EHappy: Small Ways to Have a Brighter Day
SMALL WAYS TO HAVE A BRIGHTER DAY
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ART
Studies (like this) show art can positively impact your health by reducing anxiety just by looking at it. Isn't that CRAZY? Here are a few easy ways to bring more art into your life:
- Create a gallery wall that brings you joy.
- Pick up the paint brush and paint something! (I did a flower painting tutorial here if you need help getting started).
- Visit a local art gallery or museum. They're quiet, inspiring spaces that can bring you a much needed sense of zen.
CALL A FRIEND
Call a friend just to check in and see how he/she is doing. By making someone else's day better, you'll be able to bring a little sunshine into your own.
STOP & SMELL THE FLOWERS
Flowers are another scientifically thing proven to make up happy. I always feel extra cheery when I take the time to buy a bouquet and arrange it in my studio. I usually buy hydrangeas because they're so easy to arrange, but am thinking about trying some of these ideas next time.
READ A BOOK
Books are a great way to disconnect, unwind, and transport to a totally different world. They're also pretty easy to implement into your daily routine. Start by either reading a chapter during a lunch break or by listening to an audiobook to your daily commute. I shared some of my recent favorites here. It's so fun to get excited and invested in the characters in another world.
CELEBRATE A SMALL VICTORY
Were you on time to work today? Maybe you got a prime parking spot at the grocery store or simply made it an entire work day without getting distracted by your instagram feed? Whatever little thing(s) you can think of, celebrate it. Happy hour's got a bottle of rose with your name on it (and this is a pretty hilarious reminder of that)!
TREAT YOURSELF
To me, "treat yourself" means going straight to the freezer section at Publix and getting a pint of Talenti Sea Salt Caramel (Ice cream just makes my heart so happy). Pick up whatever treat makes you smile and treat yourself a little.
SEND SNAIL MAIL
There's something really satisfying about sending thank you notes or a quick hello to an old friend just to let them know you're thinking about them. Stock up on a few cards here, buy some stamps, and make an effort to send out a note every week. The best way to brighten your day is to brighten someone else's!
ADD A POP OF COLOR TO YOUR EVERYDAY LOOK
There's something about a pair of colorful tassel earrings or bright nail polish that can just add a little more fun to the everyday. Start your search for a new accessory with my latest brightly decorated discoveries here.
PUT ON LIPSTICK & SMILE
As Mindy Kaling said, "sometimes you just have to put on lipstick and pretend to be psyched!" These lip treatments (which I've illustrated several times) are my current favorite and I've also been eyeing this and this. Nothing like a pop of lipstick to add a little color to your day! Plus, "we feel happy when we smile" (Psychology Today). Your welcome for giving you the scientific fact you needed to justify your next beauty buy :)
WRITE DOWN 5 THINGS YOU'RE GRATEFUL FOR
I try to do this before I write out my to do list each day. It's a small habit that makes me start each day on a happier note.
HUG A PET
Truly few things make me happier than hugging my dogs. If you don't have a pet, you can offer to walk a neighbor's dog or visit somewhere like the Humane Society for some pawsome quality time. Also, for anyone petsick for their fur bestie, get this mug until you're able to give a hug IRL. I have some of my pets and they never fail to make me smile.
BREAK A SWEAT
To quote Elle Woods--"Exercise gives you endorphins; endorphins make you happy; happy people don't shoot their husbands. They just don't!"
I'm a big fan of all kinds of work outs and really and truly do feel so much happier at the end of a sweat session. Sign up for a group class or find a friend to go on a walk or run with.
GO FOR A DRIVE
Blast some music, roll down the windows, and drive an extra few blocks out of your way just to enjoy the sunshine. Sometimes happiness is in the detours.
GET COFFEE & TREAT THE PERSON BEHIND YOU
There's really nothing like an extra cup of coffee for energy when you're feeling a little down and buying for the person behind you makes the feeling that much sweeter.