Staying Healthy on the Road—Be Happy: Part 3 of a 3 Part Series
“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”
–David Steindl-Rast
The link between happiness and good health is strong, and that relationship is a balancing act in both directions. People living healthy lifestyles tend to be happier. But did you know that happiness brings with it a healthier body?
A recent study (1) shows that when people have an overall sense of wellbeing, they may also have healthier hearts, more robust immune systems, and even have the potential to live longer (2).
Happiness for Health
The concept of happiness for health is more vague than eating right and exercising. We all get the general idea that more fruit and vegetables are good for us and that 10,000 steps each day helps to keep a heart healthy. But how do we quantify happiness? How do you know just what happiness is when it comes to keeping a healthy body? There may never be a consistent formula for happiness, but we created a list of three things that seem like a great place to start.
Three Things You Can Do To Be Happier
1. Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Knowing that physical health correlates to happiness, taking those small steps to improve daily diet and exercise routines is important. We’ve made it a few weeks from our grand new year’s resolutions to make healthier choices, so it’s time to check in and see what new healthy behaviors we’ve incorporated! We have provided some detailed information in our previous posts on Eating Well on the Road and Exercises for the Truck Driver. Check them out and they will help reinvigorate those new year’s resolutions and motivate you toward the physical part of health and happiness.
2. Take Time for Yourself
Make sure to give yourself the same care and attention you give to others, because when you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow! Explore new music, hang out with friends and family, go on a hike, just be sure to make the time to do whatever it is that brings you joy. With the same two days off each week that NTB guarantees its employees, we make planning time for self-care easier.
3. Most Importantly, Live in the Moment
Happiness is less about always searching and reaching for the next best thing and more about acknowledging the blessings you already have in your life. Make a point to appreciate everything and everyone who helped you get there (including yourself!). Knowing that happiness doesn’t always come from a pursuit allows you to live in the moment and be grateful for time with friends and family, working in a fulfilling job, and being able to enjoy the world around you as it passes.
Summary
While each person’s idea of happiness is different, the science is clear that a happy mind can help achieve a healthy body.
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1 - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/aphw.12090
2 - https://time.com/4866693/happiness-improves-health/