Cabin fever anyone? It’s about this time in the Ohio winter that the cloudy, cold, slushy days start to get to many of us as we crave the sunshine and other little joys that come with the spring and summer months. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the winter and all the wonderful parts about this season, but the lack of sun for someone who almost believes that she can photosynthesize is a bit challenging. This is also the time in the semester where assignments are picking up and extra-curricular, work, and post-semester-plan-making responsibilities are piling on that can make it even tougher.
To combat the winter blues and mid-semester burnout this time last year, I decided to create a joy list! I decided to revisit it after reading an article from author and entrepreneur Rachel Hollis and I’m so glad I did. This is a list that I compiled of the many simple things that bring me joy and happiness that I can turn to for a smile during the winter months or any challenging period throughout the year. This list doesn’t have to consist only of popular “self-care” practices that you’re supposed to enjoy (although it can — this is YOUR list!), but can include anything from happy childhood memories to daily rituals to the foods that remind you of home. These ideas not only serve to bring you joy by remembering them, but also by reminding you to enact them more often during your days and weeks (if possible) to stir up happiness on a regular basis. So if you’re feeling blue or gloomy in the depths of February, too, I challenge you to pull out a pen and paper or the notes app on your phone and start a running list of your happy thoughts. If you need inspiration, here’s some of mine:
- Blooming hyacinths. Your nose is in for a treat if you get the chance to smell these dreamy purple flowers.
- Picnics at the lake. Nothing beats eating your favorite foods outside by the water — as long as you can avoid the bugs and the birds.
- Cookouts. Summer. Pools. Finger foods. Mayonnaise-based salads. What more could you ask for?
- Trips to my favorite pizza and ice cream places. Don’t even try to beat Youngstown.
- Showering and laying down after a long day out in the sun. Feel good to the max.
- Mom’s macaroni and cheese. If you think your mom makes the best mac and cheese, you haven’t had my mom’s mac and cheese.
- Playing volleyball with my sister in our driveway. I do not recommend trying to dive on concrete.
- Sunny drives listening to country music. Bonus points if you pass a cornfield.
- Watching Jeopardy! I do dearly miss Alex Trebek’s soothing voice.
- Playing on a playground. I’ve done this at least once for the past three summers and it is so worth it.
- Watching Cavs games. #TheLand
- Sled riding. Plastic tub lids work just as well as sleds. No excuses!
- Baking and eating my favorite desserts. My go-to chocolate chip cookies are next on the agenda.
- Hiking + camping. Being outdoors and disconnected from technology is seriously priceless.
- Family meals at my Grandma’s house. Deli sandwich lunches, Italian chicken, pasta Sundays, Christmas Eve feast. Nothing better.
- Spending time on Put-in-Bay. If you didn’t know Ohio had islands, you’re in for a treat. You get to take the ferry over, ride around on a golf cart, eat delicious island food, and witness some of the most beautiful sunsets Lake Erie has to offer.
- Family game nights. Our entire coat closet is filled with board games, so don’t test me.
- Going on walks. An enjoyable solo activity or something to do with family and friends.
- Chick flick movie nights. Too many to pick a favorite.
- Making music videos with my cousins. Anyone want to see a Muppets lip dub?
- Cracker Barrel breakfast. I don’t want to brag but I did win the peg game once and it told me I was a genius soooo…
- Dancing to my favorite songs. I can’t dance but I do it anyway.
There are certainly even more things that I could add to this list – I feel like it’s practically endless – but for your sake, I’ll put an end to it here. Hopefully this gets you thinking about some of your favorite things that can bring a smile to your face. Enjoy your happy thoughts!