5 Things that Make Me Happy
What would it take for you to have a good year, regardless of the surprises that come along the way?
We all learned from the last few years that our best plans could come apart at the seams through no fault of our own. Things that are completely out of our control can sabotage our goals and plans, our health, jobs, freedoms and intentions. We can enter the new year with the best of intentions, only for it to all fall apart before our eyes.
So, with that in mind, what would it take for you to have a great year? What is the foundational priority for you? What makes you happy?
For me, this year will be a great one if my head is in a good place. When I’m mentally healthy, other good things flow from it.
I am more productive and creative in my writing.
I laugh a lot.
I am not afraid to try new things and take on new challenges.
I am friendlier, kinder, and more patient.
I sleep well.
I am physically healthier.
I put more effort into my appearance.
Bottom line: I am a much better person when I take care of my mental health.
I have learned from trial and error the daily habits that help me stay in a good headspace. Here are my top five:
1. Journaling
I begin my day with a stream-of-consciousness writing practice called Morning Pages. Sometimes I write one page; sometimes I write three. It doesn’t matter how much. I just pick up my pen, open to the next page and write whatever is in my head until I’m done.
Interested in morning pages? Find out more here.
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2. Bible Reading
I read my Bible regularly for my mental health. The reminder of who God is and His unconditional love for me, His power and grace, is food for my soul and peace for my mind. Some parts of the Bible are easier to read than others, so I often listen to the audio Bible while I’m doing other things, especially for parts of the Old Testament.
Are you too busy to read your Bible? This post has heaps of helpful ideas.
3. Walking
I walk for my mental health. Being outside and moving my body helps work all of those nasty stress hormones out of the system and replaces them with lots of happy exercise hormones instead. And generally, the less I feel like getting out and going for a walk the more I enjoy it when I get going.
4. Craft
I’ve only recently read a stack of research on the mental health benefits of craft. I just thought it was good because I loved it and it was fun. Turns out, it’s not just me. There is a reason why the crafts our grandmothers did—knitting, crocheting, macrame and drawing—have become popular again post-COVID. Doing something creative with your hands is good for your mind.
5. Sleep
My headspace goes down quickly when I’m tired. I use my Apple watch to track my sleep. If I have a few nights in a row without sleeping well, I know I need to go to bed early and make sleep a priority.
On the weekly spread of my planner, I have a little matrix with the days of the week and these five activities. I colour in the square when I complete each activity. I don’t do everything every day, but I do most of them. And when I’ve missed something for a couple of days I know to make it a priority the next day.
I also write a simple one-line of gratitude: The highlight of my day. It forces me to stop and reflect on the good things that happen each day and choose my highlight.
This is what I track. This is what I measure. Not words written, hours worked or pounds lost. No calories, miles or dollars. I know that if I prioritise and track the things that make me happy and healthy, everything else will fall into place in its own time.
What’s your one thing? What is the thing at the foundation of everything else in your life? Nurture that. Prioritise it. Track it. And celebrate it!
How will you make your one thing a reality this year? What are you going to do differently? What will you change in your daily or weekly routine to make it happen?
Let’s have a good year, regardless.
