We can fight the side-effects of world crisis, says happiness specialist

Personal well-being is often the most wide-spread victim of war, terrorism and uncertainty in the world, but we can and should fight back, says a prominent happiness specialist.

CHESTERVILLE, February 19, 2003 – Personal well-being is often the most wide-spread victim of war, terrorism and uncertainty in the world, but we can and should fight back, says a prominent happiness specialist.

"The obvious casualties of any tragedy are the direct victims, the innocent lives, the brave soldiers, for whom we pray dearly," says David Leonhardt, also known as The Happy Guy. "But when a crisis is big enough, it takes something away from every one of us. The world becomes a very scary place to live and we feel helpless and in the face of epic events beyond our control."

Leonhardt says we can take steps to keep our spirits up and take control of our own well-being during times of uncertainty and crisis. "There are hundreds of little habits that can help us feel happier, but some are particularly useful during times of uncertainty," he adds. Leonhardt's top tips for keeping happy in times of crisis include:

Count your blessings. Despite overwhelming events, people today enjoy more comforts, more things, more opportunity, more knowledge than ever before. Taking time to appreciate those things brings both comfort and a positive perspective.

Smile at strangers and friends alike. A smile is an instant mood-booster, both for the person smiling and for everyone else around. Smiles put a safe face on what might otherwise seem like a scary world.

Learn a new skill. Learning a new skill adds excitement, a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of control. If it means taking a class, it also provides positive social interactions that can boost everyone's mood .

Study history. History is full of wars, famine, daily hardship and suppression. But it also is full of wonder, perseverance and recovery to give us hope.

Volunteer. If big events seem to be out of control, we can each make our little corner of the planet a better place by doing good for people who need our help.

David Leonhardt is author of Climb your Stairway to Heaven: the 9 habits of maximum happiness and The Get Happy Workbook, as well as publisher of the electronic newsletter Your Daily Dose of Happiness.

This news release is also available by sending a blank email to TopCrisisTips@SendFree.com.

For more information:
David Leonhardt
613-448-1841
Info@TheHappyGuy.com
http://www.TheHappyGuy.com