cultivating happiness by appreciating the little things in life.
from: @wetheurban on instagram
"just one look at you and I know it's gonna be a lovely day" -Bill Withers, "Lovely Day"
Prioritizing and finding happiness in life during a pandemic has been quite the challenge for everyone. Constantly being surrounded with news about COVID-19 and being fearful of the uncertainty that comes with it have been some of the biggest things things that I've been struggling with. Despite these circumstances, I've taken this time in isolation as a way to reflect on the things that bring me happiness. No matter how big or how small, the happiness I bring into my life always outweighs the negative. Here are the little things I do to cultivate happiness:
watch a movie or show
One of my absolute favorite things to do that will guarantee me happiness is watching a movie or show that brings me comfort. My comfort movies and shows range in genre and length but all bring me a good amount of comfort. I'll watch them if I'm feeling down, if I'm feeling nostalgic, or just because. Some of my favorite comfort movies are Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, 10 Things I Hate About You, Dazed and Confused, and Soul. Some of my favorite comfort shows to watch are Parks and Recreation, My Hero Academia, and Spongebob Squarepants.
2. sit outside
This sounds a bit concerning in the age of COVID-19, but I can assure you that this activity is very safe. Staying inside for so long has become a instinct rather than a conscious decision for me. At times I forget that I can literally go outside to my backyard and feel the sun on my skin without worry. When I do, I'm reminded that feeling things such as sunlight, a breeze, and even pavement can bring me so much serotonin without realizing it. My favorite part about going outside is hanging out with a stray cat that comes around every week. Unfortunately, I can't give him a proper home because I'm allergic to cats (allergies do not cultivate happiness by the way) but I occasionally give him treats and give him as much love as I possibly can.
3. go for a drive
Going for a drive has always been one of my favorite things to do. Driving to the store, to a friend's house, and even long road trips bring me so much inner peace that it's actually become something in life that I can always look forward to. My favorite place to drive to is Laguna Beach. It's about an hour away from my house but the views from PCH make it worthwhile. I always take this time to listen to my favorite playlist of the moment and to admire the beauty of California.
4. facetime a family member or friend
In the time of COVID-19, hanging out with people in person is a very risky decision so using FaceTime or Zoom to "hangout" with people is more optimal. Before the pandemic, I used to hangout with people as much as I could and thankfully using FaceTime has become a safer substitution for socializing. I try to FaceTime my family members or friends at least once a week to catch up with them or to just chat with them for a little. A big change this year was my brother officially moving to New York. While this was a big step in his life, I felt a little more alone than usual without having him at home. Despite feeling this, I've become more thankful for features such as FaceTime that allow me to feel like he's still at home with the rest of my family and I.
5. go online shopping
Ever since quarantine started, I've sort of developed an infatuation with online shopping. I love to window shop on websites such as a Fashion Nova, Shein, Urban Outfitters, and more. I sometimes fill my cart with stuff that I don't need and then leave it there for a couple days until I forget about it. Most of the time, however, I'll actually proceed to payment and check the status of my delivery every single day until it comes and then start the cycle all over again. It's an expensive hobby, but it's also the most fun one.
6. take a nap
A big thing that I think most college students, including myself, need to do more often is take a nap. Being a student can be so hectic and draining that things such as taking a nap aren't even considered. Resting is such an important and simple thing to do feel better and to recharge after a long day, week, or month. I love to take naps because it allows me to have a little break from life if I'm feeling burned out.
Hi Isabella! I love your tips. I agree that going outside can be a great break from Zoom and screens and I try to take a walk once a day. Especially as college students, I think we need to allow ourselves to take breaks and watch TV or online shop as you said, and really understand that our lives shouldn't be constant work. We deserve relaxation. It's something I need to work on, but I think your advice will help me out!
Hey Isabella! Thanks for these helpful tips on how to stay positive. I've been binging a lot of TV these past few months (been rewatching the Office), and it's helped time go by a bit faster. One thing I need to do more of is just sitting outside and enjoy the world outside of my room. Because all our classes and schoolwork is done in front of a screen, it's easy to forget to get up and move around. I'll try to incorporate your advice from now on!