There are some great benefits in smiling, laughing and taking an easy going attitude
It’s amazing what a simple smile can do for your day. Try it and see
Walking around Portland, Oregon, you don’t get a sense that people are particularly worried or stressed out: You see people having coffee, working at their laptops, enjoying a meal and you don’t see furrowed brows, frowns, nail biting and incessant foot tapping. Portland is known for being easy going and laid back, so I’ve been observing how they do this, having recently moved from the East Coast where everyone is in a hurry and anything but easy going.
Lots of smiling: I’ve noticed that people are pretty smiley here, and it does seem genuine. Smiling automatically relaxes
Cutting out the drama: Also noticeable in Portland is a lack of drama queen reactions to things. Overreacting and being over dramatic is a lifestyle for a lot of folks who need a lot of attention, and unfortunately who don’t realize it has a way of hurting their relationships.
(Unless all their friends are also drama queens, in which the behaviors are supported and encouraged, thus feeding off each other, perpetuating the stereotype and lowering their chances of healthy and balanced relationships.)
Taking life in stride seems to be a basic, healthy coping skill here, and it’s a pleasure to be around people who aren’t “OMG!” -ing everything.
Being active outdoors: Everywhere you go in Portland you see people outside engaging in activity. I have mentioned in a previous article the benefits of being outdoors on stress reduction and see clearly that folks in Portland really get this and practice it daily.
Laughing, a lot: It is well documented that laughter is good medicine. Being able to laugh at oneself, especially, and not take oneself too seriously is pretty critical to being easy going.
Portlanders don’t take themselves too seriously, I have found, which isn’t to say they aren’t passionate and committed to their causes and interests, because they are.
It seems laughter is the great balancer, helping reduce stress and keeping one’s head clear. It’s great to be around people who laugh easily and find humor a great coping mechanism. It creates a relaxed atmosphere, which seems to be the goal in this town.
Taking time for others: Giving time and help in various forms has a way of making you feel better about yourself, which raises your esteem, lowers your anxiety and all around helps relationships and the larger community. Portland is well known for its volunteerism, and I truly believe this leads to being easy going, and is contagious, which is a beautiful cycle for everyone to be in.
Author Lauren Oujiri For more information on personal steps you can take to be more easy going, check this out.
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Try The Smile Experiment!
Whatever is happening to you right now, take a moment to stop and smile, even if you don’t feel like it. How does it change things?
Let us know how it went by making a comment below 
Good luck!
What’s up, just wanted to say, I enjoyed this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!