HIGH NOTES

The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as you want to be treated. Yes, it’s a lesson from preschool, but studies have found that when you treat yourself and others, everyone gets a boost in happiness, health, and a more positive outlook overall.

So how do you want to be treated? Typically, treating yourself is associated with a luxurious expense, but there’s no need to break the bank to feel better! Instead, obtain the positive psychological benefits of treating yourself by doing what makes you feel happy and healthy with the time and resources you have.

True self-care includes cultivating some new habits in a few areas of your daily life. That could mean practicing self-compassion, saying positive affirmations, allowing yourself to grant or accept forgiveness, finding ways to grow, or learning new skills. These additions to your normal routine kick your neural pathways into gear and enhance the areas of the brain that create happy and positive emotions. In turn, those good vibes can decrease health-deteriorating stress, increase the amount of exercise you can accomplish, and help you to make healthier eating choices.

If taking more opportunities during the day to show yourself kindness is beneficial, why not take one more minute to share that with another person? Kindness is contagious, and perhaps one of the best ways to treat yourself during this busy season of celebration and renewal is to take a moment to spread cheer. Doing a good deed for someone will likely invite others to do the same.

Try paying a stranger a compliment; it can bring a smile to both of your faces. Grabbing a cup of coffee? Grab an extra for a coworker. Consider downsizing your closet and donating at your nearest Dunegrass location to help those in need. (While you’re there, pick up a little something for yourself.)

All of these are simple ways to realize that treating others is an extension of treating ourselves.