Gym Forecast: Mostly Clear With a Chance of Busy

One week into 2009, and my spidey-sense says that some new year's resolutions are beginning to falter. No, I'm not psychic, so how do I know? Simple. Gym attendance.

On the 1st, despite my fear that it would be a zoo, I went to the gym early in the afternoon. People would be sleeping off the hangovers that resulted from the previous night's partying. Lo and behold, I was right. Skipped the next day, but went on Saturday morning. My logic for Saturday told me to be cautious about my time selection, so I went early enough that by the time I slipped out the gym door, everyone and their mamas were swarming into the athletic club.

With Monday being the first Monday of the new year, I was positive that workouts would peak shortly after the workday was over. Fortunately, I took that day off from work, so I hit the gym around 11am. Thank goodness no one in their right minds works out at lunch time, because the place was buzzing but not busy. As I left, I felt satisfaction in knowing that I would not have to deal with the chaos that I'm sure was expected later that night.

Tuesday after work the athletic club was bustling. I ended up having to park a quarter of a mile from the facility, it seemed. People were rushing in and out looking lost and frazzled with the same expression as that of shoppers on Christmas Eve. Often times when I cut through crowds that appear hectic, upset, or unhappy, I like to look people right in the eyes as they pass me and smile cute to see if it changes their expressions. On that day, I did just that. Only a couple of folks were receptive, but they made my day. Despite the impatience present in the ladies' locker room and the wait for occupied cardio machines, those smiles from earlier made my time at the gym a bit more tolerable.

I skipped working out on Wednesday. Typically, I like to break my exercise routine midweek so I can catch up on rest and relaxation. That, plus my hamstrings and adductors were killing me. I must have overdone the squats the day before. Until today, they're still stiff, but I don't care - I slept 10 hours on Wednesday night. Now that's rewarding!

So today is one week from January 1st, and the gym appeared less packed and more like a reflection of its October self. Are gym-goers really starting to trickle out of their new routines? Perhaps some of them overdid it the first few days, or even injured themselves (knocking on wood!). As I ran today, I felt a sense of pride in knowing that I am not a gym newbie, and that when the gym newbs cycle back around again next year, I'll still be the gal running her (hopefully smaller) booty off on the treadmill.

Starting Your Own Happiness Project

I became a follower of Author Gretchen Rubin's blog after coming across a written piece online entitled "10 Ways To Be Happier." Here are the suggestions she makes on ways you can simply improve your happiness quotient. To see the article online check it out here, and visit her blog site, too, for some uplifting reading and all-around good advice.

1. Don’t start with profundities.

When I began my Happiness Project, I realized pretty quickly that, rather than jumping in with lengthy daily meditation or answering deep questions of self-identity, I should start with the basics, like going to sleep at a decent hour and not letting myself get too hungry. Science backs this up; these two factors have a big impact on happiness.

2. Do let the sun go down on anger.

I had always scrupulously aired every irritation as soon as possible, to make sure I vented all bad feelings before bedtime. Studies show, however, that the notion of anger catharsis is poppycock. Expressing anger related to minor, fleeting annoyances just amplifies bad feelings, while not expressing anger often allows it to dissipate.

3. Fake it till you feel it.

Feelings follow actions. If I’m feeling low, I deliberately act cheery, and I find myself actually feeling happier. If I’m feeling angry at someone, I do something thoughtful for her and my feelings toward her soften. This strategy is uncannily effective.

4. Realize that anything worth doing is worth doing badly.

Challenge and novelty are key elements of happiness. The brain is stimulated by surprise, and successfully dealing with an unexpected situation gives a powerful sense of satisfaction. People who do new things — learn a game, travel to unfamiliar places — are happier than people who stick to familiar activities that they already do well. I often remind myself to “Enjoy the fun of failure” and tackle some daunting goal.

5. Don’t treat the blues with a “treat.”

Often the things I choose as “treats” aren’t good for me. The pleasure lasts a minute, but then feelings of guilt and loss of control and other negative consequences deepen the lousiness of the day. While it’s easy to think, I’ll feel good after I have a few glasses of wine…a pint of ice cream…a cigarette…a new pair of jeans, it’s worth pausing to ask whether this will truly make things better.

6. Buy some happiness.

Our basic psychological needs include feeling loved, secure, and good at what we do and having a sense of control. Money doesn’t automatically fill these requirements, but it sure can help. I’ve learned to look for ways to spend money to stay in closer contact with my family and friends; to promote my health; to work more efficiently; to eliminate sources of irritation and marital conflict; to support important causes; and to have enlarging experiences. For example, when my sister got married, I splurged on a better digital camera. It was expensive, but it gave me a lot of happiness bang for the buck.

7. Don’t insist on the best.

There are two types of decision makers. Satisficers (yes, satisficers) make a decision once their criteria are met. When they find the hotel or the pasta sauce that has the qualities they want, they’re satisfied. Maximizers want to make the best possible decision. Even if they see a bicycle or a backpack that meets their requirements, they can’t make a decision until they’ve examined every option. Satisficers tend to be happier than maximizers. Maximizers expend more time and energy reaching decisions, and they’re often anxious about their choices. Sometimes good enough is good enough.

8. Exercise to boost energy.

I knew, intellectually, that this worked, but how often have I told myself, “I’m just too tired to go to the gym”? Exercise is one of the most dependable mood-boosters. Even a 10-minute walk can brighten my outlook.

9. Stop nagging.

I knew my nagging wasn’t working particularly well, but I figured that if I stopped, my husband would never do a thing around the house. Wrong. If anything, more work got done. Plus, I got a surprisingly big happiness boost from quitting nagging. I hadn’t realized how shrewish and angry I had felt as a result of speaking like that. I replaced nagging with the following persuasive tools: wordless hints (for example, leaving a new lightbulb on the counter); using just one word (saying “Milk!” instead of talking on and on); not insisting that something be done on my schedule; and, most effective of all, doing a task myself. Why did I get to set the assignments?

10. Take action.

Some people assume happiness is mostly a matter of inborn temperament: You’re born an Eeyore or a Tigger, and that’s that. Although it’s true that genetics play a big role, about 40 percent of your happiness level is within your control. Taking time to reflect, and conscious steps to make your life happier, really does work. So use these tips to start your own Happiness Project. I promise it won’t take you a whole year.