Stimulus has a bad reputation these days. We’re overstimulated and drained from our phone dings and overflowing inboxes. Sometimes we forget that stimulus can also be positive and recharging.

When we’re thinking of wanting to be happy, we will first look to avoid negative stimulus. It’s easiest to binge-watch a television show, go down a YouTube rabbit hole or zone out on social media. But this break from stimulus or stress is only temporary relief from the negative stimulus that will come back as soon as we’re done with our break.

By choosing to get inspired instead, we can enjoy positive stimulus, which is far more powerful and helps us access true happiness.

Imagine how you feel when you’re doing something that inspires you. Energized! Endorphines are flowing, you’re completely in the present, you’re experiencing reality at it’s best! You’re welcoming positive stimulus, letting it fill you with positive, recharging energy.

SHERRY INTERVIEW EXCERPTS

We can get far more benefits from going on a walk or run, you can’t worry about work while you’re getting lost in a good book, you won’t be

Happiness Example: That vacation was great! I was so happy. But now I’ve come back to the same exact life! It’s like I never left, and I’m just as stressed as before except I have more work to catch up on!

Inspired Example: That run was tough, but I feel energized less stressed. I can totally handle my big meeting tomorrow.