25 ways to add joy into your life right now!
Oh, hello.
Happy Monday! Or is it? Today is what they call Blue Monday; the saddest day of the year. Whether or not it’s true or this was all just something that was created by corporations, it brings light to mental health and the sadness folks feel in the winter. Of course, you add a global pandemic into the mix and it’s a pretty darn sad time to be living in. We all feel it, regardless of the good things in our lives.
Today I wanted to share some things you can do to add joy into your life during such a tough time. Even if you can do a few of these things, hopefully, they will make you feel happy!
get outside! ; we basically go out for a walk every single day, and it has been so good for our mental health. we love giving otis some fresh air and also know we can guarantee to get some exercise and on a good day, some sunshine!
get dressed up!; i decided lately that i am so tired of wearing loungewear, tights, t-shirts, etc. i’ve been dressing in something cute and colourful at least three times a week and i honestly feel so much better when i do!
make plans!; well, not reallyyyyy! make plans to watch a movie or have a games night with your partner, friends, or fam (if you’re able) make plans to had a phone chat, zoom, or virtual date with pals. oh & make a list of things you’d like to do when you’re able to!
try a new recipe!; whether it’s baking something delicious, a new healthy snack you can make, or a dinner recipe to fall on love with, it’s always fun to find something that you think is delicious! nothing like adding a new one to your rotation
look through old photographs & set aside favourites!; i love looking through old photos, and especially since the pandemic started (organizing & putting into albums!) also, it’s super fun to take photos of them and send them to your pals to say i miss you
rewatch your favourite movie or series!; nothing like rewatching a movie or show that just feels comforting to have in the background. i love watching all christmas movies (duh), friends, freaks & geeks, superbad (just to name a few!)
wear bright lipstick!; you know i love my bold lips! during the pandemic, i really stopped wearing my bright lipstick every day, and i kinda miss it. if i really want to feel like me and add a little pizazz, i rock the fun lip colour!
surprise a friend with a card or letter in the mail!; i have been trying to keep up with this during the pandemic, but it is always so nice to send something special as a little surprise to someone you love. we all need a little pick-me-up right now
host a cute little tea party for twol; make a pot of tea and put it on a tray with all the fixings, including some delicious cookies, squares, or cakes to enjoy as a special treat. oh, and don’t forget the cutest of cute mugs.
make a delicious fruit salad!; nothing like a good excuse to eat something healthy but also try a bunch of fruits that you haven’t had in a while and want to put in a delicious and pretty dish! ths definitely feels like more of a treat in the winter months
make the ultimate feel-good playlist!; take some time to really think of all the songs that bring you joy, and keep adding and adding until you have a few hours of smiley, feel-good, dancey bliss! i am working on a new one that makes me wanna move
back up your phone & photos!; oh my gosh. time to take my own advice! one thing i have done is backed up my phone & photos (thank goodness) annnnd i am slowly working on organizing and deleting photos from my phone
buy yourself flowers!; honestly. fresh flowers in the home make me smile so much. they look so beautiful, smell divine, and just bring a space to life. bonus if you can order from a local florist and support them during the pandemic.
have a john & yoko day!; this is something pete & i started doing years ago. it’s basically staying in your comfy cozies all day and lounging in bed, reading books, listening to music, and ordering in. chill out and do nothing
pamper yourself!; get all your favourite beauty products out and use them up! have a nice long bath or shower, do a face mask, paint your nails - just relax and take your time making you feel your best
shop online from a small business!; if you’re anything like me you are missing being able to pop into your favourite shop and get some cute stuff or special gifts. keep them alive by shopping online and supporting them when they need it most
discover a new podcast!; it feels so good when you discover any new content that you really enjoy and makes you feel good. i recently started listening to the daily shine podcast & nothing much happens and they’re both so calming + wonderful
watch the mr.rogers documentary!; if you don’t know much about mr.rogers, then i urge you to learn! his story, work and legacy is (still) beyond inspiring and will definitely make you want to be a better person.
refresh your space!; the pandemic has forced us to stay home more than ever before. in order to stay sane and feel good at home, i am always finding little ways to fresh our space. changing up things that are on display like books, candles, trinkets, trays, dried flowers, etc.
put together a stack of books to read!; most of us collect books but don’t always have time to read them. i find making a to-read pile so that when i finish my next book, i have all my other options in one pile!
fill your world with more colour!; as a lover of all things colourful, i can’t say enough about what colour does for me during sad times. i love to wear lots of colour, fill my social feeds with colour and also filling otis’ world with colour
learn how to play a new game!; games are so fun! and it always feels nice to add a new one into your stack. pete & i are going to learn how to play crib and euchre and i’m really looking forward to it!
keep on celebrating!; it can be tough to find reasons to celebrate right now. now more than ever the little things can be celebrated! sunday dinners, national days, sporting events, taco night, make your pizza, pj night etc!
listen to the beatles!; an instant mood booster for me is listening to the beatles. they are just the best, and i love rediscovering tracks that weren’t huge hits but are still just magical to listen and dance to!
practice gratitude!; every day is a new day. it’s tough when we can’t have things to look forward to the way we’re used to, but if we remember love and choose to see the good it will help us get through. every day i remember how lucky we are to have a healthy family, great jobs, a sweet boy we love, and everything we need to stay safe during this time.
Sending love to you all & hope that you will try a few of these little things to brighten your days!