Category: HACK 1-100

Incredible things are happening all around you all the time! Just for a moment, notice the wonders of life: look at the way light shimmers on dew drops clinging to an elaborate spider’s web, smell the scent of lilacs after a hard rain, watch the majestic flight of eagles, savor the taste of a freshly cut watermelon, gaze at the pattern of a piece of gum stuck to the pavement, admire the vibrant color of a peacock feather, hear the sizzle of a marshmallow toasted over a crackling fire. Noticing life’s little details will fire up your imagination and your natural inquisitiveness about the world.

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine, is the process of inserting slender needles slightly under the skin at various points in the body in order to balance the flow of energy (chi) throughout the body. Whether you believe in the literal existence of chi or not, acupuncture can help you feel healthier and happier. Re- searchers have found that acupuncture can benefit people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and other problems, including insomnia. Some researchers believe that your brain releases neurotransmitters (happy juice) in reaction to the needles, although there isn’t complete agreement on how acupuncture works. One study showed that people who had acupuncture had less anxiety and a better memory afterward, compared to a control group that didn’t undergo acupuncture. And for mood disorders, acupuncture can work immediately, unlike prescription drugs or talk therapy, and it has few side effects (except for that pesky needles-hurt- going-in part). Acupuncture is one of those treatments where “Don’t try this at home!” applies. Instead, seek out a licensed acupuncturist (licensing varies from state to state).

Nothing brings back memories of a trip like receiving mail from friends you made while on vacation. If they don’t know how to contact you once you’ve left, though, you won’t be getting the piece of art they promised to send, their postcards, or their letters, so don’t forget to exchange your addresses (snail mail and email both) with new friends you meet and make while traveling. You’ll enjoy memories of that trip all over again when they contact you. If you’re lucky, you might even be invited back! 

Want to feel healthier, happier, and even a little richer? Quit smoking! In addition to saving your life, you’ll also be saving some cash—if you give up a three-packs- a-day habit, you’ll save thousands of dollars each year. Besides, nicotine addiction can wreak havoc on your health, and your medical bills will cost you more than your smokes will. Quitting will help you live longer and feel happier about yourself and your life. If you want to quit but haven’t been successful, don’t give up! Many ex-smokers had to quit several times before they were successful. There are lots of ways to quit. If at first you don’t succeed, don’t forget to talk to your doctor about getting help. 

Perhaps you are one of those craftsy people who enjoy bead work and like to make earrings, belt buckles, or pins while watching television at night. Maybe you have a passion for sports collectibles and like to pore over your collectibles in your leisure time. Whatever your interest, passion, or hobby, consider how you could turn it into income. Could you make something to sell at local art and wine festivals, on eBay, on Etsy, or in galleries that feature the work of local artisans? Think of ways to generate income from your knowledge, passion, and expertise. Yes, there may be a learning curve, but eventually, you’re going to love the extra money flowing in.

Being praised for good work is something that makes almost everyone happy, and what better praise can there be for a job well done than a promotion? You know why you should be promoted, but perhaps the timing involved in seeking the promotion could determine whether or not you get it. Is there a major project that needs to be pushed through before it would be wise to ask about getting a promotion? Does someone have to leave before you can move up and into his or her position? Decide when would be the best time to seek a promotion, then mark the date on your calendar and look at it every day. Know that the date is coming and that you need to prepare. Then, when that day arrives, ask!

Sometimes the smallest things are the most thoughtful and are the things that will truly brighten someone else’s day, like wishing people happy birthday. Keep track of your friends’ and coworkers’ birthdays. It means a lot to people when someone remembers their special day—you’ll be surprised how happy hearing “Happy birth- day!” makes them. The point isn’t really to give people a card or a cake, but rather that you took the time to keep track of their special day and then helped celebrate it with them. Spreading some celebratory happiness on birthdays does wonders for others’ morale . . . and you’ll find that sharing the birthday cheer makes you happy too. 

If you enjoy the company of young people and have the time to mentor a child, consider contacting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. It is the oldest mentoring organization in the United States, has facilities all over the country, and has been serving youth ages six through eighteen for more than a century. National research statistics published by the organization show the positive and enduring impact adult volunteers (“Bigs”) have upon the lives of children (“Littles”) they mentor. For example, many of the children involved in the program have better family relations, are more confident about doing schoolwork, are less likely to skip school, and are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. The time you spend mentoring a child could optimize a young person’s chances for academic success and be a source of happiness for you and everyone involved in that child’s life. 

The anticipation of an event can often bring just as much happiness as the actual event, so start planning the vacation of your dreams now! Even if you don’t currently have the funds to take the trip, start looking into the details. You’ll notice your spirits start to lift. Maybe you’ve always wanted to go trekking in the Himalayas or visit a rain forest. No matter your ideal destination, start researching the various aspects of your trip and formulate a plan on how to make your dream a reality. 

Nothing says Fourth of July like a barbecue, so why not plan a party? Get your neighbors to come out of their apartments and houses and socialize by planning an Independence Day street party. If you plan far enough ahead, you can ask your local police department to allow you and your neighbors to rope off your street that day. Hold a Fourth of July cake bake-off, or plan games for different age groups at opposite ends of the street and use the middle for barbecue pits and lawn furniture. It will be a memorable Fourth! Plan on taking lots of pictures that will trigger happy memories years from now.