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Is it actually possible to LEARN how to feel better? You bet!

The body-mind-emotion connection is not only scientifically known but also quite apparent when you try out some simple steps. When your body feels uneasy, your mind can improve it. The influence of positive thought in healing is clearly evidenced from many sources. Norman Cousin, in his memoir 'Anatomy of an Illness' describes relief from a very painful spine condition in watching comedies. He claims that watching 10 minutes of funny videos allowed him two hours of pain free sleep.

Are you ready to learn some simple steps?

1. Become your own best friend. Always, always be on your side, no matter what. Be quick to forgive mistakes and ready with a kind word to yourself. Imagine that you are talking to a vulnerable small child. If your habit is to scold yourself, berate yourself, judge yourself or otherwise put yourself down, watch for these tendencies and replace them with positive, uplifting, and encouraging words.

2. Don't look down. Tightrope walkers and mountain climbers subscribe to this motto because they know that the body has a tendency to follow the eyes. In a literal sense, avoid looking down. If you find yourself depressed, raise your head and lift your eyes. Your stomach relaxes, your diaphragm unclench, you take deeper breaths, and your thoughts also follow an upward direction.

3. Practice gratitude. We often focus on what we don't have or what is wrong. Each expression of how bad it is, how we lack this and that, increases these burdens. Each negative thought adds to the weight until it is so heavy that we cannot bear it. Make a list in your daily journal of all the things for which you are grateful.

4. Smile. Even if you don't feel like smiling, smile anyway. Smile when you talk on the phone or type on the computer. Smiling filters different thoughts into your mind. If you smile long enough, you'll find yourself smiling at yourself smiling!

5. Laugh. Read, watch, or listen to something funny at least once a day. Seek others with whom to share humor. The online community is a great source for funny jokes, audio, video clips and the like. Sites like http://www.hopecube.com makes it easy to find friends who are also seeking ways to feel better.

6. Share. Take steps 1-5, bundle them all up, and share them. Write them in a daily journal. As negative focus increases the weight of the burden, positive expression relieves it. Tell a joke to someone. Give an encouraging word. Share something for which you are grateful. Give or receive some helpful advice. Find others to share with at http://www.hopecube.com. Your example inspires others and rewards you all over again!

Do something NOW to make contact with friends. There is power in action!