Enjoy the Little Things Everyday: Where to Look for Happiness in Your Life

As a parent, you are probably busier than you have ever been in your entire life. You’ve probably got a job that takes you from your home 40 hours a week, you’ve got errands to run, a home to clean, timings to make, children to drive around: swimming lessons, football practice, music lessons. The list goes on and on. Sometimes it can feel like you have no time for yourself and that your life isn’t how you intended.

You’re not alone in feeling like that: parents, especially mothers, wonder constantly if they have made the right decisions when it comes to considering work life and home life. The truth is, there is no right answer when it comes to your life. Your life is the way you intended, whether you realize it or not. You might not want to hear that, but the control you have over your own happiness is a real thing.

Sometimes, thinking about the big picture is what causes you to feel like you aren’t where you want to be in life, or you aren’t as happy as you think you should be; a tried and true method of finding happiness in everyday life is to find the joy in the little things in life. Here’s a huge list of these little things can help you feel happy in everyday life!

Start the day on a positive note.

When you wake up tomorrow, make a point to think of something positive. It’ll help you feel happy first thing in the morning.

Savoring a meal.

The next time you sit down to eat a meal, don’t rush. Really taste your food. Imagine how lucky you are to have access to delicious and nutritious food.

Giving in to your child.

Sometimes, it’s easier to just say yes. And if you are a parent who frequently says no, saying yes can brighten everyone’s day. Go ahead, have ice cream for dinner.

Remember there are no rules.

You are only limited by yourself. When you need a pick-me-up, remember that you are capable of anything you can imagine.

Keep a journal.

Before bed each night, writing down your thoughts can help you reflect on your day. It wasn’t all bad, you’ll see.

Be present in your work.

If your job is lack-luster, try to find the parts about it that you really enjoy. It might only be your lunch break, but savor that lunch break. If your co-workers are the best part of your day, tell them. It will make you both feel happy.

Feed your passion.

When was the last time you did something that was just for you? When was the last time you dug out your painting supplies, scrapbooking, or woodworking supplies? When was the last time you took 30 minutes to do something you love? Do it today. It will make you happy.

Sleep in.

When the weekend rolls around, don’t let the guilt of “getting things done” steel you from your bed. Stay in it for a while and enjoy the sunshine from the comfort of your warm blankets.

Snuggle your children.

When your child asks you to cuddle with them at bedtime, accept the invitation. Encourage them to tell you a story about their day. Ask them questions. Laugh.

Put your change in a jar.

If you are feeling like you can’t save money for the things you want, start small. Get a clear glass jar so you can see through it and start putting your spare money in there. Think you don’t have spare money? Think again: you get change from the grocer don’t you? Put it in the jar. You’ll feel proud for starting to tuck some money away. Sell something and put the money in the jar. Every little bit helps.

Think about something you accomplished.

Remember how difficult it seemed at the time but revel in the achievement. It will give you a positive outlook on your next challenge. You succeeded before, you can succeed again!

Eat chocolate.

Everything in moderation, but sometimes you just need to let loose and enjoy what is right there in front of you. Have you ever seen someone who looked sad eating chocolate? Chocolate and happiness go hand in hand!

Dig out family photos.

Spend some time with your family reliving exciting adventures or family vacations. Everyone will have a story to tell and you’ll bring back lots of feelings of happiness.

Roll in the snow. Jump in a puddle. Sing in the rain.

Whatever you do, get outside. Nature can clear your head and make your notice things you’ve never seen before. Watch an animal scurry across the path in the woods, sit under a tree and breathe. Connecting with nature is a great way to find happiness in everyday life. If you live by a park, head there and sit on a bench. You can’t go wrong with fresh air.

Take a bath.

Give yourself some quiet time and relax. Add bubbles and some candles and you’ve got relaxing escape to recharge. Taking a bath before bed can help you sleep better too! And everyone is happy after a good night’s sleep.

Plan a trip.

Even if money is tight, the act of planning will make you feel hopeful and give you the motivation to find the money to take a trip. Start small and keep it relatively local if you need to, but plan a getaway for you and your family to recharge and make some memories.

Buy yourself flowers.

Don’t wait around for someone else to give you flowers. Pick up a bouquet for yourself and place them in your home where you can see them often. Make a habit of doing this every week: fresh flowers are so beautiful and bring life to your home in such a simple and elegant way. They don’t have to be expensive flowers and you can even pick some up at your local grocer or market.