Every day we get asked this question numerous times. Although it seems like a simple question, the way in which you answer could have a big impact on your day and theirs.
"How are you?"
Sometimes the truth is ugly: "I'm tired, hungry, cranky, upset, meh..." Does the person asking the question really want to hear all that? Of course not! The question "how are you?" is just a pleasantry, not really an inquiry into your wellbeing - in fact most people don't even stop to hear the answer!
Consider the responses: "not bad", "I've been better", "only 5 more day 'til the weekend"... Comments like these come across as negative and while you might not realize it, airing negative feelings or using sarcasm can have a downer impact on you and your day.
So here's an idea, choose a theme of response and play with it all day:
- "I'm having a marvelous Monday, a terrific Tuesday, a wonderful Wednesday etc."
- "I'm doing great!" "Good, thank you for asking" "I'm awesome - you?"
The upside of choosing to respond in an upbeat, somewhat perky way is that it pumps you up. The mind believes what you tell it. Why not tell it something positive?