After I got married I decided I wanted to take a step back and reflect on my life so far. I wanted to focus on what was really making me happy and find ways to bring more of that in, along with what was causing me stress and anxiety.
Along with making bigger decisions (like discussing with my husband when we’d like to have children and buy a property, as well as me changing jobs) I wanted to think about ways that I could bring happiness into my every day. Having had a recent conversation with a friend where I suggested this to her, I thought it would be worthwhile sharing this with you all too.
It’s so easy for us to go about our everyday lives, getting caught up in work commitments, family commitments, life admin… but how often do we take a second to think – what do I want to get out of today? Not what do I need to get done, but what needs to happen today to make me feel happy? I regularly try to ask myself that question now and build in things that will do just that.
Some of the things I’ve done so far are;
Pamper Time
Something as simple as giving myself a pedicure or using a face mask, even if I’m exhausted and just want to drink wine and watch trash tv has given me such a boost. I’m taking care of myself and it feels great to know it’s a healthy action that will have positive consequences
Booking Plans With Friends
When anxiety takes its hold I want to speak to no one other than my husband. I cling to him and ignore everyone else. I haven’t got under the skin of why yet (that’s another can of worms to tackle on another day) but as I recognise that in myself, I make a conscious effort to organise things with friends. Seeing them always lifts my spirits and reminds me there is more to life than work or stress.
Creating Content
I love fashion and have followed trends and created my own looks for years, but always shied away from doing anything with my passion. I figured so many others were putting content out, why would anyone care about me? But I’ve recently realised this was a pretty misguided thought – I’m not doing it for them or for recognition, I’m doing it for me. I enjoy posting looks. I enjoy recreating trends. Of course I’m not going to say I don’t care at all if others don’t like what I’m putting out (anyone who says that is lying) but my motivation isn’t for likes, my motivation is me.
Doing Nothing
I am SO bad at this. If I have a day off, or even a spare hour I’ll look around the flat for things I need to do. Which my husband then tells me off for. But I’m recently taking a leaf out of his book and I’m embracing being lazy. Doing washing can wait. Ticking off the to do list can wait. If I need some time just for me, I’m going to take it. If that means sitting in the same spot on the sofa for a whole afternoon, so be it.
This aren’t exactly innovative but they’ve been transformative in how I feel. I encourage you to think about the ways you can moments for you and prioritise YOUR happiness.
themarriedmillennial 