Happiness can be fleeting, subject to the way the winds blow! One thing is for sure, you want to make sure your happiness quotient is in a solid state prior to and during a pageant. I read recently about certain foods, when combined have the power to elevate your mood and energy. My favorite combo is green tea and a piece of dark chocolate for a quick pick me up and perk me up.
It made me think, what are some other things we can do to get into a prolonged state of happiness? As a peak competitor, you want to use every edge you can get to be successful in your competition. So I did some research and found lots of ways experts suggest you combat anxiety, anger, and frustration and remain in a happy and content state of mind. None of this is “rocket science” but I believe there are a few items that will give you an edge in the competition.
· Practice mindfulness. Be in the moment. Instead of worrying about your gown, hair and something you said in the interview, focus on the here and now – the current phase of competition, your skills, and how everything is going great!
· Laugh out loud. Just anticipating a happy, funny event can raise levels of endorphins and other pleasure-inducing hormones and lower production of stress hormones. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, tested 16 men who all agreed they thought a certain videotape was funny. Half were told three days in advance they would watch it. They started experiencing biological changes right away. When they actually watched the video, their levels of stress hormones dropped significantly, while their endorphin levels rose 27 percent and their growth hormone levels (indicating benefit to the immune system) rose 87 percent.
· iPod Handy & Hum along. Music soothes more than the grumpy contestant! Pop in your ear buds and listen to your tunes. Studies find music activates parts of the brain that produce happiness. It's also relaxing.
· Do one thing at a time. On competition day, limit distractions and focus on the specific item at hand. If you are trying to do too many things at once your stress levels will be elevated and the last thing you want is additional stress.
· Tune out the news. Depending on your pageant system consider for one week go without reading the newspaper, watching the news, or scanning the headlines online. Instead, take a vacation from the misery we're exposed to every day via the media and use that time for a walk, a meditation session, or to write in your journal. If your pageant interview calls for you to be up on current events, take in your news items in the middle of the day.
· Scent the air. Research finds that the benefits of aromatherapy in relieving stress are real. In one study people exposed to rosemary had lower anxiety levels, increased alertness, and performed math computations faster. Adults exposed to lavender showed an increase in the type of brain waves that suggest increased relaxation. Today you have a variety of room-scenting methods, from plug-in air fresheners to essential oil diffusers, potpourri, and scented candles. Plug it in, plug it in!
· Visit a quiet place. Take a break from all the other contestants and the hot topics and take some time alone. Your ability to get centered and focus on yourself is crucial during your competition. Go to your happy place.
· Count your blessings. I have said this many times; adopt the “attitude for gratitude”. People who pause each day to reflect on some positive aspect of their lives (their health, friends, family, freedom, education, etc.) experience a heightened sense of well-being.
Simply put, C’mon Get Happy! Have a great competition and step into your magnificence.
That's my Austin...being HAPPY!
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