Some of us find joy in an iced latte, or in the hug of a loved one, or a hilarious TikTok! But true happiness is an inside job, and one that takes practice, patience, and a whole lot of self love.
Our friend Ilona Varo, Therapist & Coach in the Frame Therapy Network* gave us some helpful tools to kick-start our happiness from the inside out.
1. Define YOUR Happy:
Before you can experience happiness, first you must claim it!
Answer these questions:
– What does happiness mean to you?
– What do you picture happiness looks like, sounds like, feels like, tastes like?
– How would you know you are happy on these various levels:
Relationally, Emotionally, Physically, Spiritually, Financially, Educationally/Occupationally
Challenge:
Fill an entire sheet of blank paper with a list of things, feelings, places, and people that make you happy. Don’t stop until you have filled the sheet!
2. Start Your Day on the “Write” Note:
Use these journal prompts to kick-start your day:
– My ideal day looks like ________.
– My ideal self is (what are you doing/being/creating/feeling) _________.
– What do I need to do more of/less of in order to have my desired outcomes?
– What is a self-sabotaging pattern that I would like to release this year?
– What qualities do I admire in others? How would my embodiment of those qualities impact my life?
3. Know Your Needs:
Needs don’t make you needy. Needs make you self-aware so that you can tend to them. Identify yours with the activity below.
4. Make a Vision Board:
Utilize words, feelings, and images to create a visual representation of what happiness looks lke in your mind’s eye. Repetition and visual cues can help you rewire your brain and create new neural pathways that help you to live into the desired version of yourself.
Challenge:
Start your vision board by cutting out images from this magazine that make you happy and gluing them to a piece of paper or cardboard! (We promise we don’t mind *wink*.)
5. Practice Body Respect and Body Acceptance:
Many people have discomfort or anxieties about their body image. It’s totally normal! Use the concept of “Body Respect” below to create a new framework for how you can relate to your body.
6. Find Your Joyful Movement
We all know that physical activity can boost our brain chemistry and evoke happiness chemicals in the brain. But it’s important to find joyful movement that works for you — it’s not one size fits all! Anything from simple stretching to dancing, yoga, or walking can support your happiness.
Not sure where to start? Try the Yoga Wake Up Audio Guided Yoga App Subscription to start getting into your yoga flow. Finish your practice by using the Yoga Wake Up Accupressure Pillow, which aids in digestion, relaxation, and more. (P.S. If you grab yours in the Spring Box it comes with a 3 Month Yoga Wake Up Subscription! Use code GOODIESGALORE for $10 off your first box.)
7. Practice a Wake-Up Routine and Bedtime Routine
Healthy habits and rituals help us thrive as happy humans, that’s why it’s so important to have a consistent wake-up and bedtime.
Challenge:
Start by setting your desired wake-up and bedtime hours in your mind. Then take a realistic look at when you are currently waking up and going to sleep. Move the needle in 15-minute increments until you reach your desired routine. Having a cute and comfy robe to hop into will help you peel yourself away from your warm bed. We love the Morgan Lane Satin Robe and Splendid Faux Fur Slippers.
8. Give Yourself a Break:
Whether it’s a walk to your favorite coffee shop down the street or a weekend getaway, make time and space for activities that bring you joy. Release the thought that only productivity = success.
Practice a Somatic Release:
Somatic Releases are mind-body exercises that help you release stress from head to toe. Try the one below periodically to help you reset, refocus, and lean into happiness.
9. Spark Some Else’s Happiness
Happiness is contagious. Share a bit of yours (and amplify it in the process) by doing a kind act for a stranger, complimenting someone, or sending a friend a card just because you’re thinking of them. The Erin Condren Design Stationery Bundle is perfect to have on hand for those moments when you want to send a friend a pick-me-up.
Challenge:
Cut these motivating cards out and give to someone who needs it.
10. Speak it Into Existence:
Try positive affirmations to rewire your automatic thoughts. We love wearing our MantraBand Cuff Bracelet – Silver engraved with the phrase “She believed she could, so she did.” It serves as our daily reminder that we can do anything!
Cut these out to carry as your reminder throughout the day:
xx, The FabFitFun Team
*Frame is a mental health platform that makes it easier to find a therapist, and also offers a full content library of free mental health tools, resources, and content led by therapists in their community. To learn more head to http://www.tryframe.com.
