I started off this year in not the best place mentally. There was honestly nothing wrong in my life, but there was this funk I felt like I just couldn’t shake.
Over the past few months, I’ve been working to get back to my happy place, and I think I’m there!Â
Here’s a few things that have helped me get there:
- Learning that little NO word. Does having plans every night of the week really make me happy? Does taking on extra responsibilities outside of work when all I really want to do after work is see friends or sit on my couch make me happy? Nope! Last night, we had a work happy hour and tonight I had several things I could have done…but my couch is fabulous.
- Baths and reading. I love taking a bath so much, and there’s few things that relax me that well. It’s like all of my anxiety dissolves the second I get in. And yes, even in the summer, I enjoy hot baths. I’m weird.
- RUNNING. My running sucked over the winter but now that it’s nice out and I’m training for Brooklyn, running is keeping me sane AND endorphin drunk.
- Consciously telling myself not to lose sleep over the little things. I am a Grade A worrier, but sometimes you just need to realize when something’s out of your hands anyway and you shouldn’t be worrying.
- Really choosing to spend time with the people that make me happiest and spending less time with those who don’t.
- And also trying — as often as I can — to meet up with someone new or someone I haven’t seen in a while for an invigorating conversation.
- MUSIC. Over the past few months, there have been several key playlists in my life. I’ll share them in a separate post soon.
- I’m back really watching what I’m eating, and it’s actually really nice to have a kind of framework and structure to what I eat, taking out some of the guesswork.
What kind of tweaks have you made for your own happiness?
Such great tips! I’m so glad to hear you’re prioritizing your happiness! I’m working on getting more sleep and keeping my social life active and busy! Both of those things make me happy! 😀
I’m so glad you’re happier! I can’t wait to enjoy one of those great talks IN PERSON in just 10 short days!
It’s good to read about people making sure to take care of themselves! We all need to be “selfish” sometimes. I have also been reading more again. Interestingly enough, music is a huge part of my happiness, but I actually have been “tuning out” during runs lately. Even though I live in a small city, it’s nice to experience how peaceful it can be when I’m running (and to notice all the beautiful places there are hidden around here).
Yes this is so relatable – especially in the busyness of NYC! Glad you are getting back to “you”. Meditation is also a big help 🙂
Thank you
I couldn’t agree more with this list! Saying no is a KEY lesson I learned within the past few years. I love how you added eating to the list, because it’s so true! Also, I’m with you on the baths! All year long, I love them.
Love that you consciously choose to move towards a higher happiness! I’m like you and need to say no more often – especially when it comes to social plans during the week.
Great list! It is easy to get burned out. Taking time for yourself is important. Saying NO is the first step.