Ever have days when things weigh heavier on you? And it’s hard to shake negative/sad thoughts? Here are some healthy habits to feel happier. They work for me. You can start these today!
Call a friend!
The ball is in your court. The old saying that “you have to be a friend to have a friend’ is right! When I have a moment, in the car or when I’m out for a walk, I will call a friend like Netta above or Laura or my sister, Teresa below. 
Actually hearing their voice can make you feel better. Listen to them, their problems and successes. They will do the same for you. And make plans to visit in person! Even though Annie lives in Connecticut, I try to meet her once a year when I am in her area. Be open to meeting new friends! Like Annie brought Kris when we last met (although I knew her from the blogging world).
Hydrate First Thing in the Morning
Yes, even before coffee. Have some water…and then continue to hydrate all day long.
Chop Fruits and Vegetables BEFORE
you put them away!
And make them easy to see in the fridge! I also like to store red onions in red wine vinegar for salads to make them less bitter.
Add Some Extra Invisible Fiber to Your Diet
My doctor told me about Benefiber (Amazon). I put it in my water bottle and you can’t really taste it. Good for travel.
Sip Water Between Drinks of Coffee and Wine
to keep teeth stains away. My dentist told me about this. He said white wine stains more than red! Plus, you are hydrating!
20 Minutes of Exercise Every Day
Just 20 minutes doesn’t sound so intimidating…even just a walk outside. Remember weight-bearing exercises, too like yoga, pilates, and handheld weights.
What Makes You Grateful?
Some of you know I dislocated my ankle tripping over Chief on stairs two years ago. It still swells and hurts a bit (and looks ugly). But then I thank God for how much it has healed and for how far I can walk! Point is…be thankful right now for the positives, not the negatives. What are your positives?
I didn’t mean to trip her.
So that’s it! Seven Healthy Habits to Feel Happier that you can start today!
On Friday, I used a few of these tips. I invited Janet from Shabbyfufu who was visiting from Florida over for breakfast and she brought along her friend Janine from Happy Happy Nester (who’s local). We had some dietary restrictions in the group (Weight Watchers, gluten and dairy free). Here’s what I came up with…
zero points on Weight Watchers
Ok, the stuff on the right is not that healthy (those little cookies are gluten-free though). But I made yogurt cups with gluten-free granola (one had dairy-free coconut yogurt). We talked for hours!
One more thing… the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is ending soon. See my favorites here. 
My sandals are 40% off. I have them in two colors.
What are your healthy habits to feel happier?
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It’s great reading all of these affirmations for your blog, Mary Ann. I hope you get some insight into the delight you spread. It’s a fact that i feel like i just enjoyed another visit each time i read you.
Sue, you are so sweet. I appreciate that. YOU are a healthy influence with a positive attitude. 🙂
Mary Ann,
While I’ve never met Annie or Kris, I truly appreciate their blog posts and feel certain I’d be friends if we were to meet. Friends make the world go round and certainly can cheer me up. I’m an only child so my friends are my “sisters” in life. I love your suggestions for cheering one’s own self up! 🙂
Karen
Thanks for making ME happy, Karen.
So many great ideas. I love the chopping of the veggies and fruit when you get home from the market. I usually collapse. Beautiful breakfast buffet. I’m impressed that you met everyones needs. That’s a hard one. Don’t you just love fellow bloggers? I do. There is never a pause in the conversation. So much to talk about!!!!!
Yes…like I love YOU. Need to get together again.
So many great ideas here! I love seeing all of my blogging buddies too! I did not know about drinking water after drinking wine. I need to try that one and remember to chop up healthy veggies and fruit so I am not always eating carrots just because they are easy!!
I do find I eat more veggies and fruit that way…and thanks to you for getting me on Weight Watchers!
I really enjoyed reading this!
Thanks, Marcy!!
Nice post and great reminders on the pursuit of happiness! Gotta run and cut up a watermelon – looks so yummy! Have a greatest weekend…💙💛💙hb
I love watermelon, too, Holly!!!
Mary Ann,
You are one of the most positive people I know and I am so lucky we are friends! Can’t wait to see you this fall.
xo
Annie
The perfect post. All great ideas to put in place. Love your attitude 😘👍
These are great tips and so easy to do. Remembering it’s the little things in life that can add to our emotional and physical health. So, don’t worry…be happy! And happy is what your blog makes me.
It was so much fun meeting you in person and it felt like we were old friends! Okay…maybe we ARE old, but I agree that healthy habits can lead to more happiness in life. You’re such a gracious hostess!
I call FRIENDS ALL THE TIME!I have even CALLED YOU a couple of times!
INTERESTING ABOUT WHITE WINE VERSES RED!
I am wondering if you and sister are on VIA LIDO SOUD HERE IN PHOTO……………almost to the end?
ALWAYS NICE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE!!!!!!!
WE BLOGGERS CAN TALK FOR HOURS!
IT”S BEEN PROVEN!!!!!
XX
The perfect post. All great ideas to put in place. Love your attitude 😘👍
Love this list Mary Ann!!! I stopped and called my friend just for a quick laugh after reading #1. No matter the circumstance (happy and sad occasions) we always find something to laugh about and you’re right, just hearing her voice lifts me up! Exercise, eating better, and an attitude of gratitude are huge happiness boosters! And I can only imagine how much happiness Chief brings to your family!!
Ha! Lisa, my sister just called me and said she was chopping celery while calling me 🙂
Great tips and I have those sandals, too in the silver color. They are my faves this summer and so comfy.
Good idea to take the initiative to call a friend just to say hi. Water before coffee? That’s a little tougher 🙂
Your buffet looks beautiful. It’s so true that if the fruit is ready to eat, people will eat it. All about convenience.
There is such a correlation between health and happiness, not only in the grand sense of not worrying about a disease but that when you have energy, it’s like Teflon, deflecting the mundane slings and arrows of life.
I started running with my kid. Early, before it gets hot. My kid has the worst of it–like all teens, not a morning person. It takes a mile before a word gets uttered, but then they pour out. It’s like a two-fer–exercise PLUS quality talk time.
And while you’ve reminded me of it, I’m going to call one of my besties just to say hi, because it shouldn’t only be when I have really good news or when I need a shoulder to cry on.
That is so great you exercise with your child!!! I used to get mine to talk in the car but running is definitely healthier!