A while back, I posted this Walt Whitman quote on my Instagram:
“Happiness, not in another place, but this place…not for another hour, but this hour.”
Clearly, Walt knew a thing or two about a thing or two. Most of us would say we want more happiness in our daily lives. But happiness can be elusive, especially when we are going through difficult circumstances. Instead of thinking about what could make your life or year happier, just think about today, or even the present moment. The little bits of happiness we experience moment by moment encourage us that happiness is possible in the future as well, no matter what lies ahead.
Today I’d like to share with you some ways to add more bits of happy to daily life, with the hope of increasing positive daily experiences often enough to impact your overall mental health and life satisfaction. There is an entire modality of psychotherapy called Positive Psychology which is based on this very notion. Curious if it would work for you? Try adding one or more of the activities below to your day for the next week and see for yourself.
- Write a sweet note to your spouse, roommate, or child and leave it in their lunch as a surprise
- Create something…it could be a fancy DIY project for your home or something as simple as this.
- Spend some time outdoors – even if it’s just reading a book or having a cup of tea outside, the benefits of time spent in nature are many!
- Talk with someone you trust completely – even if it’s a therapist! Having a conversation with someone who gets you can be so refreshing.
- Treat Yo Self! You don’t have to spend a lot of money, but buy yourself that coffee you love, or a new book or order your favorite takeout once in a while.
- Wake up 5-10 minutes earlier than usual. Savor those first few moments of your day doing something you love that’s just for you.
- Sip on some green tea – the benefits of this super drink range from decreasing anxiety to fighting off illness.
- Drink plenty of water – chronic dehydration can actually cause feelings of depression. Staying hydrated will help you feel better mentally and physically.
- Actually do something you’ve always wanted to try – whether it’s starting a new book, journaling, or learning a sport or instrument, just do it! Chances are, you’ve been thinking about it for so long because you know you’ll love it.
- Make a playlist of your favorite songs and listen to it on repeat! Music is an amazing mood changer. Bestie confession: Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On” came on the other day and I turned it ALLLLL the way up and jammed out for the entire song. 15 minutes later, I was still grinning ear to ear and giggling about how ridiculous I was. Live it up friends, live it up!
- Journal – whether you do a gratitude journal, a prayer journal, or simply write your thoughts about life, there is something so therapeutic about expressing yourself on paper.
I have a lot of other ideas for increasing positive experiences that I can’t wait to share with you in he future, but hopefully there is enough here to encourage you to begin prioritizing your daily happiness and wellbeing. If nothing else, you at least got to laugh picturing my crazy self dancing and singing at the top of my lungs in my living room. Always happy to help however I can, Besties!!
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