Here are Ways To Feel HAPPIER that you can start today! Everyone has bad days/problems/worries/pains, myself included. It can be hard to pull yourself out of that sometimes deep hole. But it’s important to take care of ourselves.
Recently, my sister and I were walking our dogs on the trails near her house. I told her about this post. She said wellness tips should be broken down into achievable steps so it’s not overwhelming. Good advice, Teresa.
Time to Take Care Of #One!…
We also have the advice of five other trusted bloggers for this Project Design: Self Care. Follow their links at the end of the post.
26 Small Ways To Feel HAPPIER
Most of the above are self-explanatory, but I would like to elaborate on a few of them.
Take a Walk
I’ve lost or broken three Fitbits…plus I like to wear a watch instead of the Fitbit band so now I just see how many steps I have on my I-phone. But my husband loves his. Usually, I walk for about an hour but some times just 15 minutes…with a peppy playlist and Chief!
This is also in my sister’s San Diego neighborhood.
Volunteer
When my college’s alumni group offered it as an activity, I volunteered at St.Anthony’s (Homeless Outreach). Now I volunteer a few hours a month (it’s scheduled on my calendar). I should do more but this connects me with the people I see on the street. I think most people feel better when they volunteer to help others. Research opportunities with your church, temple, school or company…this article may help.
Pray For Others
I learned this from my mom (she turned 95 on Sunday and here we are with my brothers and sister). Even if you aren’t religious, stop, quiet your mind and send good energy/intentions to people who need it.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep With A Nightly Ritual
This is a challenge for me with hot flashes, etc. Try to go to bed at the same time and wind down.
1. Humidifier
Lately, I have been turning on a humidifier with an essential oil like lavender at night. Annie from Most Lovely Things helped me discover this…it’s soothing and helps with my dry skin, too.
2. Calm Listening App
I’ve also been listening to sleep stories on the Calm app. It’s free to try out. I’m always asleep before the end of the story. There’s one called Blue Gold (free) that takes you through lavender fields in Provence…so that with the lavender mist from the humidifier and it’s Lights Out! They also have short calming meditative messages. I like the one about Minimalism (in other words, more stuff may give you a temporary lift, but it doesn’t buy happiness).
3. Sleep Aid
Sometimes I take a supplement from Trader Joe’s called Calming Sleep Formula that includes melatonin. I use it for travel/jetlag instead of sleeping pills. Hot chamomile tea is good, too.
I’d love to know your suggestions for a good night’s sleep.
The blossoms are out in San Francisco already.
Tell Yourself “I love you”
You deserve love just the way you are! You have value and are in charge of your own happiness. Be grateful for every day and surround yourself with people who love you.
Those are ways to Feel HAPPIER. Take care of yourself!
Hi Mary Ann,
Your post is so touching to me on so many levels. I relate to so many things that you shared, and your sissy too.
You both have have such good heads on your shoulders. Selfcare is so important, sometimes we forget to do that
when we have other things going on in your life. You take care of yourself so well.
Wow, your mother’s picture and the family really pulled at my heart strings. Your mother at 95 years was simply
beautiful, and look at your family. What gifts she and your father brought into the world. Thank you so much for sharing the photograph. The flower arrangement on the table was so uplifting to look at.
I try to always go to bed around the same time each night, usually not past one hour of the scheduled time. If I can’t sleep due to pain I have to use Voltaren. I try not to drink too much water after 6:00 pm so I am not up two times during the night and early morning hours.
The blossoms are so pretty and already out, the view so special, wow.
I too enjoyed your list “To Feel Happier.” It’s so important to have a song to sing in your heart every day, easier said than done.
Keep the steps up, walking is so wonderful. I miss it, my “Honey Bear”walks six days a week.
So nice that you volunteer.
Thanks again for such a meaningful post.
Thanks< Katherin...I sent you a private email.
I need you in my inbox every morning. I was feeling frustrated with the timeline of my renovations until I read this post. I took a few deep breathes, letting it out slowly, then I thought what am I grateful for? I couldn’t stop at one. Off to shovel snow now with a much better outlook. As you say worry is a wasted emotion. The renovations will be done when they’re done and I will fall in love with my home again. 😀
You absolutely will, Joanna!
So many great ideas! I think that so many people are overwhelmed with the idea of self-care and what it costs, i.e; massages, manicures, nights out that they do not realize self care is easy, it is simply caring for yourself the same way that you care for all of the other people in your life but we often have a hard time with taking care and nurturing ourselves. Thank you for the reminder.
Yes, Elizabeth. I think of self-care as happiness (and a mani/pedi is nice too 🙂
Thanks, Mary Ann. I’m feeling happier already 🙂
I’m a follower of your, not a blogger, nor do I know you personally. Just wanted to let you know that I so appreciate your content. This post, decor, food, your travels and family. I enjoy it all because it’s all so applicable to my own life as a 59 yr old Mom of three adult children. Thank-you!
THANKS, ELLIE!! That means a lot to me. We have a lot in common!
What a perfect post to read on a Friday morning – helped me do a reset for my day and weekend ahead. Setting your list on my laptop so I see it every morning when I power up! Thanks for sharing it all. XOX to you and Chief!
Good idea…I’m going to print mine out and put it on the bulletin board. Thanks, Holly!
Mary Ann, these are all great ideas! Exercise is a huge part of my life, I workout 6 days a week, including an hour walk 3 of those days. I started having some anxiety issues in my 50’s, but I could alway exercise it away. (no drugs for me) When my plantar fasciitis sidelined me from exercising a few years ago, the anxiety came back with a vengeance and my feet got worse. I was seriously sleep deprived for months and I ended up with a bad case of depression. (it runs in my family :o( ) Turns out most of my pains were stress related, although the doctor told me they weren’t. I’m good now thankfully.
What a great photo of your family…your mom is so cute in her pink outfit!
Linda
Wow, Linda…so sorry to hear that. That’s how I felt when I dislocated my ankle and could walk or drive for three months…hard to stay positive but then you realize that you still have things to be grateful for. So glad you are better now!
Oh, reading your story here helped me so much! I’ve battled anxiety/depression most of my life, and like you, found long walks and exercise kept me sane and positive. A recent back injury (over exercising, of all things) has reduced my workouts and walks, and even my volunteer work. ( lots of lifting at the food pantry). You are so right: physical pain is a definite result of depression in many cases. Today the sun is finally out here in upstate/central NY, and I feel up to a walk. Thanks for reminding me I am not alone in this.
Sorry to hear about your injury, Sue. Keep your spirits up!! Thanks so much for commenting.
Mary Ann,
I was in a bit of a funk this morning and this post (and the other ladies) couldn’t have come at a better time!! It was the impetus to get off the couch and go to the gym (hour on the treadmill). A grocery run…bought a bunch of produce and will make a great dinner, tonight. Plan to get a mani/pedi tomorrow, etc. etc. I feel so much better! Love these posts!!
Thank You!!!
P.S. Happy Birthday to your Mom. What a great photo!
YAY, Renee. I took Chief on a nice walk and signed up for some pilates classes. Enjoy your dinner.
Mary Ann,
I just straightened my posture, poured a glass of water, turned on my favorite playlist (Madeline’s “Walking in New York) and reached for a stack of postcards to write that I’ve been saving. I love that places are doing that now over matchbooks it seems. Each item on your list is so smart and thoughtful.
Love your photo of all of you in pink for your mom’s birthday! Too bad you can’t bring her a clipping from that tree in full bloom! I hope they are still blooming next week!
xo
annie
“PREPARE BREAKFAST FIVE DAYS IN ADVANCE?”
THIS had me in HYSTERICS!!!!!!!!!
How can you make cereal or toast or eggs ahead of schedule?
YOUR SISTER LOOKS LIKE CINDY A WEE BIT TO ME?DO YOU SEE THAT?MAYBE I have had too many potato chips today!!!
YOU are so good to walk!
I should be outside right NOW!
TOO FAR BEHIND IN THE BLOG WORLD!
XX
I make overnights oats for a week or egg/quiche cups…easy!
So many great tips, Mary Ann! I’m all about a good playlist & listen to music constantly. Thanks for inviting me to join the group!
Mary Ann,
This is a great list. Most of the things on your list I have heard before but we forget how much the “little things” have big impact. I loved that you included make a playlist. I kept putting off doing that for sometime but when I saw that on your list I got out pen and paper and made a list. It put a smile on my face and made me feel good.
Love yourself is also a good reminder. We hear so much in our culture about improving ourselves or be a better version but we are good and worthy of self love just the way we are.
So great, Kathy. I think I’m going to make another playlist just since you are too.
This is a beautiful post to remind us that we are the key to our own happiness. And little reminders, like these blogs, that it is essential to take time for ourselves is so helpful to keeping a happy, healthy lifestyle. I love the picture from your moms birthday celebration. You “girls” all look fabulous!
Thanks, Gail….you are on my list to call 🙂
So true, Gail!!!
Terrific list! The little things can add up to a big improvement in one’s outlook. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Susan! I need the reminder myself.
Great post Mary Ann! I love that you focus on small things as I think we tend to focus on big items (and waiting for them) when we can bring happiness into our lives all day every day with tips like this. Thank you for including me in this round up!
Loved your post, Sheri.
All of these posts are so much fun! Jenna likes that Trader Joes Calming Sleep Formula. As you know we have the same issue regarding sleep. I think I am nearly over hot flashes so it may have improved slightly. I am going to try both you and Rene’s suggestions. I love the picture of your family, what a handsome group. Your sister honestly is drop dead gorgeous. I would love to know what she does with her hair. It is amazing…and your mom! No wonder you still look like a teenager!
You are way to sweet, Cindy 🙂 Thanks!