Last week, I talked about our family’s Happy Lists. Thanks so much for all the lovely comments. Sometimes the simple ideas really are the best ones.
The post made me remember a book I read last year which talked about the perfect diary for happiness. 59 seconds by Richard Wiseman * is certainly worth a read. It has so many “quick and quirky techniques that help people to achieve their aims in minutes, not months”
The Happy Diary is just one example. I tried it last year and found it helped me when I was in a slump, so here’s your chance to give it a go.
The Happy Diary:
It only takes 5 days and is not a diary you complete every evening, forever. You just do this for 5 days and then when you need a boost, you do it again. I have started it again this weekend, let me know if you give it a go.
Day 1: Gratitude
Write down three things from the last week that you are grateful for. This could be just having food on the table, having a supportive partner or maybe you had a really lovely experience?
Day 2: Good Times
Think about one of the most wonderful experiences you’ve had. At any time in your life. Imagine you are back in that experience, write down a few notes on what happened, what was going on around you and how it made you feel.
Day 3: The Future looks bright
Think about the future. In 5 years time, how would you love your life to look. Be realistic but at the same time, think big. If everything went according to your plan, where would you be, what would your life look like. Write down a few notes on how it looks, how you feel, think about your home life, your health and work life.
Day 4: Dear …..
Write a short letter to someone you care about. (This doesn’t have to be sent to them). Imagine this is your one and only chance to tell them how grateful you are or how they make you feel. Tell them about how they make your life better just by being in it.
Day 5: How was the week
Think back over the last week and write down 3 things that went well for you. This could be as simple as finding the perfect pen or notebook, buying a lovely mug or it could be a big thing such as getting an interview or publishing a book.
The aim of the Happy Diary is to make you smile and focus on the positives. Sometimes we spend so much time focussing on what we haven’t managed to do or what went wrong so this is a simple way to think about what is right in your life.
To make it more interesting, before you start the diary, give yourself a score from 1 to 10 on how happy you feel right now. 1 being very unhappy to 10 being unbelievably happy.
At the end of the 5 days, score yourself again.
If you want more simple ideas, then buy Richard Wiseman’s book *, it has so many ideas in. Not all of them will work for you but they will make you think.
* This post contains affiliate links. In plain English, this means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you subscribe or purchase something through the links provided. You will never see me post a link to a product or service that I haven’t used myself and love!
9 Comments
What a lovely idea, and it’s great that it’s only 5 days, perfect for a boost. I did The Activation Game last year, that lasts 12 1/2 weeks but you have a whole week just to complete a few tasks. It comes with a book to write all your feelings and findings down and I often keep referring back to it.
#TheMMLinky
Oh I may have to look that one up. Thanks for the heads up x
I LOVE this idea! I’m going to try this x
This is a great idea. I used to keep a gratitude log. Just one short note at the end of each day of something to be happy about. It’s amazing how uplifting it can be on a bad day. Maybe I should start again. #TheMMLinky
Funnily enough I’ve just started a diary again, though it’s more of an evidence kind of one! Love the idea of writing a letter, will work on that I think x #TheMMLinky
Go for it, let us know if it makes any difference x
Ooh I love this! Am definitely going to do it. I love all things positivity and this is right up my street! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 #TheMMLinky
Cannot wait to hear if it works for you x
I love this idea Debs! I like that being only 5 days at a time, it’s achievable and not just another thing on my to-do list that will never get done! I’m going to give it a try! #TheMMLinky