Here is a simple list of things I am doing for myself that make my day just a little bit happier. They bring me a smile and it really is making a difference. Some of them are “everyday things”, others are when I can. But, taking the time to make them happen really has helped to brighten my days. We all have so much on our plate and life can be overwhelming, it is so important that we find a little time to take care of us.
- When I wake up, I make my bed. I LOVE seeing it made and it takes no time at all. Getting into a bed that is not made at night, makes me feel blue.
- I am making exercise a part of every day. Some days it is only a 15 minute walk, but I am a better person all around with this.
- I make dinner most weeknights, on at least one of those nights I will make extra so that I can use it for leftovers and just make a side or veggie to go with it, the next day. It saves time and still allows a healthy meal.
- Send a friend a note in the mail. I buy cards and randomly send them to the friends I do not get to see often or just to say hello.
- I buy flowers for myself. No need to wait for them to come to you.
- Find some alone time. Don’t laugh, but for me, it may be even just sorting laundry, I am alone and can think alone, listen to music or whatever I want.
- Hugs- giving them and getting them.
- Walking my dog. The joy he has in just seeing the leash and then the happiness he experiences being outside- it is contagious
- I will try to get my nails done 2 times a month. mostly because I love when my hands get that massage!
- Go to sleep early. I may not stay asleep through the night, but as soon as I can, I will go to bed. The extra time will add up and make a difference the next day.
- Make lists. I love lists. I love to cross things off lists and yes, I add things on my list that I may have already done. It makes me happy.
This is a great quote to hold onto, “The secret to happiness is to start by doing things that make you happy.” Take a few minutes today to do something that makes you happy. You deserve it.
xo
Carissa
Go to sleep when you are tired. You aren’t doing anybody any good by forcing yourself to stay awake when your mind and body need a break.
Take your breaks and vacation days.
Take the time to cook a good meal at least once a week.
Take a second out of every day to think a positive thought about yourself . . . even if it’s just the fact that you’re having a good hair day.
Make your bed and open the blinds.
Write out a blurb of your thoughts as often as you can and save them in a box. Writing often puts things in perspective.
Always listen to calming music — feel-good or sad — when you clean. You’d be surprised at how therapeutic dusting can become.
Drink more water.
Don’t take your work home with you.
Give yourself a small challenge to complete every week — as opposed to feeling defeated when Sunday rolls around, you’ll feel accomplished! These challenges could be as simple as smiling at a stranger every morning or skipping sweets every other day.
Hike more often.
Eat breakfast every day.
Take snapshots of your good days and happy moments.
Try with all of your might to wake up when your first alarm goes off.
Find a way to shake up your daily routine so as to avoid getting into a rut. Try a new coffee drink, eat your lunch outside — anything to break up the monotony.
Give yourself something to look forward to on Friday evenings that isn’t always necessarily a social event, like taking a bubble bath, starting a book you’ve been meaning to read, or making a dish you’ve been craving!
Don’t rely on social media as entertainment every time you’re bored.
Don’t go to bed in a bad mood.
Go on more coffee dates with friends.
Don’t work and eat at the same time.
Cry when you feel like crying. Repressed negative emotions never lead to a happy disposition.
Carve out time every morning to stretch and also to sit and drink your cup of joe without feeling rushed.
Don’t let emails be the first thing you see when you wake up.
Always talk to somebody you trust when something is bothering you — don’t keep it to yourself.
Eat more ice cream.