We all know how good being in nature can make us feel. We have known it for centuries. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us.
It might seem like an annoying task, but once you organize aspects of your life, it’s usually followed by serenity and a feeling of relief. “Clearing up old emails, old notes, and straightening up your work area will clear your head and boost productivity,” says Shaheen. “Take 15 minutes at the end of each work week, before you leave for the weekend. This is even more important if you work from home.”
An aside: I live alone and use a rule (I made it up) to stay organized or neat. I call it the twenty second rule. Most things only take a few seconds to complete, e.g., hanging up a bath towel, tossing the laundry in the washer. I think Babe watches me from Heaven and makes sure I’m staying organized. LOL.
Go For A Walk
Exercising is a form of a self-care, but sometimes working out isn’t seen as the most enjoyable, stress-free activity. However, walking can calm the brain without taxing the body, and it’s easy to fit in no matter how busy you are. Walking is free, it can feel meditative, and it can boost your mood, both in the moment and long-term, according to multiple sources.
A sense of life purpose promotes physical, mental, and spiritual health. Purpose is fundamental. People who seek meaning beyond themselves are healthier, happier, and live longer. It’s vital to our well- being that we maintain a strong sense of purpose.
Load up your go-to playlist and press play: Music is super powerful when it comes to your emotions, and a 2013 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found those who boosted their mood via their favorite songs made them feel happier, and that was only for 12 minutes. Just imagine what double that can do for your well-being.
Putting on your hiking boots and taking a stroll out in nature does a lot for your happiness levels. A 2014 study published in the journal Ecopsychology found those who took walks outside were significantly less depressed. And even better, that time spent outdoors also helped them handle any stress that popped up in their lives.
Throughout the day, you’re probably on your computer, phone, and Apple Watch—maybe even all at once. A 2012 study published in the journal Developmental Psychologyfound those who spend a lot of time using multiple different types of technology are less happy than those who don’t spend as much time in front of the screen, so don’t be afraid to shut off.
Simplicity can definitely be a good thing—especially when it comes to happiness. If your apartment has turned into a mess, take some time to get rid of what you don’t need and organize the rest. Having a freshly cleaned space will get your head in a much better space—and you’ll feel so good after seeing the finished product.
Those days when you take your time getting ready in the morning and slip on an outfit you feel your absolute best in are the days you feel the happiest, right? Ditch the clothes that don’t make you feel confident from your wardrobe and leave the ones that do: When you feel like you look good, your happiness levels shoot through the roof, too.
Hit Flow
Get into a groove. Be in the zone. Find your flow. However you characterize it, when you’re completely absorbed with what you’re doing, it means you’re being challenged and demonstrating skill at the same time. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes this moment as “being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.”
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