Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Here is your Good Day Columbia GDC Morning WACH for 3-1-12:

As we near the weekend, we can’t help but think about being happy, and ways to STAY happy!  We have some easy things you can do to keep that frown upside down:

1. Find your joy
One of the keys to finding happiness in tough times is “simply being aware of what is happening right now, without wishing it were different.

2. Lighten Up
Looking for joy means looking for reasons to smile. Happily, just the act of smiling makes you happy! Even a forced grin tells your brain.

3. Get moving
Physical activity is a power­ful ally to greater well-being and joy. Exercise, yoga, or any kind of regular movement helps get you out of your head.

4. Look for a joy buddy
It’s harder to be happy when you’re isolated. Having someone rooting for your well-being and reminding you to look for the good in your life is a very effective way to stay on track. 

5. Do a song or dance (really)
If an apple a day keeps the doc away, a song does, too. University of Manchester researchers discovered that an organ in the inner ear (that responds to singing sounds) is connected to a part of the brain that registers pleasure.

On our guest list, we welcomed Dean Schuster, whom originally appeared on Good Day Columbia in December, as he was training and raising money for penguin conservation.  In addition to raising over $30,000 (a chunk of which is going directly to the Riverbanks Zoo), he is off to Antarctica to run the 2012 Antarctica Marathon!!  Check out his mission HERE, and of course, he time on the show HERE.

Also, we welcomed Ike McCleese from the Columbia Chamber, and Cpl. Kyle Caldwell from the SC National Guard to promote the “Hiring Our Heroes” job fair planned for Tuesday at Fort Jackson.  If you are an unemployed service member, click HERE.

You can watch their time with us HERE.

Also joining us, Lucy Moore and her daughter Diana Morea, puppet makers, and participants in the 29 annual Craftspeople From Across America show at the State Fair Grounds.  Check out more about this awesome event HERE.   You can also meet the ladies and see some of the wonderful puppets that all appeared on the show HERE.

As always, GDC is looking for your input!  Please send story ideas, if you are in looking for exposure for a community event you are involved with, or would like a cast member to speak at your civic group, school, or activity, EMAIL us!  We are part of the community!!