Are there days of the week when you have some extra time consistently? Do you perhaps work in a job that is busier at the end of the month than the beginning? Look for any holes in your schedule that you can fill with exciting activities. Once you’ve found holes in your schedule, make some plans. You don’t have to find a lot of time, just pick a time when you are consistently free during the week or month. For example, maybe you only work until 3 on Thursdays. Try to think of something to do every Thursday for a month. For example, maybe you can promise yourself you’ll see a movie every Thursday.
Pick something you like to do. Everyone has a different idea of fun. Try to pick something that caters to your interests. If you love photography, try to invest in a quality camera and start taking pictures. If time permits, you could even enroll in a photography course. Choose something it is not difficult to do a few times a week. If you love horseback riding, for example, this can be a fun activity but difficult to do regularly, especially if you live in an urban area. Maybe your love of horseback riding stems from a love for animals. Instead of attempting to go riding once a week, think about volunteering at your local animal shelter or walking your dog more often.
Choose social events you enjoy doing. You may not be a big drinker, for example, so going out to a bar on the weekends may nauseate you. However, maybe you enjoy the outdoors. See if you have a friend who would want to do a Saturday afternoon hike. Try to see if your group of friends would be down for regular activities. For example, you can agree to do brunch once a month. You can also consider starting a book club or craft club with a group of friends. Don’t forget to add these events to your calendar, just like any other event. You’ll be more likely to anticipate events if you see them coming.
Ask your boss about how much vacation time you have. Set aside a chunk of the year to take a vacation. Pick a destination that excites you. If you’re bored by rural settings, don’t go to North Dakota. Instead, schedule a week in Manhattan. If you can’t get away from work for a long time, plan a mini-vacation over a long weekend. If you can’t afford to travel far, just plan a family trip to a local orchard, lake, or state park. Studies haven’t found a link between the length of vacation and overall happiness. Alternatively, plan a staycation, which means spending your time-off at home. Make plans well in advance to go to museums, pools, shows, and shops. You can also plan a week of reading and napping in your hammock. [6] X Research source
the birth of your grandchild the end of the school year your favorite holiday your sister’s next trip to town the release of the next book in your favorite series
Turn off your phone or limit your use of your phone. This will allow you to better enjoy the moment. Take time to notice your senses. What are you seeing? What are you hearing? How are you feeling? [10] X Expert Source Leah MorrisLife Coach Expert Interview. 21 August 2020. In the immediate aftermath of the event, reflect and remember the fun times. Instead of feeling sad that the event ended, work on appreciating the event. Focus on your feeling of satisfaction.
Make a short to-do list including what you need to do on a day-to-day basis. For example, “Wake up, have breakfast, work out, go to work, etc. " From there, list things that will motivate you to complete this list. For example, you may be seeing a movie with a friend at the end of a work week. While your week may seem grueling, you have a short term fun checkpoint you’re working towards. Try to make a schedule for yourself that incorporates fun. Add checkpoints that involve daily relaxation and fun. For example, maybe you enjoy a certain television program. Allow yourself to watch an episode before bed.
People have a tendency to see happiness in terms of external goals. While your checkpoints can help your each longterm goals (i. e. , more money, a better job, etc. ) that can help you feel fulfilled, day-to-day happiness is reliant on small pleasures. Socializing is a good measure of happiness. Most people struggle to be happy if they don’t have people in their life who bring them joy. Think about people you spend time with and write down the things you like to do with them. Maybe you love cooking with your friend Martha or golfing with your friend Jane. Try to schedule these activities throughout your week.
In addition to socializing, think of things you can do on your own that make you happy. Studies indicate that laughter and volunteer work can make many people happy. Maybe you can find time to volunteer at the local animal shelter a few times a week. You could also watch a comedy program together every night. [13] X Research source If you can’t find a 20 minute window every day, find an hour in your week to do this activity instead.
Pay attention to moments you may normally overlook. If you take the train into work every morning, for example, do not view this as a burden. Take it as an opportunity to relax on your way to a busy day. Pay attention to how the train seat feels. Listen to the voices of other commuters or put a song you like on your iPod. Pay attention to the smell and feel of the train. Mindfulness can also be a great way to disengage if you experience stressful thoughts during the day. Things you may dread, like work meetings, will seem less daunting if you practice mindfulness. If you feel your mind snowballing before a meeting in anticipation of a meeting, tune into your senses. Pay attention to your breath, the noises in your office, the smells, and the feel of your body on your desk chair.
If you have a friend who works near you, see if the two of you can meet for coffee or lunch every Tuesday. If you live with family, try to make a family dinner more of a routine. Instead of eating separately, get together around the kitchen table for a meal at least a few nights a week. Try to take time to socialize with coworkers. While you do not want to be disruptive, of course, you can take advantage of break time by having coffee and chatting with a co-worker. You may even find you make new friends at work. If it’s hard to see people face-to-face, like if you work from home for example, take advantage of technology. Have a weekly video chat session with long distance friends, for example.
Try to schedule in time for these activities. You do not have to have a strict start/end time, but you can have a rough idea when to appreciate alone time. For example, you can always read for an hour before bed. Avoid getting carried away, especially if the activity you enjoy is something you tend to binge on. If you’re the type to overdo video games, for example, try to limit game time to 2 hours a night to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of other activities.
If you’re prone to routine by nature, it can be trying to step out of your comfort zone. This is why you’ll need to start small. Try to eat lunch with a new group of co-workers, for example. Be consistent. Try something new every day, whether it’s taking a different route to work or trying a new hairstyle. As you get braver and braver, you can push yourself more. For example, after experimenting with different hairstyles, consider cutting or dyeing your hair for a more permanent alteration.
Keep in mind fear is not a bad thing. While you may be afraid of new things, it’s the fear that can make trying them thrilling. Try to think of fear as a motivational factor. The feeling of happiness you’ll get overcoming your fear is worth it. Think of fear more in terms of anticipation or excitement. Oftentimes, people are afraid of things that also excite or interest them. If you feel yourself quivering or feel your palms sweating, think, “I am excited” instead of “I am afraid. "
If you’re shy by nature, try to keep in mind most people are fairly friendly. Many people wish they could socialize with co-workers more, but have the same reservations about interacting with new people you may have. Do not take a “No” personally. People do get busy. If a co-worker turns down your invitation, this does not me that person does not like you. You can always try to ask again in a few weeks.
