Feeling out of sorts? Check out this list of 21 easy things you can do TODAY to make yourself happier. Thank you to goodnessknows® for sponsoring this happy list.
It always sneaks up on me. Even now. Even though I know the warning signs that it's coming...
I start to tap my fingers impatiently. I begin to feel my jaw clench with irritation.
I'll be in the middle of something (even a totally meaningless task) when one of the kids asks me a simple question and I just, well... EXPLODE.
Guilt immediately follows.
I see the look of surprise on my tween daughter's face, and I know...
Has this ever happened to you?
Over the years, I've learned some tricks for preventing an emotional storm from "brewing" in the first place. (WHEN I remember to use them, that is.)
Wanna know what they are?
Below are twenty-one simple things you can do right now to make yourself happier:
1. Set an alarm to remind you to watch the sunrise tomorrow. You have the opportunity to calmly start your mornings this way every single day. So get out your phone right now. You need to set your alarm today so you can take advantage of tomorrow's sunrise. If you're not an early bird, the best time of year to watch a sunrise is in autumn, after the equinox but before daylight savings.
2. Practice saying no. We’re all busy. We’ve all taken on too much. Steer clear of time-sucking activities that don't add meaning to your life. Say yes to less.
3. Write down three things you are thankful for today. Using a gratitude journal is one of the simplest things you can do to start your day off on a happy note. If the word "journal" overwhelms you, check out this awesome five-minute alternative. I'm loving it.
Today I am thankful for:
- A successful move into a new home this weekend (Whew!)
- The fact that fresh apple cider is back in season
- Sneaking in a moment today to write in my gratitude journal while I enjoy some goodnessknows snack squares (Each two-bite square is gluten-free and made with real fruit, whole nuts, and dark chocolate. Mmmmmm. Dark chocolate.)
4. Update your wallpaper. Change your phone or computer screensaver to something new that makes you smile.
5. Watch a TED Talk. Check out this list of ten talks by women that everyone should watch.
6. Go for a walk, run, or hike. Consider signing up for a 5K to give yourself a reason to get out and walk or run every day. If you want to take it a step further, plan a vacation around a run or support your favorite charity though fundraising. Or keep it simple, and just go for a hike for the sake of it.
7. Take a photo. One of the best side effects of learning more about photography is that you start to notice the beauty in everyday things. If you're interested in iPhoneography, you'll want to look at this list of apps and tips for getting started. If you've got a DSLR camera, be sure to check out this collection of Photography 101 posts. I'd also love to add you to this private Family Photography Facebook group that I help host.
8. Make plans to travel alone. Plan a short weekend getaway, just for YOU. Eat where you want. Stay where you want. Do what you want. And it's all on YOUR timetable. Be sure to check out these ten tips for traveling solo.
9. Enjoy a catnap... in the middle of the afternoon. Guilt-free.
10. Make a date with yourself at the bookstore or library. Slowly wander around. Enjoy the quiet while you browse titles, slow down, and feel inspired by all that's around you.
11. Eat the fruit. You know the expensive organic berries you bought for the kids? You deserve them, too. Stop saving them just for the kids. Eat the "good fruit," too!
12. Smile more. If you're not feeling it, fake it (until you make it). Smiling has documented therapeutic effects and has been associated with reduced stress hormone levels (like cortisol, adrenaline, and dopamine), increased health and mood-enhancing hormone levels (like endorphins), and lowered blood pressure. Plus—when others see you smile, they smile too!
13. Watch a movie... by yourself. Head to the bedroom (or any private place) with your laptop in hand, or go to the local movie theater with popcorn money in your pocket. (You can do this. Really. It's fun—AND you deserve it.)
14. Give yourself flowers. Order them online or pick yourself up a bouquet at the local farmer's market. Better yet, pick some flowers from your own garden and display them in mason jars on the window ledge in your kitchen. I swear sunflowers are the happiest flowers. As Helen Keller once said...
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do.
15. Try a 5-minute meditation. Scientific studies continue to show the positive effects meditation can have in your life. You have 1,440 minutes today; find 5 for yourself. I literally double-dog dare you to try this 5-minute meditation from the UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center.
16. Get creative in the kitchen. Experiment and try a new recipe. Have fun making it—and then EATING it.
17. Give someone you love a 6-second hug. Wrap your arms around them and hold them tight for a full six seconds. You'll BOTH feel the benefits.
18. Enjoy some fresh air and the warmth of the sun. Head outside for a nature break, or stand in the light of an open window to feel the sunshine warming your face or a breeze blowing in. It only takes a few minutes to do wonders to reset your mood.
19. Join a book club for "recovering readers." Love to read, but haven't picked up a fiction book in years? Then this low-stress, online book club is for you. If you feel like you need an excuse to sit down with a book, remember... The best way to encourage a love of reading in your children is for them to see YOU reading for enjoyment.
20. Make plans to spend a night out with friends. Call and schedule a date for dinner or drinks with a friend or two. Be sure to call—Don't text, IM, or email. Let the sound of your voice demonstrate how much you're looking forward to seeing them.
21. Watch the evening sky. Steal a minute to enjoy the sky as it transitions from day to night. Be awed by the moon. Star-gaze. In other words, look up once in awhile. M'kay?
BONUS: Forgive yourself. Did today not go the best? Let it go... Tomorrow's a new day!
In the end, it doesn't matter whether it's writing in a gratitude journal, taking an hour for buckram yoga, or doing sudoku on the subway ride to work—You need to find some way to "treat yourself" to keep your spirits lifted. I'm loving this line from the goodnessknows® website:
doing a little good for yourself can go along way.
give yourself a break and enjoy life.
#TryALittleGoodness
I couldn't have said it better myself.
P.S. I have to admit, these dark chocolate goodnessknows snack squares are my new favorite mid-day “adult” snack. (That being said, my kids totally dig them, too.) I particularly like that they’re made without artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners—Check out what’s inside.
Personally, I love the sweet fruit with the crunch of whole toasted nuts on top, and the bottom layer of dark chocolate pulls things together beautifully. There’s something about the square cut that makes this snack feel like a decadent treat.
Be sure to check out all the different combinations of snack squares they offer next time you’re at the grocery store:
- Cranberry, almond, dark chocolate
- Peach & cherry, almond, dark chocolate
- Apple, almond & peanut, dark chocolate
Click here to find out where you can purchase goodnessknows near you.
So delicious.
Again, a bit thanks to goodnessknows ® for sponsoring this happy list. Learn more about goodnessknows and find them online here: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Store Locator
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Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of goodness knows. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. The opinions and text are all mine. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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