August is the eighth month of the year and is named after the emperor Augustus. It was originally called sextilis meaning sixth, as it was the sixth month in the old Roman calendar. Another reminder that things do change, even though such things can seem like they've been around forever. This month marks International Youth Day. Each year has a central theme but the underlying principle is about raising awareness of the struggles of youth as well as their achievements. Also this month we celebrate International Left Hander's Day on the 13th and in the US, National Relaxation Day takes place.
This month we will consider your thoughts on young people and staying young at heart. In honour of Left Hander's Day we will note how it is okay being different. Finally, since relaxation and stress relief is so important to everyone, I will offer you relaxation tips, even if Relaxation Day isn't celebrated in your country.
Forever young
When people think of youth, it is easy to think badly of them, especially the older you get. People may stereotype them as lazy, troublesome and the generation that's never had it so good. This month, take the trouble to look at the young people around you. What are they doing? Are they really living up to your stereotype? You may also like to take chat with youth you know to find out what life is really like for them. Breaking stereotypes is a great way to reduce unhappiness on a societal level.
In thinking about your own youth, you can also boost your own individual happiness. Take a moment to reflect on the things you enjoyed doing -- how did you used to have fun? Do you still do these things? Why not? Are you following some unwritten rule that you cannot do certain activities anymore? Seems a shame to me that people give things up because they feel they cannot do something, rather than no longer wanting to. I remember in my mid-twenties believing I was too old to go and see bands anymore and for a while I followed this rule. Fortunately, I decided to break this rule and have seen some great entertainment in the years that followed. So this month, take advantage of International Youth Day and do something you haven't indulged in for years and see how much your wellbeing is boosted.
By the way, youth is defined as anyone under 25. If this is you -- happy International Youth Day!
Being different
About 10% of people are left handed. If you are one of them, happy Left Hander's Day. I'm a left hander and am always quick to spot a fellow left hander. I may even say something to the person, knowing that there's a shared history somewhere of the times we've struggled. My most recent struggles have been buying left handed golf clubs (made even more challenging that I want a ladies set, preferably not pink) and using a mouse shaped for right handed people. Yet despite this I wouldn't have it any other way. Hopefully other left handed people feel the same.
We should all celebrate our differences, no matter what they are. They're all part of what makes up the uniqueness that is you.
Have the courage to be yourself. It's far more satisfying than trying to put on an act of someone you feel you ought to be. Once you stop worrying about what other people think, you can finally relax and enjoy being you. Use this month to reflect on times when you hide your difference or struggle to be yourself. Are there certain situations where you keep your opinions to yourself? Do you let other people make decisions for you or put off decision making altogether? Do you do things you feel you ought to do, rather than what you want to do? Keep a record of your findings then brainstorms solutions that will allow you to be you. Start small, note your successes, then go from there.
Remember you can never please everybody, so don't bother trying.
Smell the roses
It's so easy in today's busy world to see relaxation as some sort of guilty indulgence. As though burnout is something to aspire to -- proof of how busy and productive you are. Yet it is precisely because life is so demanding that making time to relax is essential. Stress is a real problem and is responsible for the onset of many serious health problems, including diabetes and heart disease. Relaxation reduces stress. It is very hard for our bodies to feel stressed and relaxed at the same time. Taking the time each day for some sort of relaxation will do wonders for your health, wellbeing and overall happiness. Have a look at the following stress relieving tips that can be carried out for just a few minutes a day.
Carry out deep breathing. This is particularly helpful when faced with a potentially stressful situation. Breathe slowly in through your nose, filling your lungs as you do so, then release the air slowly out through your mouth.Learn how to meditate. If this doesn't appeal to you, try yoga.Watch a funny video, or just think about one. Research has shown that by just thinking about a funny video reduced stress hormones.Get hold of a relaxation CD and put it on just before bedtime. Hopefully it will unwind you enough so you go to bed stress free.Spend time on your favourite hobby. Allow yourself to have time alone away from everyday life.
Remember
Every month there is a reason to be happy.
Copyright Julia Barnard
Julia Barnard is an author and qualified counsellor living in Adelaide, Australia. She runs the website http://www.makethechange.com.au/ where she writes about health, happiness and wellbeing.
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