Hello, friend. How are you feeling this week? If you’re feeling a little sluggish and need a boost, I hope that these tips and ideas are encouraging and help push you through the rest of your week. Or, if you’re in a great mood and are feeling good I hope this gives an extra boost of oomph for the week.
5 Steps to A Happier Day:
1. When You first get home, start with the best part of your day.
I discovered this technique in the Intelligent Change newsletter. What this means is that instead of walking in the door and relaying all of the negative, terrible things that happened…start with the positive. Tell your spouse, partner, friends, or family what the best part of your day was. While it isn’t intended to mitigate or repress the bad, it simply changes the dynamic. If you’re in a better mood while talking about the good, that often translates into a better mood as you are also describing the not so good.
2. Have something to look forward to, each day.
Each morning I like to write down one activity or thing that I’m looking forward to. Usually it’s something that I have planned after work. I find that having something you’re really looking forward to can even make a Monday or a Tuesday feel like a Friday.
3. Go for a long walk without your phone.
I’ve always loved going for walks as a way to de-stress and get some exercise. However, something that I’ve implemented over the past couple of weeks is not taking my phone with me. I used to listen to podcasts or music as I walked and while there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with that I always felt as though my mind was constantly buzzing. Now, there seems to be a peace and an entirely new energy. Give it a try. Even if it’s only 5-10 minutes take the time to get outside and away from your phone and see how you feel.
4. Surround yourself with positive and encouraging ideas.
Try starting or ending your day with 5-15 minutes of reading from an inspiring book. The first and last hours of your day are two of the most important periods because they set the trajectory for either the rest of your day or how your brain feels as you fall asleep. Rather than flooding your mind with anxiety and stress use this time to really fuel your mind.
If you’re not sure what to read I would highly recommend the books,
Grace Not Perfection by Emily Ley
Chasing Slow by Erin Loechner
How to Live a Good Life by Jonathan Fields
5. Send an email or schedule a phone call with a close friend.
Social ties are one of the biggest indicators of happiness and overall fulfillment. For example, my sister and I often schedule or plan out which day we are going to chat during the week because it gives us both something to look forward to. In essence accomplishing number 2 and number 5 at the same time.
Well, there you have it.
What about you? What would you list as your 5 Steps to a Happier Day?
Did you like this post? If so, you might also enjoy my post, Ideas on Happiness
Cover Photo Via: Helene In Between
