I’ve read The Happiness Project maybe 4 times, and each time I read it, my favorite thing to come from it is the idea of creating a happy/sad list. I’m not sure that’s exactly what the author calls it, but essentially, she talks about creating two lists: one filled with everything that makes you feel good, and one with things that don’t.
And the idea behind it—or what I’ve taken from it—is extremely simple. Do more of your happy list, less of your sad one. There’s no crazy task at hand or some scientific reason behind this piece of happiness-building.
So take a few minutes and jot down what makes you feel your best (and add to these lists whenever!) and the times you feel icky. And try not to fill your happy list with the things you think you should be doing, think about what really makes YOU feel good. Then, try to add at least one bullet of your happiness list to each day, and find ways to avoid what’s on your sad list. I find this especially helpful if I’m in a funk or feeling unmotivated because pulling out my happy list is a simple solution.
If you need a place to start, here are a few items from each of my lists:
HAPPY LIST
- Walking on the beach
- A hot cup of something
- Talking to my best friend
- Watching Clueless
- Cuddling
- Taking a nap
SAD LIST
- Being really hungover
- Gossiping
- Eating too much
- Not getting enough sleep
- Extreme tech time
- Overspending
What’s on your lists? Please share!
31 comments
A hot cup of something works for me too, or taking a walk, even if it’s just around the house!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
def all those sad point+ not waking up early!
http://www.thestyletune.com
Thanks for sharing your lists! I have found that counting my blessings are looking at the positives have also helped!
Briana
http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/
How can our lists be so alike? I guess tech overtime is a downer for anyone, and a hot tea a balmy moment too.
Great list, mine is very alike. Except on my happy list I’d put being around animals, having brunch dates and fresh flowers. On my sad list, stress is definitely at the top. x
http://josefinmolander.com
Love this! It’s a good was to realize any bad habits you have and begin to break them as well.
Taking a nap is always my to-go option! I feel instantly better after a power nap every day <3
http://www.myblackcloset.com/
I love the idea of a happy list! I want to make one right now
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com
I love Togo for a hike
How can watching Clueless not be on the happy list? Great post!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
I want to be happy, you made my day!
– Gau
https://www.gaubongdep.com/
Can’t wait to create my list. In need of this.
http://www.swaagcaat.com/
Love this!
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
I love this idea. I was thinking about how sometimes my happy/sad lists can overlap, and thus bringing some clarity to activities that bring “false” or “fleeting” happiness that isn’t worth it long term! Like wine might be on the happy list, but hangover on the sad- the hangover lasts longer than the drinking, and also keeps me from other happy things like exercising or getting up early for breakfast! Also, sometimes a workout makes me sad to start, but the happiness I feel upon completion is way worth it. Anyway, just my meandering Friday thoughts. Thanks for a great read 🙂
Yes yes yes. I wrote a similar post recently about finding your happy and just doing more of THAT. Here if you’d like to take a look. 🙂
https://wonderlandsam.com/2017/02/21/find-what-makes-you-happy-and-do-more-of-that/
Also, I read somewhere else about walking yourself through the senses in any given moment – what you hear, smell, taste, see, feel. How such a simple practice can really make you appreciate the present. 🙂
thank you for your post………I love new ideas on how to keep happy as well as remaining positive. My new treat is the calm app…..love it and a hot cup of lemon water or tea is always my other treat!!! I bought an adult coloring book with pencils and it’s the best on nights I can’t sleep or really stressed from a workday.
This is such a good idea! Hangovers are definitely on my sad list.
Love this idea! Am writing my list now. Vx
Getting not enough sleep always ruins my mood. But hey, walking always cheers me up 🙂
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I’m gonna go ahead and make my list now!
thank you : )
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Loved this! On my list is buying something that I’ve been saving up for, cuddling puppies and watching Legally Blonde!
xx Rapunzel
I really like this! A hot cup of tea. Cuddles. A kind word from a friend. Talking to my sister. All good things.
Love this idea, not enough sleep and hangovers are definitely on my sad list too!
Kirsty x | kirstyeelizabeth.com
I like how quick and simple this post is! It’s a great idea 🙂
Helen | The Little Giraffe
http://thelittlegiraffe.org/
Eating chocolate goes in my happy list!
Love the way you have written this!