A Box Full of Happy Days
About once a year, I will get lucky and find a gift-style box of cards with tips, tricks, or ideas promising to lead to wellness, joy, and happiness. I always get such a rush of excitement whenever I spot a set because I know I will be able to share them with you. You can imagine how happy I was when just last week, peeking out at me from behind a pile of books and trinkets, I found what might be the best pack of cards yet.
This deck is designed as a calendar and gives us one new “challenge” to practice daily for every week of the year. The format is a great idea because when things stay at the top of mind, we are way more apt to do them. Putting a new card out (on the little stand provided) every week seems like a great way to remind us to complete the challenges.
All 52 were good, but the following are my favorites. I know if I did them every day for the entire week, I would definitely be happier at the end. I bet you would too.
Week 1: Write a kind note. Pick your top seven people: a close friend, a family member, or a loved one. Mail them a positive and heartfelt message thanking them for being there for you. Let them know you appreciate having them in your life.
Week 9: Draw, color, and create for 20 minutes each day. At the end of the week, give your favorite to someone you love.
Week 10: Dance wildly at least a minute every time you’re alone.
Week 11: Spend some time with a furry friend. If you don’t have a pet, the new dog zone at Memorial Park is full of friendly people more than willing to share the joy of their furry friends by allowing pets.
Week 13: Take a moment each morning to think deeply about the life you want and imagine you have achieved it.
Week 19: Straighten up! Studies have shown that people who slouch experience more bad moods than those with good posture.
Week 24: Take a bus. Studies have shown that traveling by bus (or train) gives people a chance to relax and reflect on their day, which has a positive effect on their well-being.
Week 30: Have a good laugh. Go to a comedy club, watch a funny movie, or read a joke book. Laughing is a great way to combat stress.
Week 36: Appreciate yourself! Reflecting on positive moments in your life has been shown to make you feel calm, content, and happy to be alive.
If you can’t find your own box of cards, it might make for a great friends-and-family activity to try and come up with 52 fun “happiness challenges” of your own. I can almost guarantee that activity would boost everyone’s mood and provide interesting, happiness-promoting conversations.
Organize a party, design your own, or try to get lucky and find a box today. Happiness is waiting.
