Today I thought I’d talk about a few things that make me happy. I think it’s very important to find out what makes you happy and try to do more of it. Take note of the little things in life that you enjoy and would miss if they didn’t happen anymore, it’s very rewarding to feel present and joyful in everyday life. So I had a think and these are some of the things I came up with, beside the obvious one of loving to travel anywhere and everywhere.

Cooking with Josh or my friends. I love cooking homemade food, I find it relaxing and it is a good chance to catch up with people if you’ve had a busy day/week. This is a good way of socialising without it feeling like a chore or too overwhelming. What’s more eating good healthy food makes me feel good instead of sluggish after loads of takeaways.

Decluttering. I’ve mentioned this before in my Wardrobe Declutter and Productivity posts but I can’t concentrate/work/or feel relaxed if I’m in a messy or cluttered environment. If I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed or occasionally down or sluggish I immediately look to my surroundings. 9 out of 10 times if my room is a mess and I give it a quick tidy and sort out or just generally have a cull of a few possessions I feel instantly lighter and happier. I know it sounds ridiculous but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Animals. Now obviously most people like animals but I am the person that will stop in the street to stroke a cat or insist that people fetch their pets for me to pester. There’s just something about animals and their innocent nature that lifts my mood instantly. Having always grown up with Cats I feel very at ease around animals so I have no problem ‘stealing’ friends and family’s pets for cuddles. Since losing my own pet, Chip last year I have developed a particular soft spot for Rosco, Josh’s dog, who follows me round like my little shadow. It’s the little things like when he comes and curls up for a cuddle that make me really happy it lets me know he likes me, because we all know animals will steer well clear if they aren’t interested in you.

Looking after myself. Nothing makes me feel like I’ve got my shit together like having a nice shower, exfoliating and moisturising my skin, drinking plenty of water and sometimes (rarely) dare I say it, exercise. If you have a happy body you are more likely to have a more positive mindset. A couple of my New Years Resolutions were to drink more water and to moisturise my body after every shower and so far I haven’t found it a chore, instead I’ve found it’s actually improved my mood to look after myself.

Walks and Wanders. I get so bored sitting in the house for days on end, I have to get outside even if it’s just to go to the shops. I love summer because it means time off Uni in nice weather to go and explore new places. Even if it’s only a park, or a farm or a new quirky street it still gets you outside and walking. For example last year ‘The Herd of Sheffield’ descended for a few months and me and Josh went walking all over town, ticking off all the elephant sculptures as we went. I feel at peace and content outdoors, especially by water nothing makes me happier than going for a nice walk by the sea on holiday or through gardens or parks at home.

Unwinding and having ‘me time’. This can be anything from watching Youtube videos or a TV series or just reading a book with a cup of tea. My other top activity to unwind is fastly become reading and writing blog posts. It gives me inspiration to write my own and I love writing down my own after spending time planning each post.

Last but not least (actually it’s probably the most important) are my family and friends. I am very happy when spending time with my loved ones, a specific group of people could mean I have a really enjoyable day or they make my day better than it was before. To name just a few, me and Amy are on the same wavelength about everything so we make each other laugh without even speaking half of the time. Sally makes every work day more bearable with a pre work cuddle and dinner and Josh who makes me happy by being my companion in all things mentioned above. Obviously I love all my friends and family, these are just naming a few (so please don’t be offended if you don’t get a photo) who I see on the regular.

What or who makes you the happiest? It doesn’t have to be anything big, to be honest it’s the little things that make the most difference to my mood anyway.

Meg x