Happiness

I have recently read several blog posts, articles, etc. about Happiness. There are small things we can do everyday to increase our satisfaction with life in general. There is even a grassroots movement based on the book by Gretchen Rubin, called The Happiness Project. I haven't read it yet, but it is on my list.

I want to share a few things that I do that I think increase my happiness. I am sure there are many more but I am limiting my list to five.

1. Make your bed.

Making your bed makes the overall appearance of your room tidy. When you come home from a long hard day and walk into a messy bedroom, your whole attitude becomes one of defeat and despair. Just a made bed provides just enough visual organization to your room to prevent this feeling. And for me, the few times I haven't made my bed, seems like I have drop-in company. Grrr....

2. Clean your sink.

Years ago, I discovered Flylady.net. Her original website was very simple and she provided a list of tips on clutter and organization. (Now she has a TV show, an on-line shop, etc. etc., but that is another story.) One of her first tips is "Shine your Sink." At first I thought this was rather silly, but over the years I have practiced this and it does make a difference. Stumbling into the kitchen in the morning to make coffee and be greeted with dirty dishes sets a negative tone for the whole day. It feels much better to fill the coffee pot when the sink is shiny.

3. Grow something.

Grow something, anything. A cactus, a simple houseplant, a pot of flowers by your door. Gardening is an art and something many people are not very good at. It feeds your soul to have something to plant, nurture and watch mature. Just one plant that you can tend to and enjoy increases your happiness.

4. Get fresh air and sunshine everyday.

When I was a child, my mother made us go outside to play. She would say, "go out and get some fresh air and sunshine." Today, so many of us never go outside except to get into our car. You don't have to lay in the sun for hours, but just 15 minutes outside, just sitting or taking a quick walk, can relax you, slow down your heart rate, and put you in an overall better frame of mind.

5. Cookies and milk.

Cookies and milk are good for you. Not a whole box of cookies with a gallon of milk, but 2-3 low-fat cookies and glass of skim milk can give you that satisfied, comfort feeling you had as a child.

Sometimes it is the simple and small things that  can give us so much pleasure and leave us with that warm toasty feeling of contentment.