I have a physical space that I have created in our house, a room where I can be by myself to enjoy a cup of coffee and know I won’t be disturbed. The only problem with this happy space is that I don’t always have the time to go there, I can visit the places in my mind anytime and anywhere to get the breaks I need. 

I have developed lots of mini-escapes, happy thoughts that I can bring to mind that lighten the load throughout the day. It might be taking a moment to breathe and visualize one of my favorite places such as the coast. It might be closing my eyes and enjoying a sound or a fragrance. It doesn’t take much to find a pleasurable memory and just holding that thought for a minute or two can renew my spirit and get things going on a better track again.

Some might call this escapism or avoidance; I call it a pleasant diversion that creates relaxing vibes throughout my body. The term “find your happy place” has been around since the 1970’s to define a space, whether real or imaginary, that makes you feel safe and happy. The amazing thing is that it is that it works. Just putting my mind into that “happy place” can create changes in my brain that fool my body into relaxing. If just smiling can make me feel better, why not take it one step further and imagine myself on the beach in the sunshine while I am smiling. How can I not feel better?