ARTICLES & BLOG
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:
What is Happiness?
How Happy Are You?
What Makes You Happy?
What Makes You Unhappy?
What Do We Mean by Happiness?
You Cannot Make Everyone Happy: The Fable of the Father, Son and Donkey
What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?
Why is Happiness Important?
The Science of Happiness
The Negativity Bias
How Does Happiness Help?
What Can We Do?
The World Happiness Index and Report
What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?
The Happiness Chemicals – Daily D.O.S.E
The Happy Chemicals
The Daily D.O.S.E
What did I learn? What will I do?
How to Increase Happiness
Models and Frameworks for Happiness
Which Model to Use?
What did I learn? What will I do?
Mindfulness Meditation
What is Mindfulness?
Benefits of Mindfulness
Practicing Mindfulness
What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?
Kindness
Kindness and Compassion
Benefits of Kindness
Practicing Kindness
Self Compassion
What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?
Gratitude
Gratitude and Blessings
Benefits of Gratitude
Practicing Gratitude
What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?
Journaling
The Magic of Journaling
Benefits of Journaling
Types of Journaling
What Did I Learn? What Will I Do?
Happy Life Habits: How to Structure an Every Day Happiness Day
What Do We Include in an Every Day Happiness Day
Habits
The Investment Banker and the Fisherman
Do You Choose to be Happy?
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.
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.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 : 15th - 21st May: Theme Anxiety
Happy Life Habits (HLH) is again supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) and the theme of Anxiety.
Mental Health and anxiety is about what is going on inside with our thoughts and feelings. We all feel moments of anxiety due to various things which can include health, work, loved ones, money worries, exams and life/world events.
You are not alone in feeling anxiety. It has been show to increase in recent years.
According to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation 25% (1 in 4) adults reported feeling anxious.
It's how we cope with it that matters. HLH has a dedicated Mental Health WhatsApp group as part of its Community. During MHAW we will share daily tips, quotes, resources to cope with anxiety.
Join HLH Mental Health WhatsApp Group https://chat.whatsapp.com/D6ILNpZcxQ1KT8OAlwZIma
Happy Life Habits (HLH) is again supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) and the theme of Anxiety.
Mental Health and anxiety is about what is going on inside with our thoughts and feelings. We all feel moments of anxiety due to various things which can include health, work, loved ones, money worries, exams and life/world events.
You are not alone in feeling anxiety. It has been show to increase in recent years.
According to a survey by the Mental Health Foundation 25% (1 in 4) adults reported feeling anxious.
It's how we cope with it that matters. HLH has a dedicated Mental Health WhatsApp group as part of its Community. During MHAW we will share daily tips, quotes, resources to cope with anxiety.
On Thurs 18th May we have these free events:
(1) Gratitude for Wellbeing Workshop for Mind in Enfield & Barnet
(2) MasterClass on Coping with Anxiety 8-9pm ( Zoom details will be shared in WhatsApp group)
Join the Happy Life Habits dedicated Mental Health WhatsApp group
I just couldn't wait to share this. Yesterday I spent a few hours curating additional resources for Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) starting next week which included watching more than a dozen TED Talks.
I've got some fantastic material including an anxiety test, TED Talks, Quotes, Articles and the HLH MHAW Video series.
I will start sharing this today on the HLH Mental Health WhatsApp group today as it spans more than a week's worth of content.
During MHAW there will be about 3 or 4 messages throughout the day to share the content: Video, Quote, Article, TED Talk.
I watched all the short HLH MHAW Video series which I had shot during the pandemic. The material in my biased opinion is still awesome.
Here is the intro video - please watch, the title page has the topics.
Each video is short, content rich, has my personal experience, science/facts, an inspiring quote and most importantly an action for you to do each day.
Only in taking action will we make a difference and change. Information is information. When applied, actioned and lived it becomes experience and wisdom.
Here is one of the first TED Talks I curated a few weeks back, it is packed with great information and also has 2 practices you can immediately apply to help with anxiety. Reassuringly the 2 practices are shared in the mini video series.
Here is link to Anxiety Test
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/results/stress_and_anxiety
How did you score?
What an amazing Coronation concert. Absolutely loved watching it on TV. Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Take That rocked it.
Do you think they were anxious? If so, they certainly did not show it. They owned the stage, the moment and engaged and connected with the audience both at Windsor Castle and those watching at home.
Watch the video with Katy Perry and Take That videos - they exudes calm confidence and you can see the joy in their performances.
How did they cope with any anxiety?
I believe they all have learnt to develop calm confidence, an antidote to anxiety.
What makes you feel anxiety?
We all feel moments of anxiety due to various things which can include health, work, loved ones, money worries, exams and life/world events.
How do you cope with Anxiety?
Calm Confidence is something we will share at the Free Happy Life Habits Anxiety Master Class in support of Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). We will also share :
What is Anxiety?
Symptoms
Ways to Cope
Do actionable activities
Q&A
The zoom link will be shared in the HLH Mental Health WhatsApp Group.
Starting soon and also during MHAW we will share daily resources including videos, quotes, articles, actions etc. in the Mental Health Group.
Please share with those who you think may benefit from this.
I am hoping to write an article with various resources and additional material after MHAW.
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.
3 is The Magic Number
Three is a magic number. Many good things come in 3s and it is small enough for our brains to work with.
I had put a request out on LinkedIn and Facebook. I am working on a blog article related to things in 3s such as:
Mind, Body and Spirit
Heaven, Earth, Hell
Past, Present, Future
Gas, Liquid, Solid
Creator, Maintainer, Destroyer
or 3 positive words such as
Enthusiastic, Inspiring and Encouraging
Any 3s that come to mind for you that I may be able to include in the article?
What 3 virtues would you like to be remembered for?
What are 3 items of clothing that give you joy?
Three is a magic number. Remember De La Soul singing that? If you do you are from the best generation!
Watch and listen to this video by De La Soul on The Magic Number, if you remember it, turn it up, smile and sing along. If it is new to you - still do the same before reading on.
Many good things come in 3s. It is small enough for our brains to work with. This is published as we come towards the month three of the year. Published on “30/03/2023” - (how many 3s?) around 3:33pm.
I had put a request out on LinkedIn and Facebook. I am working on a blog article related to things in 3s such as:
Mind, Body and Spirit
Heaven, Earth, Hell
Past, Present, Future
Gas, Liquid, Solid
Creator, Maintainer, Destroyer
or 3 positive words such as
Enthusiastic, Inspiring and Encouraging
Any 3s that come to mind for you that I may be able to include in the article?
Here are responses…which resonate with you? What would you add?
Happy Life Habits embodies these sets of 3:
Which 3 interest you? Let me know.
The 3 domains for personal development, science of happiness and spirituality I actively nurture and continue learn in by committing to a 300 day coaching program, writing, speaking and running workshops and training; and being involved in community groups (including faith based).
What 3 virtues would you like to be remembered for?
At a recent prayer meeting for a friend who was very much part of one of the communities we belong to and who we had been on holiday with; when speeches were given by family, friends and community members; I was reminded of these 3 things which contribute to our happiness.
Connection - Our friend, Mr K, was very much about connection and relationships. Studies such as the 85 year Harvard study led by Robert Waldinger have shown that these help us life long, healthy and happy lives. His friends of more than 67 years shared how Mr K encouraged them to buy a house on the same street he was on when a house came up for sale. In this way Mr K has many of his close friends and families living on the same street over 6 or more homes.
Kindness and sharing - When Mr K went to Wembley, more that 30 mins from where he lived, to get the famous, delicious crispy bhajias from Maru Bhajia House he would order extra portions and deliver these goodies to his friends.
Service and helping make memorable experiences - we heard many stories of his contribution to service and in creating memorable experiences. Examples where writing a diary/journal for each of his daughters, helping people have a memorable experience of Madeira by taking them to places and activities which he had already done many times before.
What 3 virtues would you like to be remembered for?
For me its : Enthusiastic, Inspiring and Encouraging
Bucket List of 3
Growing up I had a bucket list or goals list with many items. Some achieved some drifted away and some still to pursue. As I learnt more about the science of happiness where the research showed that experiences rather than material things adds to our happiness my focus has shifted to experiences.
Before it was to own a Ferrari. Now it is to rent a Ferrari for a weekend or a week.
To swim with the dolphins - preferably somewhere exotic
To do a hot air balloon ride over a scenic area
One of these is planned for this year. Have you any experience of the above 3? Any suggestions or advice?
What 3 things are on your bucket list?
Triple Dipping
I was reminded of the triple dipping of a positive experience:
The planning, the anticipation, the looking forward to
The actual experience unfolding, the moment to moment joy
The savouring in the future of the past experience, reliving and retelling the experience.
A bit more about savouring in this blog article BACK TO THE FUTURE: CREATING MEMORIES TO SAVOUR.
What is an experience you can savour?
3 Jackets / Coats for the seasons of Autumn, Winter and Spring
I highly encourage investing in 3 good quality coats or jackets for the different seasons. I have one for Winter, Autumn, Spring (Rain) - each is well made, comfortable, functional, a joy to wear and feel plus having plenty of pockets for hats, gloves, pens, phone etc.
What are 3 items of clothing that give you joy?
Gratitude to the power of 3
In our gratitude workshops and gratitude journaling training we share Robert Emmons insight about Gratitude to the power of 3. Gratitude has the power to :
Heal
Help us when we feel deflated / down, to energise us
Give us Hope for the future
3 good things
A popular happiness practice that I have as part of my daily routine is the 3 Good Things practice. It is one of the 5 positive psychology based practices in the Happiness Journal ( The 5 Minute Journal) that we supply, use and teach how to use. The practice counters the negative bias that is in the world by purposefully finding 3 good things that happened in the day. A focus on positivity, optimism and goodness. In the last week or so many good things happened. I’ll share 3 here.
Was on the receiving end of The Gratitude Letter Activity that we do in the 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. Heard stories of others experiences and how they have adapted which is creating ripples further a field.
Celebrated International Day of Happiness with two Happiness Booster sessions where we used the gratitude cards. Great energising session combined with a wonderful sense of connection with familiar faces and strangers.
A focused, uplifting and knowledge sharing Master Mind Group Session where we continued to share with other the practices we are doing and the impact they are making. Plus shared the Law of the Garbage Truck. The story was shared to the Happy Life Habits Community and a member messaged to share their personal experience of applying the ideas from the story when they had been in an accident.
In addition to reading this blog article …What 3 good things happened to you this week?
The Happy Life Habits Pay it Forward Fund
Enables those who currently at this moment in time not be able to financially take part in the Happy Life Habits services to do so. It has been contributed to by generous people who believe in the services that Happy Life Habits provides.
During the last year we have been able to support 3 people.
Giving the Happiness Journal to a course attendee let them continue their practice one year after they had completed the 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course.
Provided partial funding to two people of the 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course.
Get in touch if you would like to pay it forward or if you would like to use the funds.
3 ways of staying connected to Happy Life Habits
We will be less active on social media using WhatsApp Community, email mailing list and sessions (virtual and in person) to enhance connection, community and coaching.
Join the new WhatsApp Community group that replaces the HLH Broadcast list. Stay informed about Happy Life Habits activities plus add value information such as events, offers, articles, videos, quotes plus dedicated HLH groups. Positively Impacting Happiness and Wellbeing Levels to go from theory to practice to mastery.
Average 2 messages a week.
Join the WhatsApp Happy Life Habits Community at https://chat.whatsapp.com/FJ4vetMGbEIEd2hH5BRfU2
Only admins will be able to see your name, number and message. No other members of the community will be able to contact you.
Join the HLH mailing list - see bottom of this page.
Attend a HLH session: talk, workshop, training course - virtual or in person.
3 ways of helping Happy Life Habits positively impacting happiness and wellbeing levels
Join a training course, workshop or service
Let people at your workplace, company, organisation, community group : HR, wellbeing officers and leaders know that Happy Life Habits can do talks, workshops and training that make a difference.
Help others know about HLH who may benefit from what we offer. You could help them positively change their life.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Inner Cheerleader instead of Inner Critic
Inner Cheerleader instead of Inner Critic
2, 4, 6 8 Who Do We Appreciate?
Do you sometimes amaze yourself?
We often succumb to the inner critic we all have who tells us we can't do it, we not worthy, we are not good enough, it's going to fail etc.
I believe we have an Inner Cheerleader too.
Inner Cheerleader instead of Inner Critic
2, 4, 6 8 Who Do We Appreciate?
Do you sometimes amaze yourself?
We often succumb to the inner critic we all have who tells us we can't do it, we not worthy, we are not good enough, it's going to fail etc.
I believe we have an Inner Cheerleader too. I amazed myself yesterday. I went for a walk and chose to listen to the People on Purpose podcast by David Roberts which released the episode I am in on 1st Feb. We had recorded it end of last year so I had forgotten some of what we have covered.
It's bloody brilliant if I humbly say so myself, so rich in content, David has asked questions which give breadth and depth covering so much in 60 mins about life, happiness, wellbeing, stress, work life balance, habits, routines, practices, planning, my journey, personal development, science of happiness and spirituality.
Here are the show notes:
For this episode, David is joined by Shaileen Shah who is a happiness coach. He is the founder of Happy Life Habits. A business that helps people, communities, and companies to be happier, kinder, and more effective, and to respond in a meaningful way to the challenges that life and indeed wider society throws at us on a daily basis. Shaileen shares his own learning journey. Explaining how he explored the science of happiness and sharing some of these experiments and the results. Shaileen explains how to develop habits that naturally release the happy chemicals and flush away the stress chemicals. Something that automatically makes you feel happier as well as benefiting your health and improving the balance in your life.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Shaileen´s approach is informed by scientific studies into happiness as well as by cultural practices. Doing the things that naturally release the happy chemicals in your body is powerful. Hedonic happiness is fleeting. Eudaimonic happiness goes far deeper. Pro-social practices contribute massively to happiness. Acknowledge negative emotions like anger, but don't dwell on them. You have to actively counter society's negative bias. Shaileen shares several ways to do this. Connection with others is really important. Be aware of what you have achieved in the past year. It can be used as fuel to take you further. Take stock 4 or 5 times a year. Life is short, make the absolute most of it.
BEST MOMENTS
‘With that timeout, I revisited and really looked at the things which were important to me, I reflected, I looked at my values again,’ ‘Happiness is not just a fleeting emotion, it's bigger than that.’ ‘There is flex in my planning, if an opportunity comes along, which I hadn't planned for, but it feels right … I say yes to this’
It is 60 mins, take 10 minutes and listen today, if you like what you hear listen to another 10 today or tomorrow and repeat. (use link in original post or one shared in comments)
What's your Inner Cheerleader cheering you on about?
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Gratitude is my Super Power
Gratitude is my superpower. When I am immersed in the feeling of gratitude I come alive, have hope, optimism, see some many possibilities, am creative and very productive. My whole energy is different - feel very positive, connected and grounded.
Gratitude is my Superpower
7 THINGS THAT AFFECT YOUR VIBRATORY FREQUENCY FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF QUANTUM PHYSICS
What are your Superpowers?
Thanksgiving
Inner Compass Good Life
Outstanding Black Friday Offer
Gratitude is my SuperPower
7 THINGS THAT AFFECT YOUR VIBRATORY FREQUENCY FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF QUANTUM PHYSICS
What are your Superpowers?
Thanksgiving
Inner Compass Good Life
Outstanding Black Friday Offer
Gratitude is my Superpower
Gratitude is my superpower. When I am immersed in the feeling of gratitude I come alive, have hope, optimism, see some many possibilities, am creative and very productive. My whole energy is different - feel very positive, connected and grounded. The sense of bouyancy and levity where feet a firmly on ground, grounded yet at the same time head and heart are in the skies.
Gratitude vibrates at 540 Mhz frequency - this is the same as joy. Peace and Love sit on either side. Fear is at around 100, Depression at 50 and Enlightenment 700+.
If everything is energy and the law of attraction works on energy frequencies it makes sense for us to cultivate higher energy states on a more regular basis. This is beneficial to our health and happiness.
Gratitude vibrates at 540 MHz. Being grateful falls on the same level as love — it is one of the highest vibrational frequencies you can be at. The more time you can spend in gratitude and love, the more your body’s frequency raises and the healthier your body becomes.
https://www.moravianmanorcommunities.org/practicing-daily-gratitude-to-enhance-health
Gratitude has the ability to heal, feel less deflated and give us hope. It amplifies the good in our life, rescues us and helps us feel connected.
Depression is sadness with not hope
Tal Ben-Shahar - Happiness Teacher
While writing this blog article my friend Nilpa sent me this:
7 THINGS THAT AFFECT YOUR VIBRATORY FREQUENCY FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF QUANTUM PHYSICS.
Vibration in quantum physics means that everything is energy. We are beings vibrate at certain frequencies. Each vibration is equivalent to a feeling and in the "vibrational" world, there are only two kinds of vibrations, positive and negative. Any feeling causes you to emit a vibration that can be positive or negative.
1– Thoughts
Every thought emits a frequency towards the Universe and that frequency returns towards the origin, so in the case, if you have negative thoughts, of discouragement, sadness, anger, fear, all that returns to you. That is why it is so important that you take care of the quality of your thoughts and learn to cultivate more positive thoughts.
2– The Companies.
The people around you directly influence your vibration frequency. If you surround yourself with happy, positive, determined people, you will also enter that vibration, now if you surround yourself with complaining, cursing and pessimistic people, be careful! Well, they may be decreasing your frequency and, as a consequence, preventing you from making the Law of Attraction work in your favor.
3– The Music.
The music is very powerful. If you only listen to music that talks about death, betrayal, sadness, abandonment, all of that will interfere with what you vibrate to. Pay attention to the lyrics of the music you listen to, it may be lowering your vibration frequency. And remember: you attract into your life exactly what you vibrate to.
4– The things you see.
When you watch programs that address misfortunes, death, betrayals, etc. your brain accepts that as a reality and releases a whole chemistry in your body, causing your vibration frequency to be affected. See things that do you good and help you vibrate at a higher frequency.
5– The Environment.
Whether at home or at work, if you spend much of your time in a disorganized and dirty environment, this will also affect your vibrational frequency. Improve what is around you, organize and clean your environment. Show the Universe that you are fit to receive much more. Take care of what you already have!
6 – The Word.
If you use to complain or speak ill of things and people, this affects your vibration frequency. To keep your frequency high it is essential that you eliminate the habit of claiming, complaining and speaking ill of others. So avoid making dramas and victimizing yourself. Assume your Responsibility for the choices of your Life!
7– Gratitude.
Gratitude positively affects your vibrational frequency. That is a habit that you should incorporate right now into your life. Begin to be thankful for everything, for the good things and those that you consider not good, be thankful for all the experiences you have lived. Gratitude opens the doors for good things to flow positively in your life.
What are your Superpowers?
Gratitude is in my top 5 of Virtues in Action Character strengths. If you would like to know yours you can find out here. The new Happy Life Habits Inner Compass Good Life program has a session on Strengths. When you identify your strengths and values then proceed to work from them you have your super powers.
Through working from my superpowers and knowing the benefits of gratitude, Happy Life Habits offers your some opportunities to develop your superpowers, skills and cultivate the virtue of gratitude.
Thanksgiving
ThanksGiving gives us an opportunity to count our blessings and consider what we are grateful for.
Gratitude can help shift our mood, amplify the good we already have and give hope to a better future.
Gratitude is a habit of the heart. We recognise, acknowledge and reflect upon the gifts and blessing that we already have in our lives. We develop an abundance mindset as opposed to a scarcity mindset.
Happy Life Habits is hosting a Thanksgiving event giving an opportunity to explore grateful living using gratitude cards, to reflect, play and connect. These cards were gifted to Happy Life Habits by our friend Ashik Shah. Thank you Ashik for this gift (and others you have given). Looking forward to putting them to good use and sharing gratitude.
Gratitude Cards offer both playful and deep questions, inviting you to tune into life's abundance and the transformative possibilities of grateful living.
There are 5 themes :
Perspective - enhancing the capacity to see life anew - e.g. When was the last time you took a leap of faith?
Wonder - awakening to the beauty and magic of life - e.g. In what way is life inviting you to embrace uncertainty right now?
Sufficiency - noticing and savouring life’s abundance - e.g. Describe a role model in your life who demonstrates contentment
Connection - holding and nurturing our interdependence - e.g. What is something you can do today for your future self?
Healing - restoring ourselves, one another, and the world - e.g. What is one way you make a difference to your community?
As a group and in small groups we will explore some of these themes using the cards.
Inner Compass Good Life
This is a new program we are launching. Program for deeper clarity on your Life, Time, Energy & Focus. It will help you review the last year, make plans for the next year, identify your strengths, create a personal mission statement, recognise what’s important to you and refine your self image. Guided step and actions to make small positive changes that have a big impact.
These have helped guide me and I look forward to sharing them with you.
This program is for you if you need a refocus, refresh, clarity on time, energy and focus to live a fulfilled life.
We are launching with an special introductory launch price to work with a small group of people committed to making positive changes in their life. Starting now.
Happy Life Habits Black Friday Offer
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
What do you Value?
What do you value?
I am not talking about material/physical things but a deeper sense of what are your inner values that matter you most?
Each year organised by World Values Day there is a day dedicated for us to remember, reflect and consider values and their impact for us as individuals, schools, community groups, organisations, nations and as the human race.
World Values Day 2022 is on Thursday 20th October and has a variety of activities and events around the world for us to get involved with on the theme if community.
#WorldValuesDay2022
What do you value?
I am not talking about material/physical things but a deeper sense of what are your inner values that matter you most?
Each year organised by World Values Day there is a day dedicated for us to remember, reflect and consider values and their impact for us as individuals, schools, community groups, organisations, nations and as the human race.
World Values Day 2022 is on Thursday 20th October and has a variety of activities and events around the world for us to get involved with on the theme if community.
From World Values Day website:
"World Values Day is an annual campaign to increase the awareness and practice of values around the world.
Values are what matter most to us. They motivate and guide us. They are the passion in our hearts, the reason we do the things we do.
In a world that can feel increasingly divided, values help unite us. They are the glue holding together our communities and wider society.
Our theme this year is Values for Community. So on World Values Day let’s put our values into action, reaching across the growing barriers that divide us to build stronger communities and a more united world."
Happy Life Habits is supporting World Values Day.
Find out more about various activities and events plus get involved at https://www.worldvaluesday.com/valuesthon-2022/
#WorldValuesDay2022
Happy Life Habits Values
From when Happy Life Habits was started in 2018 we gave a lot of thought from the outset on why we exist, what our mission is and the values we want to live and work by. This you can read more about at Why, What and How. Here is a snippet.
WHAT WE DO & HOW WE DO IT
We positively impact happiness & well-being levels. Sharing and developing Habits to live a Happy Life.
This is so individuals, groups, communities & companies can engage in a happier, kinder, effective and meaningful way with the challenges that life unfolds. We combine Personal Development with The Science of Happiness & Spirituality to create and share uniquely creative, informative and valuable material through talks, workshops and coaching.
HAPPY LIFE HABITS = PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT + THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS + SPIRITUALITY
We share knowledge, skills, tools and experience to inspire, encourage, shift mindset to develop and integrate positive, empowering habits into our lives. We do this with a focus on core values at the heart of everything we think, say and do. We are a business for good.
OUR VALUES
Gratitude
Integrity
Kindness
Innovation
Focus
Effectiveness
Service
Making a Difference
Learning
Growth
Outstanding Value
Win-Win Relationship
In this blog article TO BE OR NOT TO BE? – THAT IS THE QUESTION OR IS IT A CHOICE? BE A CATERPILLAR, BECOME A BUTTERFLY I shared a poem that captures values, virtues and affirmations. Here it is (Taking enquiries for a beautiful printed poster version).
“To Be or Not to Be? – That is a question or is it a choice?
Be a Caterpillar, Become a Butterfly
By a Wanna Be Butterfly Shaileen Shah 26 Sep 2017
Dedicated to all the teachers and inspirers past, present and future; who have guided us to make this world better by making ourselves better. Lessons, values, guidelines, way of living learnt through family, friends, films, books, seminars, workshops, talks, teachers, TED talks, newsletters, articles, blogs, conversations and ponderings.
Behind you lies the past
Before you awaits the future
Be present, be here, now
Be blissful, joyful, happy and peaceful
Be conscious, conscientious, insightful and natural
Be energetic, be moving, be moved and be still
Be a seeker, aspirer, Divine, graceful and of service
Be wholesome, authentic, an observer and a witness
Be grateful, humble, generous and giving
Be charitable, donor, giver and receiver
Be compassionate, kind, caring and loving
Be forgiving, honest, straightforward and content
Be awake, alive, awesome, extraordinary and wonderful
Be careful, respectful, carefree and tolerant
Be a follower, leader, trailblazer and a guide
Be on The Path, be off the beaten track
Be the light, beacon, role model and mentor
Be a teacher, student, learning, teachable and sharer
Be growing, nurturing, developing and blossoming
Be listening, consoling, be consultative, and approachable
Be flexible, adaptable, open and perspective shifting
Be encouraging, supportive, dependable and helpful
Be proactive, responsible, accountable and resourceful
Be cooperative, patient, synergistic and part of the solution
Be going the extra mile, adding value, not giving up and keep moving forward
Be positive, enthusiastic, insightful and optimistic
Be focussed, steadfast, persistent, grounded and centred
Be brave, courageous, bold and fearless
Be creative, imaginative, visionary, daring and clear
Be connected, a team player, performer and game changer
Be prepared, planned, ready, organised and spontaneous
Be engaging, gregarious, humorous and funny
Be hospitable, welcoming, warm and big hearted
Be trustworthy, trusting, loyal, complete and full of integrity
Be mindful, aware, attentive, tuned in and be there
Be inquisitive, curious, and adventurous
Be healthy, wealthy and wise
Be better today than you were yesterday
Believe in yourself, have faith and move mountains
Be reflective, contemplative, introspective and meditative
Be the change, be transformative, evolving and a catalyst
Be the best that you can be, a masterpiece, unique and special
Be yourself, realise your potential and be free
Be a caterpillar, become a butterfly
Too busy to just be?
Be reminded it is a choice to be or not to be
Just Be.”
What are you values?
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.
Her Majesty The Queen 1926 - 2022 Happy Life Habits : Positive Grief : The Dash
I share this poem, The Dash, in the Happy Life Habits Positive Grief talks along with some science of what grief does to the brain, ways to cope with grief and help others.
The poem is short yet very powerful, timely and reflective.
Photo image from Bournemouth Echo
I share this poem, The Dash, in the Happy Life Habits Positive Grief talks along with some science of what grief does to the brain, ways to cope with grief and help others.
The poem is short yet very powerful, timely and reflective.
THE DASH.. BY LINDA ELLIS
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars… the house… the cash.
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.
To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile… remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash??
Resources for Positive Grief : https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/positive-grief
and The Dash video is here
Saw this great post on LinkedIn by Ian West which shares some of the Queen’s Dash.
Just to put the history of Her Majesty's passing into context, and shut up the minority of trolls who seem to be in their 'so what' grumpy moods...
Elizabeth II was born less than 23 years after the Wright brothers carried out the first ever powered flight. Four of Queen Victoria's children were still alive when she was born. The last one of them died in 1944 when Elizabeth was already 18.
She lived for more than a third of the entire age of the United States (1776) - a nation which is only 246 years old. And well over half the age of Canada (1867), and all but 25 years of the nation of Australia (1901).
She became Queen at the age of just 25, when Stalin and Truman were also in post, just 7 years after the end of WWII.
Her first Prime Minister was born in 1874. Yes, the 1800s!!!
Her last PM was born only two years before her Silver Jubilee in 1975 - so her first and last PMs were born over 100 years apart!
She was already 51 when she celebrated that first Jubilee in 1977.
Ruling in her own right (with no regent, like Louis XIV had for 13 years), she was the longest reigning monarch in World history, no matter what Wikipedia says. In my book, Regencies don't really count as "doing the job" - you don't really 'rule' when you're only 4 years old, like he was!
She lived through three kings herself before she even took the throne - George V, Edward VIII, and her father George VI
She saw the jet age arrive, the birth of electronic computing, and the space age - all before she was 35 years old.
She ruled for 70 years at the age of 96, more than 35 years after the age at which most people retire.
Her reign is over 7% of the entire history of Britain since William the Conqueror took the crown - 956 years ago - and that's considering that we've had 41 monarchs in that time. So, on a pro-rata basis, each reign would only be 23 years. So, she's done the equivalent of over three tours of duty.
So, yeah, she certainly *was* Great Britain and everything that we've seen and grown up with. She was with us through, literally, all we've ever known in living memory.
Her selfless service to this country was simply astonishing, when she could have 'retired' from the job decades ago and enjoyed some well-deserved rest.
She is now a huge part of British history herself, there is no 'was' about it anymore. She *is* and will remain an integral component of this country, having overseen an amazing Elizabethan Age.
I am glad to have lived in her reign, and witnessed it, in spite of the country's broken heart.
As she said herself "Grief is the price we pay for love."
Rest in Peace Ma'am with your beloved Philip.
Your duty has been done ... multiple times over.
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.
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:
To fully enjoy the taste or smell of something
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:
To fully enjoy the taste or smell of something
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.
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
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.
Asking and answering “What would make today great?” helps focus on intentions for the day.
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.
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.
SIX MONTHS OF EXCUSES OR SIX MONTHS OF PROGRESS?
It is pretty much 30 years since I graduated from University. My son has just sat his “A” level exams hoping to embark on his university journey. There is a lot to reflect on and a lot has changed. Let’s focus on the last 6 months.
How are your New Year’s Resolutions going?
6 Month Review
It is pretty much 30 years since I graduated from University. My son has just sat his “A” level exams hoping to embark on his university journey. There is a lot to reflect on and a lot has changed. Let’s focus on the last 6 months.
How are your New Year’s Resolutions going?
Did you see them through? Did you give up? What now for the rest of the year?
Reflecting back on the last 6 months of the year is an experience I enjoy doing regularly. It allows me to savour some of the positive experiences I have had, learn and grow, top up my self esteem and remind me of my purpose.
In the annual Looking Back, Looking Forward workshop done in December I reflected on the past year and made plans for this year both on personal and professional fronts. Some of the things I wanted to focus on were:
Take part in more podcasts, festivals, shows, conferences and webinars
Saying yes to opportunities
Learning & Growth
Health
A Better tomorrow : Talks in Community
More Corporate work
My word for the year : Intentional
Most of these are in progress with habits built around them though the more corporate work is one that needs attention.
The image shows the activities Happy Life Habits has been involved with these last 6 months. Much gratitude to all who have supported, shared or taken part.
We continued to deliver the 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course and Monthly MasterMind Group plus workshops for Mind in Barnet & Enfield. We had events on Happier Relationships and Grief, Kids Half Term activities, took part in community webinars and talks (part of better tomorrow focus). Got involved in podcasts and invited to share at summits.
Some of these were opportunities that came our way and we said yes.
Connection and collaboration is a running theme. We hosted a Happiness Festival for International Day of Happiness in March with over 15 speakers involved and also 4 days of Mental Health Awareness Week in May with various speakers and organisations. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to share some of our morning routines in a feature for the newspaper the Metro.
For corporate work - any opportunities, leads and suggestions you have are welcome and you will be rewarded.
Direction is more important than speed
Happy Life Habit is moving in the right direction though the speed of progress is less than hoped. The next 6 months we will continue to work using our strengths in particular Gratitude and the love of Learning through gratitude related activities and the MasterMind Group by incorporating ideas and learnings from books, seminars and the 300 Day Heroic coaching course I am on to add even more value. (Prices for products and services will be going up to reflect the additional value - you can benefit by joining the waiting list now before prices rise).
Please give use a review if we have positively impacted your happiness and wellbeing. As a small business this makes a big difference to us.
Love of Learning
I've binged on books and bought a few that I heard good things about.
Which of these would you start with and why?
Do you read cover to cover on dip in and out?
Do you read one book at a time till you're finished or various at the same time?
I am reading one at a time and going through one a week by applying the habit of reading 10 pages a day.
I’ll incorporate learning from these books and others into the MasterMind Group, talks, courses, training and coaching that Happy Life Habits offers. May also do an event sharing things I have applied from the books plus short videos to share on Youtube.
Just takes 1 idea, concept or practice to change your trajectory in life.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
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.
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.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) 2022 Theme Loneliness
Resources to support Mental Health Awareness Week : Theme Loneliness include articles, videos and events.
Prassannachandra story from Jain Faith
Mental Health can manifest as physical issues
Mental Health Awareness Week 9 -15 May 2022 : Theme Loneliness
Articles, videos, events, resources
Mental Health can and will impact everyone of us in some way : directly or indirectly. The better aware we are the better we can respond. The below video is a Jain faith story being used here to highlight how a person may appear externally does not reflect what is going on internally. The image below it (shared to me by Nisanka Wickramarachchi) shares some of the physical issues that manifest due to mental health. At Happy Life Habits we share that health, happiness and the human being are based on 4 main inter- related dimensions: Physical, Mental, Social/Emotional and Spiritual. An impact in any one has a knock on effect on others. A 4 are very much connected.
Mental Health can manifest as physical issues (image by Mellow Doodles).
Mental Health Awareness Week 9 -15 May 2022 : Theme Loneliness
Happy Life Habits (HLH) is again supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). This year The Mental Health Foundation has chosen the theme of Loneliness. This theme is a very important to me personally, I’ve written about it many a time and we strive to create Happy Life Habit events to have a sense of community, connection, interaction and belonging to help avoid loneliness.
Am I alone in thinking; actually; in believing that loneliness need not exist. We have the power in our choices of thought, speech, action to increase a bit more kindness, compassion, love, forgiveness, friendliness, mindfulness and gratitude in our interactions; to mean no one need ever feel alone. We are social animals and expressing these virtues lead to pro-social behaviours; a sense of connection and community.
- Shaileen Shah
This article from the Mental Health Foundation explains why the theme of loneliness. It shares:
Loneliness is the feeling we experience when there is a mismatch between the social connections we have and those that we need or want.
It found that the warmth of our relationships throughout life had the greatest impact on our life satisfaction and health.
During the lockdowns, we found that loneliness was almost 3 times that of pre-pandemic levels.
The Paradox is you are not alone in feeling alone.
When have you experienced Mental Health Challenges or loneliness? How did you feel? What did you do? What Helped?
I've felt lonely or experience Mental Health challenges:
1st week and 1st year at University - had no immediate like minded friend circle.
During the Summer when finishing an MSc. - Most of the other students had left the city.
In my first job during my twenties for a US consultancy when I was posted in the US for a few weeks/months - first and only birthday and Diwali on my own without family or friends.
When on honeymoon in the Maldives and better half needed an emergency operation. In a time when mobiles did not readily exist, international calls were expensive; we needed to deal with this on our own.
At work when there was after work drinks at pub, being a non-drinker and introverted I felt out of place.
When I suffered work related stress - felt could not talk to anyone.
At the start of the pandemic - see Together in Isolation article.
I felt disconnected, on my own, low, no drive.
Here are some snippets and links (click title) to Happy Life Habits articles on Mental Health, Connection, Loneliness etc. Plus one from The Charity Mind.
Together in Isolation
The communities that I am a part of; being for me a source of faith, learning, growth, health, service and social activity were all stopping events and activity - badminton clubs, youth clubs, Jain Faith School, Jain Faith Convention, meditation circles, etc. This was impacting my sense of connection, community, clarity and meaning.
— Shaileen Shah - Together in Isolation
The Ups and Downs of a Happiness Coach
During this pandemic I have been craving for connection both people to people and grateful for the technology connections, I guess with the previous articles on Happier Relationships and what I have learnt over time I understand the importance of this to our happiness, well being and mental health. I have also been through the turbulence of insecurities and validation issues.
Houston we have a problem : we’ve lost connection
Imagine if I was not in good Mental Health and maybe even Suicidal what could have happened if that one email did not come through? I know from website statistics that more than one person had read the article. The picture on the article of me sitting on a chair , on a cliff edge looking out and contemplating could have turned into standing up and taking a few steps to the cliff edge and then a few more steps…
What do we all have in common? Community
Happy Life Habits (HLH) has been working hard to serve and cultivate a community of people who want to positively impact happiness and well-being levels. When we are happy, kind, optimistic or hopeful by contagion the people around us also feel that. An act of kindness done to one person ripples out to 6 others and then with each of those 6 rippling to another 6 for three further levels.
No man is an island
They remind us we do not achieve things on our own (poem), that what/who we are surrounded by (our community, environment) has an impact on us (corn story) and we have an impact on others; and finally that real wealth, happiness and life satisfaction is in being kind, giving and making a difference to others.
The Charity Mind Resources on Loneliness
Explains loneliness, including the causes of loneliness and how it relates to mental health problems. Gives practical tips to help manage feelings of loneliness, and other places you can go for support.
Feeling lonely isn't in itself a mental health problem, but the two are strongly linked. Having a mental health problem can increase your chance of feeling lonely.
Here are a set of curated videos on the theme of loneliness and how to deal with it.
We are partnering with some groups, organisations and individuals to support in terms of awareness, community and connection. These are : Mind In Enfield and Barnet, Young Jains, Oshwal Connect, Manish Gohel (Asian Parents Club, Business Club) , Reshna Shah, Aarti O Gosrani (Oshwal Connect), Sonal Dave, Priya Shah, Hansa Pankhania and Martine Drake (Mind In Enfield and Barnet) . We ae also very grateful to Shandip Shah from Balance Consultancy in providing sponsorship for this project.
https://www.oshwalconnect.org/
Daily Evening sessions (will be recorded) with guest speakers followed by activity to foster connection & community.
Sessions on
Panel discussion on Community & Connection
The charity Mind in Enfield & Barnet sharing on Mental Health and Loneliness
How to overcome Loneliness
Stress & Anxiety in the Workplace
Suicide Prevention
See the posters below or events page for more details.
Day 1
Recordings of sessions
Here are a set of short, useful videos that Happy Life Habits has created on Mental Health drawing on my own experience of Mental Health. They share some stories, concepts, quotes and actions for you to take.
Introduction
What is Mental Health?
Impact of Stress
Thinking
Worry
Loneliness & Depression
Happy Life Habits
These all help our well being
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.