ARTICLES & BLOG
Mental Health Awareness Week: Anxiety Resources
The Week of Mental Health Awareness is ending. Mental Health is ongoing. We need to put in effort and practice to maintain good Mental Health and Mental Fitness.
Included in this blog article is the recording of the Anxiety Master Class sharing a concept from the Bollywood film The 3 Idiots, suggestions on dealing with exam/test anxiety/stress and actual scientific backed practices to help cope with anxiety. We are also sharing the resources such as videos, articles and pdfs shared during Mental Health Awareness Week.
To live life fully, develop skills and habits for positivity, happiness, resilience and productivity
Happy Life Habits provides 1 to 1 coaching, group coaching, workshops, training and regular learning sessions and programs such as Master Mind Group, Inner Compass the 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. All with science, practices and information to help you go from Theory to Practice to Mastery.
The Week of Mental Health Awareness is ending. Mental Health is ongoing. We need to put in effort and practice to maintain good Mental Health and Mental Fitness.
Included in this blog article is the recording of the Anxiety Master Class sharing a concept from the Bollywood film The 3 Idiots, suggestions on dealing with exam/test anxiety/stress and actual scientific backed practices to help cope with anxiety. We are also sharing the resources such as videos, articles and pdfs shared during Mental Health Awareness Week.
To live life fully, develop skills and habits for positivity, happiness, resilience and productivity
Happy Life Habits provides 1 to 1 coaching, group coaching, workshops, training and regular learning sessions and programs such as Master Mind Group, Inner Compass the 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. All with science, practices and information to help you go from Theory to Practice to Mastery.
Here is the Happy Life Habits Anxiety Master Class
Happy Life Habits Daily Mental Health Video Series
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.
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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.
Inspiration Booked & Opportunities
This blog post article looks at:
Recent Inspiration
Work Life Harmony
Some Opportunities
New Ideas
This blog post article looks at:
Recent Inspiration
Work Life Harmony
Some Opportunities
New Ideas
Recent Inspiration
Reminiscing, this time last year about a family road trip of lifetime visiting the Canyons. Amazing experiences and views of natures beauty. In Bryce Canyon we did a morning sunrise trek to Inspiration Point.
I reflected on my current week and observed the following regarding books and webinars as inspiration points.
The first was learning about the amazing teachings of the book the Hindu text the Bhagavad Gita in our Jain School. Our true nature is separate from the body we identify with. Later, organised by JITO and JVB organisations where Shiv Khera shared on "Turning Setbacks into Turnbacks". I read his book, "You Can Win", a while back. In the talk he shared
"Success is a series of positive choices"
and reminded that
"Direction is more important than speed".
I Took part being interviewed in my first podcast, This was with Camden Boyd, The Happiness Question Podcast. I enjoyed the podcast and the questions asked about Happy Life Habits.
I attended Action for Happiness webinar with Mo Gawdat interviewed by Mark Williamson sharing on the topic "Silver Linings". It was another fantastic session. The books related were "10 Keys to Happier Living" an "Solve for Happy" (to be read).
What has inspired you recently?
Work Life Harmony
Recently I was invited again for the 3rd year to Xerox to share a session with their Group Accounting team. Previously I had been invited to share on Happiness at Work ideas and implementation at the Annual Accounting Conference for Chief Group Accountants of various countries.
This time with many working from home and the challenges due to the virus situation I was asked to share ideas and practical tips on Work Life Balance or Work Life Harmony/Integration as I like to consider it.
The Group Accountants for various countries were asked
“Apart from work what are the things that are important to you, you enjoy doing, make you happy?” List at least 8.
They gave answers which included: Time with family or friends, reading, exercise, meditation and cooking.
For you “Apart from work what are the things that are important to you, you enjoy doing, make you happy?”
Some Opportunities
Following the success of June and July Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course; registration is open for the September Course.
Happy Life Habits has a Resilience & Positivity Training Course for employees facing uncertainty, furlough, redundancy or need of a positive change. Please do share the resources from Lightside Financial and Happy Life Habits on Money & Mindset with HR teams and leaders in your place of work or network. Also have a Free Happiness Booster available for companies, networking or community groups.
New Ideas
I’ve been sharing some posts recently on LinkedIn, you can connect if you want to see them.
Happy Life Habits is going to launch a series of inspiring talks inviting individuals /speakers to come and share on a few questions about their journey, challenges faced and how overcome, daily habits, lessons and advice from parents etc. If you would like to take part or have suggestions please get in touch.
I am taking part in a 14 day The Happiness Challenge by Mo Gawdat - Ex Google and author of Solve for Happy. This starts on 10 August and looks interesting. Come join me, get in touch if you are taking part and want to share the experience together.
There is a talk by Nick Williams on Discovering the Work You Were Born to Do NOW: Find and Follow Your Calling. This is on Tuesday 11th Aug 5 pm UK time.
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 Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group
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; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
HAPPIER RELATIONSHIPS EVENT DEVELOPMENT
I’ve enjoyed the creative process to development the Happier Relationships Workshop content being initially delivered on 14th and 28th February.
I’ve drawn upon a variety of materials from Personal Development, Spirituality, The Science of Happiness, blog posts, articles and personal experience to connect ideas and develop the workshop on Happier Relationships. I am really looking forward to share these and help impact happier relationships.
The 2 sessions are part 1 and part 2 and will involve stories, science of happiness research, activities, video and slide presentation. Open to all, free, bring pen, notebook and friends.
Happier Relationships part 1 and 2
Action for Happiness have a February Calendar on Friendship/Relationships which help stimulate ideas for action for you to take.
There is a 21 Day Simple Living Challenge on 29th February. It’s free and online. You get an email each day with an idea or activity to reflect on and action if you so wish. The email has links to a video, article or further information if you want to explore more.
A great way to shift mindset, try something new and fun and observe the benefits that lead to happiness.
Some examples are
Day 1 Declutter Your Home. Give Away At Least One Thing You Don't Need.
Day 2 Make Time To Unplug. Reduce Screen Time Today.
Day 3 Spend Ten Minutes In Silence
Day 4 Clear Out Your Inbox / Mailbox
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
About the Author
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; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Inspired Mindful Moments During Taxing Times
I had not planned to write this blog but had an inspired mindful moment. Today is the last day of the current tax year. I remember a quote I had seen when I was younger.
Born Free, but taxed to death!
Tax, money, work, health, parents, kids, family, relationships, traffic, Brexit or lack off can all cause us stress. Stress in itself is not a bad thing, it is the body’s coping mechanism to deal with perceived threat and help us survive. The problem occurs when we have constant stress which are greater than our capacity to deal with them. Fortunately we can nurture, practice and develop coping systems that increase our capacity to deal with and bounce back. This is known as resilience. Happy Habits such as mindfulness and gratitude help build our resilience, perspective, ability to cope and find solutions.
Over the next month and bit I am fortunate to take part in various events where I can share about stress, resilience, mindfulness and happiness.Some are free public events and some are ticketed events. Details are below.
4th May “The Resilient Dentist” : Oshwal Dental Group
14 May “Mental Health Awareness: Habits for Happy Mental Health” : GLL Better Finchley Lido
30 May “Mental Health Awareness: Habits for Happy Mental Health” : Shishukunj
02 June “Journey from Stress to Happiness”: Oshwal Health and Care Fair : Oshwal Centre
In June I will be hosting an online 21 Day Mindfulness Challenge
If you are coming to any of the events let me know, would love to say hi.
I have capacity to share more and would love to do more events. So If you have opportunities at your work place or group let me know, especially for Mental Health Awareness, Resilience or Well Being.
International Day of Happiness
Have a Happy day celebrating The International Day of Happiness. Smile. Think of something you are grateful for. What good things happened to you today. Practice a mindful moment. Do a random act of kindness. Sign up to the Happy Life Habits newsletter.
Happy Life Habits supports the UNs Sustainable Development Goals.
https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/business-for-good/
I've got the Blues on Blue Monday!
Today, the 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday when many people feel at the 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, government uncertainty on Brexit and such factors.
Ways to combat Blue Monday….
Realise that today is also a Super Red Moon not to be repeated for 10 years
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
Write down 3 things that would make today great
Write done 3 things you are looking forward to this year (family weddings, holiday, get together etc)
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”
Read and share an inspiring story
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
Give a donation to a good cause (time or money)
Cuddle a dog
Do an act of kindness
Do 5 star jumps, some exercise
Attend the last day of Museum of Happiness, Winter Happiness Festival and take part in a Sound Bath
What are some of the ways you can think of ?
HAPPY HABITS FOR HAPPY LIFE
Habits run our life.
They can serve us or dis-empower us. They can be 40% of our behaviour in any given day. We can have bad habits or good habits. Cultivate good, positive habits that serve and empower you.
By definition a habit is “An action or decision repeated and repeated till automatic”. It is moving from the conscious mind to the subconscious.
Habits run our life.
They can serve us or dis-empower us. They can be 40% of our behaviour in any given day. We can have bad habits or good habits. Cultivate good, positive habits that serve and empower you.
By definition a habit is “An action or decision repeated and repeated till automatic”. It is moving from the conscious mind to the subconscious.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit”
One of my favourite books and one that has had a big influence on me is Stephen Covey’s fantastic book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”. He defines “A habit is the intersection of knowledge (what to, why to), skills (how to) and desire (want to)”. All three must exist - the knowledge of what to do and why to do it, the skills on how to do it and the desire to want to do it.
SEVEN HABITS
He highlights 7 Habits for Lessons in Personal Change. These Habits are:
Be Proactive - The Habit of Choice
Begin with the End in Mind - The Habit of Vision
Think First Things First - The Habit of Integrity and Execution
Think Win-Win - The Habit of Mutual Benefit
Seek First to Understand and then to be Understood - The Habit of Mutual Understanding
Synergize - The Habit of Creative Cooperation
Sharpen the Saw - The Habit of Renewal
THE ANATOMY OF A HABIT
A habit has 3 key components :
A cue or trigger / reminder
An action of routine
A reward
This is the habit loop - a cue occurs that leads to an action and then a reward and then this is repeated and repeated.
For example, with the smoking habit
Cue - Feeling of stress and work colleagues going outside for a break
Action - Take cigarette, light and smoke it, chat with work colleagues have a break
Reward - Feeling less stressed, social connection, be outside
Another example, taking a mindful moment
Cue - Feeling of stress or overwhelm
Action - Take a moment outside to go for a mindful walk, focusing on your breath or each step
Reward - feeling less stressed, be outside
Action: Identify the Cue, Action and Reward in one of your dis-empowering and one empowering habit
KEYSTONE HABITS
One type of habit is the Keystone Habit. A Keystone Habit is one that leads to the development of multiple good habits. They start a chain effect of positive results. According to Charles Duhigg, “The Power of Habit” , keystone habits have the power to transform your life. An example is regular exercise also fosters better eating habits. Or sleeping 8 hours a night fosters better energy and productivity.
The name Keystone comes from the building of an arch. The last stone, a wedge shaped one to be put in place at the apex is the keystone (or capstone) which locks all the others in place, providing structure and allowing the other stones to bear the weight.
“Goals set a target/direction, like a Sat Nav. Habits help us progress towards the goal. It is the process /action/decision”
ATOMIC STEPS
Think small, easy, tiny, atomic actions/ habits. This is related to the idea of marginal gains, small changes done each day that over time compound (See books The Slight Edge and The Compound Effect). The British Cycling team used this idea to make small changes in all areas that led to great success. E.g teaching cyclists how to thoroughly wash hands to avoid infection, change in bike material to be marginally lighter, taking cyclists bed mattresses and pillows to hotels so they feel at home and rested.
Some more examples of atomic steps
for exercise to get to 20 push ups a day, choose and commit to 1 push up each day.
For dental hygiene choose and commit to 1 tooth flossed each day.
For reading choose and commit to read 1 page each day.
These should be easy to do, take little time and are foundations to add to and build from as progress and momentum is made.
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS
Layout your tools, supplies, equipment.
For running have running shoes and gym bag by bed or door.
For reading have book by bedside or in daily bag.
For a dis-empowering habit such as smoking cigarettes do the opposite - make the action difficult to do e,g put cigarette pack in a locked box, outside of house in far corner of garden and give key to friend who lives 30 minutes away.
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going”
As we repeatedly do something the neurons in the brain fire and wire so with repetition new wiring / pathways are created which become stronger and replace the previous created ones.
“Repetition is the mother of skill”
SETTING YOUR OWN HABITS
We can have goals and habits in all aspects of our life including: Relationships, Work/Career, Family, Health, Spiritual & Financial.
Here are some guidelines to help build successful, positive, empowering habits.
Identify a cue or cues e.g. Set a time and location, use phone reminder, post it note
Think small, easy, tiny, atomic actions/ habits.
Set yourself up for success - create environment, layout supplies
Have a partner or community who are also working on same things
Pick yourself up if you fall, get back on track
Celebrate the successes
It takes 21 days to create a habit, 90 days to create a lifestyle.
Jerry Seinfeld the comic has reportedly used a yearly wall planner to develop his habit of writing a joke each day of the year. Each day he writes a joke and then marks a cross on his planner. This visual cue and action becomes the habit where he does not want to break the chain. For effective habit formation - monitoring and measured are needed. As the saying goes “What gets measured gets done”.
Consider your existing habits and ones you want to develop …
What is the cue?
What already existing Habit/Cue can I link this with?
What is the action?
What is the reward?
What are the obstacles I may face?
How will I overcome the obstacles?
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
My keystone habit is the daily practice of gratitude, actively and consistently since the start of 2017. This has supported additional habits of:
daily journaling using a happiness journal,
regular reading and study,
Mindfulness & meditation (Monthly Awakin circles - Awakin.org)
exercise - playing badminton twice a week, walking, swimming and sauna,
regular prayer and service.
I have developed habits in the areas of Physical, Mental, Social/Emotional and Spiritual, these help me lead a happy, effective, productive and meaningful life. I wish you the same.
“Sow a thought, reap an action,
Sow an action, reap a habit,
Sow a habit, reap a character,
Sow a character, reap a destiny”
Shaileen, with Vicky Johnson and Shamash Alidina, the founders of the Museum of Happiness are sharing a Habits of Happiness workshop at the Winter Happiness Festival.
Content Sources for article
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey
The Slight Edge - Jeff Olson
The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg
Atomic Habits - James Clear
The Compound Effect - Darren Hardy
How to develop better habits in 2019 - Ryan Holiday