I‘m generally an optimistic person: my glass is half full more often than half empty. Sometimes, however, I struggle and I’m sure many of you do, too. Moments of happiness often mean more when there are fewer of them and I want to share some things that help me find those moments.
I pray these will bless you, too.
1. Get Some Sunshine
Did you know that the absence of sunshine can make you feel blue? Take a walk or spend time outside on a sunny day.
Keeping the blinds and curtains open helps me, too.
2. Start a Project
Check out the DIY & Crafts category at Pinterest or Lowe’s Creative Ideas for an endless supply of ideas to keep your mind and hands busy. Completing a project is not only emotionally satisfying, but you might have a useful or decorative item—or even a room transformation—when you’re finished.
I made these curtains and some other cool stuff from tutorials online.
Listen to this story about Mozart and how he escaped life’s troubles through his art:
“This supreme figure among the great composers of the world never had good health, and his life was filled with difficulties. Yet we rarely see evidence of these hardships in his music. Mozart’s music is not autobiographical like that of Beethoven, for example. If Beethoven quarreled with a friend, you hear angry sounds in his music. Not so Mozart. He escaped into his music when the problems of life were the heaviest. In fact, his life was so full of cares that his music often has a carefree spirit.” ~ Jane Stewart Smith & Betty Carlson, The Gift of Music
3. Exercise
Exercise improves your physical and mental well-being. I’ve started the 30 Day Shred again and though I have to talk myself into doing it most days, I always feel better afterwards.
My spring goals include walking laps at the park during my boys’ baseball practices and dusting off the bike I bought last summer.
4. Spend Time Doing Things You Enjoy and Do Well
What are you good at? What do you enjoy? Whether your thing is cooking, photography, sewing, crafting, writing, gardening, or whatever, allow time for it.
{Sometimes I start cooking and end up taking pictures.}
5. Me Time
Does spending time alone sound downright decadent? Curl up with a good book or spend the afternoon at your favorite book store or coffee shop.
It’s a great way to rest and recharge when you need to get away.
6. Do Some Good for Someone Else
As important as it is to take some time just for you, it’s equally important to spend time focusing on the needs of others. Send cards to friends who are sick or in need of encouragement. Take a meal to a family with sickness or a new baby, or just surprise a neighbor and bless their day!
“Are you one looking for encouragement and appreciation? Then I have a suggestion for you: Encourage someone around you. Give to them what you are looking to receive, and you will be surprised how it will return back to you a hundredfold. . . many a time a word of praise of thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.” ~ Dr. K.P. Yohannan, Stay Encouraged
7. Reduce Chaos
A messy house makes me feel stressed and out of control. Although I rarely have a house as clean as I would like, even focusing on one area helps me feel better. Cleaned and sponged kitchen counter tops are my biggie.
Decluttering can be done day-by-day in manageable baby steps. Donate useful items to a local charity thrift store.
{Did you notice I didn’t show you a picture of my messy house?}
8. Start a Bible Journal
I keep a journal for writing down favorite verses from my Bible reading. The YouVersion Bible app has a variety of plans and tips for making the most of them. You can even set the app to send you text reminders at the time of day you like to read (do it within the plan’s settings on your phone, not from the website) or email you the day’s devotional content.
I really enjoyed the Proverbs devotional plan, 31 chapters for a 31 day month.
9. TV Time
When life gets me down, I enjoy getting lost in a good movie or streaming a TV series on Netflix. It’s a great distraction!
Here’s a list of some of my favorites.
10. Create an Upbeat Playlist
I created a playlist and named it Happy, and then added the most fun and upbeat songs in my iTunes collection to it. It’s on my computer, phone, and iPad so I can hear it almost any time, anywhere.
Music has a powerful effect on our emotions.
I hope you found something here that will help you when you’re feeling low. Although it’s not included, prayer is always part of my list.
“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33
by Dawn Camp, My Home Sweet Home
Leave a Comment
Kimberly says
Great tips:) We’re finally getting a healthy dose of sunshine today after a snow-filled winter. What a difference the sun makes!
Dawn Camp says
Kimberly, the sun makes a *huge* difference – agreed!
anon says
Today is my birthday and i could b sad but this post really encouraged me..
Dawn Camp says
My birthday is this week, too! Here’s to being encouraged in the Lord, no matter the earthly circumstances. I’m praying your day is blessed!
Amanda says
What a great list! I’ve been utilizing a lot of these as I deal with depression/anxiety and winter blues in general. Sunshine can be hard to come by in Minnesota winters, but even just opening the blinds or going for a quick walk outside can help a lot. I also love using essential oils to boost my mood (diffusing lavender & eucalyptus currently!). Also, eating foods that make me feel good, and trying to cut back on sugar. And hanging out with girlfriends! 🙂 Thanks for the boost, Dawn — it sure helps to focus on the lovely, good things. God has given. 🙂
Dawn Camp says
Amanda, I’m not doing so well cutting back on sugar. I guess that missed my list. 🙂 I pray God sends some sunshine your way!
Gina Detweiler says
This is so needed. I think cloudy days and the undone in my life has left me blue, I love these suggestions!
Perhaps I’ll write some letters today while I listen to happy music 🙂
Dawn Camp says
Writing letters while listening to happy music = a perfect blues-buster day!
Jessica W says
Dawn, I love this list. So simple yet each one can be so life-changing. Thank you for taking the time to beautifully remind us that there are doorways to happiness all around us, each and every day. Happy Thursday to you!!!
Dawn Camp says
Jessica, happy Thursday to you, too! Yes, “doorways to happiness all around us.” 🙂
Lisa says
Great suggestions. I agree with them all and have done them at one time or another. I can testify that they really do bring about happiness.
Olivia says
Thank you for these simple reminders. Today, I’m going outside to refill the bird feeders and walk around with the camera. It’s been “quiet” for too long.
Dawn Camp says
Olivia, enjoy today through your lens!
Karen aka yaya says
Thanks for this great positive post!
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Sometimes I have to force myself up and out the door, but exercise is good for you in so many ways. I especially like to walk with my dog, Zoe (she’s a great listener). After our walks just loving on her and petting her brings me peace and happiness. After reading your post, I know a friend I need to bring flowers to… thanks for the gentle reminder.
Blessings,
Bev
Katherine G says
These are awesome tips.
Kim says
A playlist titled “Happy”-love that idea, so simply delightful! If the weather allows, I might go out with my camera, as it makes me intentional about finding beauty in the most unlikely places.
Thanks for these great ideas!
Adeline says
Thanks for the reminder to give ourselves permission to do something just to enjoy it. Love the ideas, they’re great!
Kristen Strong says
Love this practical and super inspiring list, friend. Awesome. xo
Becky Jones says
Great info on how to keep our lives in order and honoring God.
Thanks.
Becky
Anonymous says
Wow! Great tips. Will mindfully Plan to not only use, but also share w/ clients! Be Blesssed!
Beth Williams says
Dawn,
Happy Birthday gal! 🙂 May God bless you with many, many more birthdays!!!
I absolutely love your list! 🙂
Get Some Sunshine–I go for a walk or just take a short drive outside to enjoy the beauty around us. We live in the Smoky Mountains of Upper East TN.
Start a Project–I’m not to crafty, but I do like to cook, so maybe that could be the project.
Exercise–Love to exercise as it makes me feel good! Dancing is one of my favorite forms of exercise. Like weightlifting also, but can’t do that due to a hurt shoulder!
Spend Time Doing Things You Enjoy and Do Well–I enjoy listening to music and either walking or dancing around & I usually do some karoke along with the tunes!
I also enjoy cooking & hiking some.
Me Time–usually involves working on a Bible Study, playing online games, watching tv, or dancing around–usually all that is done with a cup of hot or cold tea.
Do Some Good for Someone Else–Love helping other out when I can. I have assisted on Relay for Life teams these past few years, cook for people when they are ill. This past Christmas my hubby and I got gifts for a Salvation Army child. Tell me a need & I will immediately think of a way to assist!
Reduce Chaos–luckily not chaos in my life except for work & my aging dad, some.
Start a Bible Journal–Don’t have a Bible Journal, but do have a Thankful journal. I write down a major list of things I’m thankful for and daily add to that list. Try to think of as many as possible–sunshine, rain, nice weather, time spent with hubby.
TV Time–My tv time usually includes a bunch of old game shows. I enjoy expanding my brainpower. Also enjoy Big Bang Theory. We’re watching an old HBO series “Game of Thrones” on DVD
Create an Upbeat Playlist–Love music a lot! hard to know which songs to listen to & which to avoid. I love most song from the 60s.
traceykinohio says
Excellent list!!! I’m quite familiar with everything you suggested, especially walking. Nothing brings me out of the ‘blahs’ like grabbing the camera & taking a walk. I just recently started a Bible journal – it’s a great way to ‘talk’ to God – by writing him letters. 🙂 I enjoyed this & love your site. I’m new & looking forward to reading each day.
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving says
This is a wonderful list! I like to escape with a good fiction book, or savor some chocolate. Chocolate can always bring a smile to my face! 🙂
Mel says
I moved from CO to OH–aka…from sunshine and blue skies to gray overcast skies. Often I do feel it changes the way I feel about the day. Thank you for the reminders of other ways to keep my heart in tune to the blessings of the present day! I think I might just go write some letters now. 🙂
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