How to Appreciate the Little Things in Life
If you’ve been stuck in a dark headspace, mental illness cycle, or are dealing with challenges, you’ve likely heard the phrase, “appreciate the little things”. While that can seem nearly impossible in the moment, you may be surprised to learn that your brain is capable of feeling both positive and negative emotions at the same time. All it takes is a little brain retraining so you can recognize and appreciate the small joys in life that can help you move into a better mental, emotional, and physical place.
Find Your Outdoor Oasis
Going outside actually rewires and resets your physiological systems, reduces anxiety and physical symptoms, and improves stress responses. The key is to find your happy place outside. Three things you can do anywhere:
- Gardening
- Walking
- Stargazing
Reframe Your Thoughts
Thoughts feel so, so real. In fact, they are a compilation of beliefs, experiences, and programming that may or may not be helpful to you. Try catching your negative thoughts and disproving them or finding the positive in a situation. Call a trusted friend or family member to help you feel connected with a listening ear, or wake up 15 minutes early to start your day with reflection, meditation, or journaling; these activities are great for getting space (but not escaping) from a problem or negative thought so you can feel more objective, hopeful, and creative in finding a solution.
Complete an Activity
Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize, and executing a physical task is a fantastic way to feel productive. Add to that the feeling of tangibly completing something and you are setting your brain up for forward momentum. We love:
- Baking or cooking
- Reading a physical book
- Make your bed or tidy a room
The best thing you can do for your health is to make one small improvement every day, and your happiness is a great place to start!