscribe to the YouTube channel and help us rename the link. After we have renamed, if the find the content not useful feel free to unsubscribe.

Here is the current link https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCxIVX_KsPU_1i_7GXZg1uBQ

(2) Opportunities to take part in podcasts, webinars, lives etc

If you know any podcasters please share this with them.

If you host a podcast, webinar or lives I'm currently available as a podcast guest.

I'm a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer trained in the Science of Happiness rewiring hearts and minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.

See the poster for topics and here for past recordings of podcasts/webinars.

Been in corporate world experiencing work related stress, grief, mental health, work life balance challenges and have developed habits for positivity, happiness, resilience and productivity.


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.

These include the 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and the monthly MasterMind Group sessions

Great investments that produce outstanding results - guaranteed!

 

The Happiness Journal used by Tim Ferris, Emma Watson and Shaileen Shah (pretty much every day for the last 6.5 years) is a great starter tool to shift your mood and develop morning routines. For a DIY option the journal is available for £27 (£30 inc p&p in UK, international please enquire. Order 2 or more journals at £25 each).

This is a perfect, unique and life changing gift that can be gifted for:

  • teachers at the end of the year as a thank you

  • Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings

  • graduations, new job

  • staff / employees

In fact it has been well received as a corporate gift by staff, clients and suppliers when given by my clients. (Enquire for bulk orders and add value workshops). A journal workshop and 30 Day gratitude & journal habit immersion training course (running for the last 2 years) are also available.

Contact Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk for any enquiries.


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.

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What strategies do you use to keep calm through challenging situations?

On the Happy Life Habits Community Facebook Group we regularly share quotes, reflective / thought provoking questions, articles and events. We recently asked “What strategies do you use to keep calm through challenging situations?” and have a good response to it.

May prove to be useful this month as students get their “A” Level and “GCSE” results.

On the Happy Life Habits Community Facebook Group we regularly share quotes, reflective / thought provoking questions, articles and events. The below we asked recently and have a good response to it.

May prove to be useful this month as students get their “A” Level and “GCSE” results.

My friend Deepa shared a whole series of useful ideas many of which resonate with the Self care ideas we have shared in the past:

Wow, so many strategies to help re-set:

1. Movement - walk, workout, trampoline, yogasanas, garba!

2. Sing - usually devotional music, raises my vibrational frequency!

3. Talk to friends, seek guidance, especially if it's new challenges.

4. Rest, give my nervous system a chance to feel, heal. Guided yoga nidra is great.

5. Go out into nature, tap into the natural healing components of the sun, the greenery, water, earth, air.

6. Listen to relevant podcasts/clips which help inform so can take the next steps with more awareness.

7. Just be, take time to pause, to just be. It's not as easy if the mind is on overdrive. But needs to be trained, cultivated so that you have access to do this.

8. Give myself a chance to process the heightened emotions. Often in times of stillness, usually first thing in the morning or last thing at night - poetry comes out! Sometimes in the middle of the night too, when I wake up! (Journalling and gratitude also effective)

9. Continuous practice of meditation and prayer. So much inner power there.

10. Connect - find what works best for you to connect back to your real truth/soul centre, any of the above may help.

11. Sometimes watching funny shows, just gives you a light-hearted needed distraction!

12. Pranic healing.

13. Reminding myself of certain quotes, eg 'life happens for us not to us'. For our growth and evolution.

Oh I should write, I do a lot of venting out too I find that helpful, rather than bottling up.

Oh and also crying if your system allows, so healthy and releasing.


2 Things you can help us with…

We are asking for your help on 2 activities for Happy Life Habits to grow and sustain positively impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels

(1) Help on renaming Happy Life Habits YoutTube channel

I'll be sharing some videos on YouTube which won't necessarily be immediately shared on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Asking for a favour, if you subscribe to the Happy Life Habits YouTube Channel you will get the videos first and not miss any. Plus if we get 100 subscribers I can rename the channel from a random link name to Happy Life Habits. Really appreciate if you are able to subscribe to the YouTube channel and help us rename the link. After we have renamed, if the find the content not useful feel free to unsubscribe.

Here is the current link https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCxIVX_KsPU_1i_7GXZg1uBQ

(2) Opportunities to take part in podcasts, webinars, lives etc

If you know any podcasters please share this with them.

If you host a podcast, webinar or lives I'm currently available as a podcast guest.

I'm a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer trained in the Science of Happiness rewiring hearts and minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.

See the poster for topics and here for past recordings of podcasts/webinars.

Been in corporate world experiencing work related stress, grief, mental health, work life balance challenges and have developed habits for positivity, happiness, resilience and productivity.


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.

These include the 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and the monthly MasterMind Group sessions

Great investments that produce outstanding results - guaranteed!

 

The Happiness Journal used by Tim Ferris, Emma Watson and Shaileen Shah (pretty much every day for the last 6.5 years) is a great starter tool to shift your mood and develop morning routines. For a DIY option the journal is available for £27 (£30 inc p&p in UK, international please enquire. Order 2 or more journals at £25 each).

This is a perfect, unique and life changing gift that can be gifted for:

  • teachers at the end of the year as a thank you

  • Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings

  • graduations, new job

  • staff / employees

In fact it has been well received as a corporate gift by staff, clients and suppliers when given by my clients. (Enquire for bulk orders and add value workshops). A journal workshop and 30 Day gratitude & journal habit immersion training course (running for the last 2 years) are also available.

Contact Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk for any enquiries.


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.

Read More

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

MASTERMIND GROUP

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.

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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.

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Looking Back, Looking Forward - HLH 2021 Review and 2022 Plans

In this blog article:

  • HLH 2021 review

  • MasterMind Group 2021 Learning Segment : RCSI : The Science of Happiness & Health

  • MasterMind Group 2022 opportunity

  • A funny True story

In this blog article:

  • HLH 2021 review

  • MasterMind Group 2021 Learning Segment : RCSI : The Science of Happiness & Health 

  • MasterMind Group 2022 opportunity

  • A funny True story

Many of the HLH activities, events, projects and organisations during 2021

As part of Looking Back, Looking Forward (LBLF) Workshop

I have done a Happy Life Habits (HLH) 2021 Review. I love looking back and seeing what has been experienced during the year, lessons learnt, changes made and savour the positive times. I had forgotten many of the experiences in the first half of the year. Going through this process with the workbook was positive, energising, clarifying and helped show some of the themes. I have also made exciting plans for the forthcoming year.

Why? Our Mission: 

Positively Impacting Happiness & Well-Being Levels so that individuals, groups, communities and companies can engage with life in a happier, kinder, effective & more meaningful way for the greater good.

How in 2021? 

By delivering and sharing various events, activities, training, projects, ideas and experiences which included:

Gratitude & Happiness :  

  • 90 Days of Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course (3 X 1 month courses)

  • Thanksgiving Happiness Booster

  • Gratitude Journaling for Happiness for Mind In Enfield & Barnet (2 x 3 hour workshops)

  • Numerous Happiness Journals sold/gifted 

18 Inspiration Point Podcasts of 1 hour each (12 consecutive weeks for series 2 & 3 during Lockdown)

One series was dedicated to Women, Mothers Day and International Women's Day

Celebrated International Day of Happiness 

  • Using the Wonder platform and having a variety of speakers, coaches, therapists, practitioners share in zones for Laughter, Relaxation, dealing with loss and conversations

  • Talk at Healing Our Earth

6 MasterMind Group sessions

  • Learning & Brainstorming solutions

  • Learning  : 10 modules on The Science of Health and Happiness by RSCI 

Mental Health : Support during all of May 

  • Happiness Boosters

  • Daily reflective questions in FB group

  • Daily release of video series during MHAW in website, LinkedIn, HLH Community,  Asian Parents Club, Oshwal Connect and Covid 19 Mental Health Support

  • Talks on MH - APC x 2

  • Happiness Boosters x2

  • Hosting a 21 Day Simple Living Challenge

Positive Grief:

  • 100 mins talk at Shishukunj Bethak - at Bhavan, live streamed on Zoom and recorded

  • Recording made into smaller bite sized videos and shared on website, FB during National Grief Awareness Week

  • Talk on Positive Grief given in Gujarati at Shishukunj Anandkunj for elderly audience

  • Positive Grief and Gratitude shared at Living Bridge Conversations with Tony Patti - Iglobal News

Talks on Science of Happiness, Gratitude, Mental Health, Grief, The Role of Effective Self care in Positive Leadership, Habits for

  • Xerox The Women’s Alliance

  • Iglobal iWellness Show,

  • iRadio Podcast with Tony Patti 

  • Living Bridge Conversations

  • Shishukunj (x2)

  • Shrimad Rajchandra Dharampur Mission Wellness Series

  • Healing Our Earth (International Day of Happiness)

Shared through various articles, blog posts etc on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp and the HLH website.

Training/Learning undertaken

  • Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace Level 2 Certification 

  • 6 weeks PQ Coaching Program

  • 10 Module RSCI The Science of Happiness & Health

  • Various Bob Proctor, Robin Sharma and other trainings

Results: How many people did we Positively Impact their Happiness & Wellbeing Levels?

We have no idea. It’s not something we can measure.

Were you one?

One thing I know for sure is that one person did have a positive impact on their happiness and wellbeing levels from each and every one of these events, activities, training, projects, ideas and experiences. And that’s me! Thank you for the opportunities, support, encouragement, feedback and referrals.


MasterMind Group Learning Segment : RCSI : The Science of Happiness & Health 

As part of the monthly MasterMind Group (MMG) we have a learning segment and a brain problem solving segment. For the learning segment we have been doing the RSCI : The Science of Happiness & Health Course. In the original course there were 25,000 people registered on it. 

I had details about the course shared with me, looked at it, loved it and shared the opportunity with the MMG.

In the MMG we have worked through the 10 module curriculum taking 2-3 videos each month, watching them in our own time, making notes and then sharing them together at the MMG meeting. 

I loved it as it resonated with what I learn and share drawing upon teachings from :

  • Stephen Covey

  • Viktor Frankl

  • Carol Dweck

  • Sonya Lyubomirsky

  • Martin Seligman

  • Barbara Fredrickson

  • Mihaly Csiksentmihalyi

  • Kristen Neff

  • James Clear

  • Charles Duhigg

The course shares these concepts on Increasing our Health and Happiness:

  1. Understanding PERMA

  2. Develop a Growth Mindset

  3. Develop our Optimism

  4. Understand mind-body relationships

  5. Practising Mindfulness Meditation

  6. Learning from the Blue Zones

  7. Understanding our meaning & purpose ‘ikigai’

  8. Practising Gratitude and Forgiveness

  9. Explaining our Time perceptions

  10. Developing positive resonance with others

  11. Practising Empathy, compassion for others and self

  12. Letting Positive Emotions broaden and build us

  13. Identifying and using our personal strengths

  14. Identifying and changing our stories

The practical daily habits we can do are:

  • Breathe

  • Meditate

  • Cultivate Compassion for self and others

  • Managing thinking process

  • Managing behaviour by observing thoughts (mindfulness)

  • Stories we tell ourselves

  • Positive Emotions leading to flourishing

  • Flow/Focus

  • Grow towards the light

Here is a video of the last module - worth watching

Here is what MMG members have shared of their experience:

"I've really enjoyed the learning segment which has touched on some of my degree work. Discovering how to put the learning to use as an individual when interacting with the other 'minds' of the group is fun and informative. I walk away every time feeling better about my development."

"An enriching and rewarding experience that stretched my mind, allowed the exploration of topics that I wouldn't come across in my day job, and practical insights of actions to take that I will benefit from now and in the future."

MasterMind Group 2022 opportunity

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


A Funny True Story

A friend recently sent me a WhatsApp message as below:

I saw you in this video! https://youtu.be/I6QwXyE0J9c

It was a video of the motivational and spiritual teacher Gaur Gopal Das titled ‘Watch This If You Need To Say Sorry To Someone’.

I was cautious as having been a victim of Identity fraud and with many scams / fraud on the increase. (I have written about that experience in Identity Theft Fraud: How I lost more than 7 figures...and so could you). I have heard of and experienced messages like this from hacked accounts where the link takes you to a dodgy site on installs malware - hence my guard was up. I asked

Hi who is this?

in order to check if the name was correct, It was, to fully check I called them, it was my friend and I explained the reasoning for my questioning etc. It was lovely to have a quick, impromptu catch up.

I watched the video, and indeed I was in the audience from a wonderful talk I had attended by Gaur Gopal Das a few years ago.

I messaged my friend to thank them for sharing and reminding me of the important message Gaur shared. It complements with the bite sized Positive Grief video I did on Contact and Connection. I’ll add it to the Positive Grief page. I also said:

Ok, I will use this funny reply next time I get message like this, I saw you in this video! https://youtu.be/I6QwXyE0J9c.

"That's not me, I know we have same hairstyle but that's Gaur Gopal Das!"


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.

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11th November : Today I am reminded...

I am reminded that memories creating and remembering are important…

Saturday 13th November is World Kindness Day. When we practice kindness we release the happy chemicals in ourselves, in those who receive the kind act and also in those who witness it. It’s what I call the Triple Whammy.

What is the difference between skills and values/qualities?

Looking Back, Looking Forward Workshop

11th November : Today I am reminded...


I am reminded that memories creating and remembering are important, my mum has Dementia.

Today is Remembrance Day, Veteran's Day, Armistice Day. The 11th Hour on the 11th Day of the 11th Month.

I am reminded of those

"who gave their todays so we could have our tomorrows".

I am reminded of the sacrifices to protect freedoms and give safety.

Today is the 11 month since my dad passed away. I am reminded of his kindness, positivity and helpfulness. I am reminded of death and that life is short.

Today is my nephew Kush's birthday, he is twenty something. Happy Birthday. He dropped out of Cass Business School to follow his entrepreneurial spirit and passion to be creative with his awesome street jewellery business Feather Pendants. I am reminded of birth, happiness, following your dreams, being creative.

Today is my second Workshop on Gratitude Journaling for Happiness with the Charity Mind in Enfield and Barnet. I am reminded of the power of gratitude, journaling, Thanksgiving towards the end of the month. I am reminded how blessed I am to do what I love and love what I do: Positively Impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels.

On Saturday 16th it is World Kindness Day. I am reminded:

"In a World where you can be anything, be Kind"

Today, what are you reminded of?


World Kindness Day

Saturday 13th November is World Kindness Day. When we practice kindness we release the happy chemicals in ourselves, in those who receive the kind act and also in those who witness it. It’s what I call the Triple Whammy.

Do some purposeful acts of kindness

Happy Life Habits as an act of Kindess and Thanksgiving has gifted tickets for the Last Inspiration Point Podcast episode on December 8th with our friend Vicky Johnson - co-founder of the Museum of Happiness. See here for tickets and please note the episode has been extended to more that the usual 1 hour.


What is the difference between skills and values/qualities?

I shared this question in the HLH Facebook Community group and got some insightful answers. I did some research, reflection and share my thoughts here.

Skills can be learnt, trained and relate to what we do. They are often what comes after “I can …” or “I am able to…” e.g. I can swim, I can drive, I can read. They are to do with doing.

Qualities / Values are innate, they are related to character, to who we are, to how we do things. E.g. they often come after “ I am…” E.g. I am patient, I am kind, I am happy. They are to do with being.

I think skills we acquire and qualities/values we uncover, nurture, cultivate. Both can require effort, focus, learning, practice, training.

The Happy Life Habits 30 Day Gratitude and Habit Immersion Training Course starts by sharing knowledge and training to develop the skills to be grateful and journaling thereby with consistent, daily, focused practice it develops and nurtures the qualities in us so we move from practicing gratitude to being grateful - we uncover the qualities of who we are.

What I am finding is that many people see training as a cost as opposed to an investment. They would be happy to spend £125 on a meal or two out at a restaurant or a night out but not see the value of investing £125 in themselves to develop lifechanging habits. They do not measure the investment cost to being in the same place in 1 years time. No growth, no progress - the same old, same old.


The HLH Master Mind Group will continue in 2022 to focus on skills training, learning and nurturing qualities looking at topics such as productivity, Energy, Sleep, Nutrition, etc to help us put into action changes for improving ourselves and our lives.



Looking Back, Looking Forward Workshop

A great way to consider the skills and qualities we have and those we want to develop is by doing a review / reflection of the last year and plans for the following year. The Looking Back, Looking Forward Workshop helps with this. This workshop is £20 but you can attend for free by investing in yourself during November with one of these Happy Life Habits products or services:

  • Happiness Journal - get started with instant happiness and positivity plus start of positive habits - £25

  • 90 mins Gratitude & Journal Workshop - learn how to develop positive habits and get started with using the journal (included as part of workshop) - £55

  • 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course - full on focus and support to develop the positive habits in gratitude & journaling and rewire the brain for a new mindset. £125


A request dear friend and reader.

(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.

(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.

(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.

(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.

If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.

Happy Life Habit Events

Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group

Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page

Instagram happylifehabits_hlh

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaileen-shah/

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.

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Extra Time - How will you spend it

What would you do if you had 60 mins more in the day?

More time on health, exercise, meditation, being with friends/family, sleeping, Netflix, working, learning?

Take a moment to really think.

What would you do if you had 60 mins more in the day?

More time on health, exercise, meditation, being with friends/family, sleeping, Netflix, working, learning?

Take a moment to really think.

Magic Wand waving...

Well those in the regions where clocks go back on Sunday you have the opportunity to use that "extra" hour.

I'll use it to learn and plan, what about you?

You could watch the Positive Grief recording, register for a HLH Course, watch Inspiration Point Podcast, do a google review or get a regular dose of positivity, inspiration, happiness with the regular sharing in the Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group


Positive Grief Action and Help Requested - takes 5 mins

Positive Grief - it's now been 4 weeks or almost 1 calendar month since I did this talk (recording plus additional resources can be accessed from here).

I'd really appreciate if you could take a few mins to fill out this short questionnaire so that:

(1) Get feedback on talk / recording

(2) Get input to develop a Free Positive Grief Support Group service

The questionnaire can be kept anonymous and you have the option to leave contact details if you want to be part of the Support Group etc.

Here is link for the questionnaire : https://forms.gle/toR4Kbe1fAyCRPpbA

Takes 5 mins

Thanks in advance

Seen shared on Facebook


Stress

Stress is natural, it is our body and brain's way of protecting us from danger and threat - to save our life. I have often shared that stress itself is not the problem but how long we hold onto the stress is the problem. We need to learn to put the stress down before we pick up again.

This is where self care practices such as mindfulness, gratitude and journaling help.

These have helped me deal with the stresses of life and continue to do so. Don't wait to be chronically stressed to react to find a solution/remedy. Act proactively now and respond by investing in you self care and coping mechanisms to build your resilience.

Invest in the 30 Day Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course - 2022 Dates have been amended.


Scentered : Product Review

I was aware that smells can evoke emotions and feelings. We can all relate to the case of freshly baked cookies / biscuits transporting us back to happy times in childhood or the sweet smell of cinnamon / gingerbread associated with Christmas. Also aware that Lavender can help with sleep. Our sense of taste is very much related to our sense of smell, remember when you have been ill with a blocked nose and everything tastes bland or different.

Smells detected by the nose send a message to the brain which sends to the limbic system which is important for memory, mood and emotion.

Some facts from https://www.aromaco.co.uk/20-fascinating-facts-about-our-sense-of-smell/

  • Your scent cells are renewed every 4 weeks

  • Studies show that 75% of emotions are triggered by smell which is linked to pleasure, well-being, emotion and memory

  • The sense of smell is the first of all our senses to develop. Even before we are born, our sense of smell is fully formed and functioning.

  • Your sense of smell accounts for 75-95% of the impact a flavour has. Without being able to smell the difference between onion and potato, it’d be difficult to tell them apart.

Recently I was given a product to review. It was the Scentered Signature Collection of Wellbeing Ritual Balms - 100% Aromatherapy. Not really having used aromatherapy or essential oils except on the occasions of having a cold using menthol or Eucalyptus based products and good old Vicks or a splash of aftershave after shaving I was curious. 

This collection has five handy sized balms to help us feel:

  • De-stressed

  • Escape

  • Focus

  • Happy

  • Sleep Well

Each is blended with 100% natural, eco-conscious, plant based ingredients to create fragrances with therapeutic effects. Imagine you want to feel 

  • De-stressed before an important meeting

  • Focused while you work on an important activity

  • Needing to get a good, rested sleep

  • Just need an uplift of feeling happier when feeling a little down

  • Escape and be inspired

then use the appropriate balm following the 3 simple steps:

  1. STOP : apply to wrist, neck and temples

  2. INHALE : deeply

  3. RESET : your mood

I have done this before going to sleep when feeling in need of a deep relaxation, before sitting to get on with some work, before my public meetings and private meetings and it has been beneficial. The wonderful scents are released immediately as well as noticing them over time and reminding to be centred. Each is combined from 3 exotic ingredients including : Chamomile, Lemon Myrtle, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Neroli amongst others.

The 3 simple steps are quick and easy to apply with the balms coming in a portable, handy size.

It is part of my self care ritual that I used these to feel a particular way at particular times. I also love the fact that 10% of net profits are donated to Women for Women International - a charity.

I applied focus balm before writing this piece, it worked.

Find out more at: https://scentered.me/

https://scentered.me/products/signature-ritual-collection

Additional information

https://www.fifthsense.org.uk/psychology-and-smell/

https://www.aromaco.co.uk/20-fascinating-facts-about-our-sense-of-smell/


A mindfulness Exercise

There is a quick grounding mindfulness exercise called 5-4-3-2-1 related to the senses and observing and connecting to your senses right now, give it a go

5 - look for 5 things around you right now and say them out load 

4 -  4 things you can touch and feel

3 - 3 things you can hear 

2 - 2 things you can smell

1 - 1 thing you can taste


A request dear friend and reader.

(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.

(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.

(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.

(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.

If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.

Happy Life Habit Events

Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group

Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page

Instagram happylifehabits_hlh

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaileen-shah/

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.

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