From the picturesque beaches, lush emerald landscapes, and a breeze that left me with an instant feeling of euphoria – Hawaii was the refreshing change that I craved, the much needed break away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago. I was officially on “island time” even in Waikiki, as developed as it is, the vibe was surprisingly calm and made me feel at ease. The laid back culture was perfect for the go with the flow and relaxing trip that my cousin and I decided to take.

There’s so much to be said about Hawaii’s amazing food, the hidden gems, the glorious sunsets, but what left the biggest impression on me was the Aloha Spirit.

What is the Aloha Spirit exactly? It’s a lifestyle that encourages love, friendliness, and gratitude in respect to one another and to nature. It’s a moral standard that seemingly all Hawaiian’s adhere to – demonstrated through acts of kind-heartedness and pure generosity.

Thankfully, the Aloha Spirit doesn’t have to be exclusive to only Hawaii, it can be embraced and experienced everywhere – simply because it’s a mind-set.

Here are a few ways we can incorporate the Aloha Spirit into our daily routines:

1. Practice gratitude. Taking a moment daily to reflect on something we’re grateful for, no matter how big or small, can result in a more optimistic outlook on life.

2. Be kind. Letting someone through traffic or paying someone a complimet seem like small gestures, they’re impactful and can cause a domino effect of positivity.

2. Spend time in nature. Unplugging from technology and connecting with nature can decrease stress and anxiety and increase feelings of happiness and serenity.