EIGHT HAPPINESS HABITS

 

·      Eat together: A Chilean study from 2015 suggested that eating meals with other people was linked to happiness. Researchers at Oxford University found that the more people eat together, the happier they are.

·        Share the chores: A US study published in the ‘Journal of Family Issues’ indicates that both husbands and wives were unhappy if they felt they were doing an unfair amount of the housework. So, chip in.

·        See your friends: A study in the journal of Canada suggests that having real world friends is better than online ones. Israeli researchers also found that constantly comparing yourself to others on social media may damage your mental health.

·        Get a pet: A study from American researchers found that people who owned a pet tended to be more satisfied with their lives. Dog owners appeared to get a bigger boost than cat owners.

·        Choc on: Eating a bar of Chocolate really does give your mood a lift, according to a 2017 study published in the journal ‘Appetite’. But enjoying it mindfully by eating it slowly and also focusing on the taste and texture- maximized well being benefits.

·        Be kind: Goodwill really could be beneficial to your own mental well being, according to an American study which found doing selfless acts for others boosted happiness.

·        Get Active: Does retail therapy make you happy? According to a US study, spending money on leisure activities such as hobbies and experiences is more likely to pep you up than buying stuff.

·        Move more: A 2017 study suggests moving more frequently in the day, even if it isn’t vigorous exercise, increases your happiness.

CHARHDI KALAA (From Living in High Morale)

 

Charhdi Kalaa: the art of living in high spirits and eternal optimism.

To live in Charhdi Kalaa is to accept with grace whatever life to throw at us. Charhdi Kalaa is the absence of pretense and performance to please others. It internalization and practice gives our actions greater power because they emanate from our core beliefs – belief in the Divine and cultivation of spiritual qualities.

In Sikh tradition, Charhdi Kalaa stands for high morale though some writers assert that it also stands for high spirits. It is something to be aimed at in life as a hallmark of our character: to be in a perpetual state of certitude of eventual success, not to be downcast in adverse circumstances.

The concept of Charhdi Kalaa is great and can benefit the modern society plagued by anxiety and depression, but Sikhs have not fully grasped its significance or succeeded in explaining it to the wider society.

8 CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE RULES

 School years are a training period for integration in the society. Understanding good behavior and inculcating those manners and values will take students far in life, even after school life is over. These are some rules you must know and follow during your school life. It will teach you etiquette and also build your character by making you a responsible individual.

1.     ACKNOWLEDGE OTHERS

Its basic saying a simple ‘Hi’, ‘Hello, how are’ makes people around you (classmates, teachers, school helpers) feel that you value them. Acknowledging others also begins conversations and helps build and maintain relationships.

2.     INTRODUCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT

How you introduce yourself, along with your tone of voice, smile, eye-contact and handshake is crucial in creating positive first impressions. Have the confidence to introduce yourself to other school mates, teachers and also children as well as teachers from other schools in inter school competitions.

3.     ADHERE TO CLASSROOM RULES

Focus on studying (even it’s hard to do) while in class. You can do all the talking and chit-chat during lunch break and after school is over. Also don’t sneak and eat when the lecture is on- it’s disrespectful to your teachers.

4.     DEAL WITH REJECTIONS IN POSITIVE WAYS

Life is sometimes easy, sometimes harsh. You got to take both in your stride. There will be times when you won’t get that coveted trophy in a high-school debate or an invite to the head boy/girl’s birthday party. Don’t let these interfere with your dreams, and take it as a part of life. Be gracious in rejections and smile through it, these experiences will teach you a lot and make you a better person.

5.     DEVELOP PATIENCE AND POLITENESS

Patience is a virtue and developing this ability can help you overcome anger, prevent conflicts and unnecessary confrontations. Remember, patience is always rewarded even if it takes time. Politeness is a mark of good behavior and it helps get you respect, so, make sure words like ‘please’, ‘sorry’ and ‘thank you’ are a part of your daily vocabulary.

6.     STAY ORGANISED

There is a saying that when your book shelves and is organized, so are your thoughts. Clutter is general creates confusion in mind and leads to stress. So, keep your school bag clean and in good order. Being organized also means scheduling your study and leisure hours which can keep your study and extra-curricular activities performance in top gear.

7.     RESPECT SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students are accountable for keeping the school furniture in good condition. Don’t ever scribe on desks or use chairs, tables and other stationery from classmates if required, but never take it out from his/her desk/bag thinking it’s a small thing. It doesn’t matter if what you are taking is small or big. Getting consent from the owner to borrow their stuff is basic manners and is ethical as well.

8.     BE PUNCTUAL IS CRUCIAL

Punctuality is essential and it is something that will be appreciated at all stages of your life at every age. Don’t delay your homework and projects and use your time wisely to learn your lessons as well as life skills. Now, this doesn’t mean that you cannot have fun with your friends in school. Just keep it balanced

A child’s classroom is the first experience of the real world and it’s a learning ground for good manners. These eight etiquette rules you must develop to succeed in school and later in life too.

A LETTER TO PARENTS BEFORE EXAMS

 

Dear Parents,

The exams of your children are to start soon. I know you are all really anxious for your child to do well.

But, please do remember, among est the students who will be sitting for the exams there is an artist, who doesn’t need to understand Mathematics. There is an entrepreneur, who doesn’t care about History or English Literature. There is Musician, whose Chemistry marks won’t matter, there’s an Athlete whose physical fitness is more important than Physics. If your child does get top marks, that’s great! But if he or she doesn’t, Please don’t take away their self confidence and dignity from them. Tell then its OK, it’s just an exam! They are cut out for much bigger things in life. Tell them, no matter what they score, you love them and will not judge them.

Please do this, and when you do, watch your children conquer the world. One exam or a low mark won’t take away their dreams and talent. And please, do not think that doctors and engineers are the only happy people in the world.

 With Warm Regards

Maninder Pal Singh