Do you feel FaMISHED? Mixed up and confused? Get clarity and relax with these easy steps

FaMISHED: Yiddish word meaning mixed up, confused, crazy, stressed out, pronounced with the accent on the second syllable. It is not related to the English word meaning starving, which is pronounced with the accent on the first syllable.

Most of us agree that the world is a pretty famished and even terrifying place right now. Our own country’s troubles with Russia, China, South Korea; our tumbling status in some areas around the world because of controversial political, fiscal and social policies; the horrendous pressure of climate change; efforts to suppress voting; the war in Ukraine; the never-ending pandemic; the economic crisis. I’m sure we can think of even more, but I will resist listing them because it will only depress all of us.

So how can you be happy when the world is so famished ? I can only speak for myself, but here are some suggestions:

▪ Don’t keep the TV news on all day. After you hear it once, the repetitions will make you nuts.

▪ At the end of every day try and make a list of three positive things that happened. It could be as small as the favorite ice cream you found on sale, or the smile you received when you said good morning to a stranger you passed on the street. It could also be larger, like an unexpected tax return or a birthday card from an old friend.

▪ Volunteer, even if it is once a week for an hour. You will be amazed at the glow you will get from this. Read to some children in an elementary school, or be a friendly phone caller to a shut-in or bake some extra cookies and bring them to a neighbor. It really doesn’t take much.

▪ Don’t get hooked on social media. I may be the last remaining person that is not on Facebook, but when I read about the tawdry, mean and downright nasty things that have driven some people to suicide, I am happy not to be involved.

▪ If you are looking for a more rigorous source for advice on how to be happy, try these eight suggestions from a 75-year study conducted by researchers from Harvard University.

1. Exercise: Exercise not only keeps us fit and healthy, but also protects us from disease and degeneration. It stimulates the production of various hormones, including dopamine, responsible for making us feel good; serotonin, which can help reduce the symptoms of depression; and endorphins, which can help to reduce physical pain due to chemical properties similar to morphine.
2. Remain active: Partake in fulfilling activities that leave a smile on your face (so Harvard agrees that I am right about volunteering!).
3. Light exposure to sunlight: In addition to getting vitamin D from various fish, liver and egg yolks, exposing the body to sunlight during the early morning or evening time stimulates the production of serotonin.
4. Eat chocolate (everybody’s favorite): Consuming around 300-600 calories of dark chocolate once or twice a week could reduce your chances of an early loss of life resulting from heart disease.
5. Eat foods that are high in tryptophan: Tryptophan can be sourced from milk, butter, egg yolks, meat, fish, turkey, peanuts, almonds, and other high protein foods. The body is able to use this substance to aid in production of serotonin.
6. Interact with pets: Our relationship with cats, dogs or other pets that show us affection can increase the body’s production of hormones associated with happiness.
7. Hugging or kissing a loved one: This produces endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin, helping us build bonds with others.
8. Meditating: Meditating, by breathing in slowly and deeply before releasing that air just as gently, can help you gradually rid your mind of any negativity you may have accumulated that day. Just being alone with your thoughts for a few moments can help you gain a more positive perspective.

These recommendations won’t change the famished world that we live in, but if you feel happier about yourself you may decide to take a positive action, like being sure to register and vote, becoming a member of a climate action group, or joining a local organization that studies how to advocate for important issues in our mixed up, confused, crazy, stressed out world.