Everyone has those off days when you’re just feeling down, whether it’s due to physical ailments, emotional hurdles, or for reasons unknown. Navigating these emotions can be challenging, especially when the source of your blues isn’t clear. That’s why I’ve curated a personal list of happiness-boosting activities for such times.
Over the years, I’ve identified several actions that consistently infuse my days with joy. While I always knew these activities brought me happiness, I wasn’t actively turning to them on my down days—until I made a conscious decision to list them out.
Savor the Aroma of Slow Cooking
There’s nothing quite like the comforting smell of home-cooked food to lift your spirits. On days when I need a little extra care, I bring out my trusty KitchenAid Mixer (a sturdy relic that’s been with me for over two decades!). My go-to pick-me-up recipes usually involve yeast—because who can resist the uplifting scent of freshly baked bread? And for days that are particularly rough, cinnamon bread is my special treat. The aroma of cinnamon is the epitome of comfort.
Groove to Nostalgic Tunes
While I cook or bake, I love playing my custom ’70s playlist from Amazon Music, featuring hits and lesser-known gems from the decade. It’s a collection that my husband and I have curated, filled with songs that often don’t make it to the standard streaming playlists (remember ‘Walk Away Renee’?). This personal playlist brings back memories and never gets old, no matter how many times I listen.
De-Clutter for Clarity
Don’t confuse an uncluttered space with a spotless one. While cleanliness is preferable, it’s the clutter that disrupts my mental space and hinders my productivity. Taking just 10-15 minutes to tidy up can work wonders for your mood and make your environment more welcoming.
Connect While You Clean
As I spruce up my surroundings, I seize the opportunity to connect with loved ones over the phone. Engaging in a heartwarming conversation while performing mundane tasks like cleaning is incredibly uplifting. It makes the chores fly by unnoticed, and by the end of the call, I’ve not only caught up with someone special but also accomplished my cleaning goals.
Indulge in Soul-Nourishing Activities
Finally, I commit to doing something enriching for my soul—activities I typically wouldn’t allow time for. This might involve learning to play a new song on my keyboard from a YouTube tutorial or writing a heartfelt review for a life-changing book like ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear.
Sharing my happiness go-to’s is a way of inviting you to discover what lifts you up. If you’re unsure where to start, give some of my activities a try. Search for other happiness-inducing activities and craft your personalized list. My five never fail to turn my day around.
Now, I’m curious about your happiness hacks. Share your go-to activities with me, and I’d love to integrate them into my routine as well!