Make Everyday A Little Happier

Hey everyone!

Today I wanted to pop in and leave a few suggestions on how to bring some sunshine into your day. It's so easy to get bogged down by all the negativity around us, and I always make a conscious effort to climb out of happiness death pits. I find many people allow an entire set of 24 hours go down the toilet, because of a tiny incident that will render itself insignificant in a matter of weeks. Let's not do this to ourselves anymore!

Credit: Hermes 

1. Make a list of 3 things you are grateful for everyday. You can do it in your head before bed, or log them in a journal. I prefer to log my lists so I can read them years later, and recall the memories from that time. This is one of my favorite activities to do!

2. Ensure you're doing at least 1-2 things you love everyday. For me it's a sweet smoothie, dance class, hot chocolate, a bubble bath, reading a thriller, or taking photos. There is ALWAYS time! For example, I sometimes bring a packet of hot chocolate and make it at work while I write patient notes. Frequently I put a thriller or fantasy novel on my iBooks or Read app so I can get sucked into a new world during ten minute breaks for lunch. Woo!

3. Release some endorphins via exercise. I've found forcing myself to enjoy a workout that's uninspiring will not make me feel content. I just can't do it. I've finally gone back to dance class, and the change is wonderful and welcome. I've discovered that any group class will get me working harder and longer than if I was doing a workout alone. It's because I'm competitive. I'm now using that to my advantage instead of hiding it under the rug.
         Note: If I cannot make it to a class because I work late, I've found a way to enjoy cardio (treadmill or elliptical). I listen to a great podcast! I typically listen to 50 min to 1 hr long interviews, and refuse to get off the treadmill until the podcast is completed.

4. Just to play off the point above, I now try to listen or read something inspiring every day. Elizabeth Gilbert's podcasts are amazing, and I am extremely motivated after hearing even one session. I also picked up her book Big Magic to help get my creative juices flowing, but most importantly to embrace living a life of curiosity. I find the Happiness Planner is also a great tool. Its ultimate focus is to help you identify goals, and achieve them in 100 days while incorporating activities that you've established bring you joy. It also allows for reflection everyday, and I like how that provides a journalling component to the agenda without feeling intimidating.

5. Call the people you love. I speak to my parents daily, and almost always have shared texts going on with my besties and boyfriend. Relationships bring meaning to your life, so spend time cultivating them.

6. Always have something planned. Because my boyfriend and I are long-distance during our medical training, we always have weekends booked with fun activities. Now, I don't endorse only ploughing through your days because you know a vacation is coming in 2 months. That's a waste of time. Rather focus on regularly scheduling activities that will fill your cup of love. Seeing friends, having dinner with mom, or signing-up for a rock climbing class. I ended up going bouldering for the first time -thanks to my boyfriend pushing me to scratch another item off my bucket list- and it was so rewarding learning a new skill that my body could do. It's a huge confidence boost! Make yourself uncomfortable in the name of self-discovery!

These are my reliable go-to's for a life of sustainable happiness. What brings you joy on a daily basis?

Cheers,

Chantelle