This past weekend was one that was seriously one the happiest I’ve had in a long time. Zach and I traveled to Atlanta to visit a co-worker of mine for her wedding. While we were there, we also visited friends, attending a baseball game, went to brunch at some of our favorite places and just enjoyed the sunshine, the laughter and good friends.
It truly doesn’t take much to be happy and put a smile on your face. What are some things that make you smile and fill your heart with job? Did you know that the majority of them are actually FREE too? I’m sharing a few of my favorite things!
1. Reading A Book-You all know I love a good book to read ( or podcast for that matter ) so for me, crawling into bed after a long day and drifting off to a new place or getting to know a great character makes me happy! What about you? Do you love diving into a new read?
2. Going On A Walk– This has become a new thing for me and my little guy. I used to love working out but have been finding it difficult to find some time to do so with being a SAHM now. Believe me, there’s a lot of lies out there that you have time to do it all, but being outside and enjoying the fresh air with Landon is such a relaxing and rewarding thing for us to do together.
3. Smile At Someone– This is a favorite of mine and so easy to do to anyone that you come into contact. Just the other day I was out in my own head running around the grocery store and almost ran into another woman with her kids with our carts. I felt so awful and all she did was smile nicely and say not to worry about it. So simple and yet its so affective! When was the last time you smiled at someone?
4. Give Something To Someone – Remember all those old clothes you don’t wear? What about the shoes or kitchen items you’ve hardly touched? Didn’t your friend just mention she was trying to remodel something in her home and you never use that old Insta Pot? Why not donate it or give it someone in need!
5. Be Honest – You’ve heard the saying “honesty is the best policy” and it’s so true! I remember being a little kid and lying to my parents about something. I had such an awful pit in my stomach and truly am one of the worst liars out there. If you’re honest about something, you’re speaking the truth and staying true to yourself. You’re keeping the truth between you and your significant other, your best friend and family members. Remember though, even if you’re honest, make sure you pick your words carefully.
6. Listen To Others – There are moments where I feel as if I need to vent to my girlfriends about something that is going on in my life. There are a few that I know that I can call up and no matter what they are doing, they offer a lending ear and advice to help walk me through it. Listening is such a great gift and an easy one to do too.
7. Simplify Your Life – When I’m feeling anxious or stressed out, one of the things that starts to calm all of that down is decluttering something. It can be anything- decluttering a room, your closet, your blog, friends..etc. The point is, to be happy, you may realize you don’t need everything and anything but only a small handful of things and the same goes for relationships. Simplify and fill your life with items and friends that make you happy.
8. Believe – When you start to feel down, one free thing that makes me start to turn my frown upside down is believing that I can do something. Sometimes I actually picture me finishing the project, the goal I have or the earnings I want to strive for. Believing it can come true is certainly a way to keep you excited for the future and checking off your items to get accomplished.
I so agree with ALL of this!!! What great tips… happiness is so important! I love that you added smile at someone and listening to this list. I think the world needs both of these things so much!!!
Happiness is something I've been thinking a lot about lately and your tips on how to be happy are spot on. One thing you mentioned that really makes me happy is giving things to other people. That whole thing about it's better to give than receive is a true statement! Thanks for giving me some ideas to incorporate into my daily life that won't cost me a thing! ~Kristi
These are ALL great tips and suggestions. I try to do all of them too. I love biking, walking, anything outdoors to clear my head, and reading before bed is one of my favorite relaxing activities. 🙂
This is a great post and an excellent reminder that money doesn't equal happiness! I love going for walks and listening to audio books at the same time – definitely makes me happy!
Simplifying and de-cluttering always makes me feel better! I need to get better at reading and walking…I've lost my book motivation since I started blogging since it takes up so much of my time! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Great tips! Getting lost in a good book always makes me happy!
You are so right decluttering does make me happy. You can't forget to BELIEVE!!!
Really a great book and/or listening to my favorite music make me happy when I am need it.
I adore this list. Most people don't realise that happiness is easily achieved when we take time to appreciate the little things. I'm actually about to start a new book and allow myself to just kick back with it and relax. I can't wait!
I love how accessible and real each of these ideas is. 💯
It's amazing what smiling does. Even if you don't do it at someone else you really do start to feel happy just by smiling.
I've found that a simpler life leaves more time for us to spend outdoors. That never fails to put smiles on our faces (as a family).
I totally agree, I really find when I am reading more, I approach life much more calmly.
Reading a new book and going for a walk always seem to put me in the best mood!
These are all great! I find many things that make me happy. Spending time with my kids, playing video games, going swimming or hiking… So many things to choose from that make me feel good and bring a smile to my face:)
Great post! I do love reading – and with the library, etc. it's definitely something you can do for free! I also like smiling at people because it's nice when someone does it to me. 🙂
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Oooh, I just love weddings, don't you? An excuse to really dress up! Hearing my kids laugh makes me happy, reading keeps me from being bored and smiling at strangers on the streets – that really makes me happy!
These are all such great tips!
I really need to focus on #8. I have been doubting myself lately.
I love all these free reasons to be happy! I'm so happy you and Landon are going on walks!!! Also, a friend of mine who is a personal stylist said "hey heres some clothes, look through and take whatever you want" Yup, that definitely made me happy 🙂
I love the idea of smiling at someone. I know that overtime I randomly smile at a stranger and I get a smile back it really perks me up!
Yes lovely lady! Love all of these! I am like you and my favorite is to smile at someone. You have no idea how much it may mean to them!
This is such a thoughtful post! Love all these tips and 100% agree with them!
These are such amazing tips! Sometimes we forget that we can find happiness in the small things quite easily
This is the sweetest post ever! I've been making a nightly habit of getting into bed an hour early so I have some time to read, and I am LOVING it. I'm going through my book much faster, and it helps me wind down after a long day!
These are all such great ways to bring a bit of happiness into your day/life. I have definitely learned the power of a smile. There's just something about not only receiveing one but giving one that can change your entire mood!
I would add 9. Drink Tea, haha. Tea always brings me comfort.
Reading a good book also helps taking the negative thought away.
I love gifting things to people- it makes me feel so happy! These are all great!