Making Mums Happy: day 14
Thought of the day: 'Happiness is a form of courage' – Holbrook Jackson
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10 happiness principles
- Count your blessings
- Have a good laugh every day
- Do a good turn with a daily kindness
- Treat yourself every day
- Cut TV viewing and make time
- Say hello to a stranger
- Look after something you've planted
- Get physical
- Phone a friend
- Indulge in some talk time
- Day to day happiness
Welcome to Day 14 of Making Mums Happy
We are coming to the end of the course now so it's a good time to reflect on what you have achieved over the past couple of weeks. Don't worry about the tasks you haven't completed, think about the ones you have and about the thoughts you've had as you've read your suggested daily tasks.
Talk to other mums taking part in Making Mums Happy in the Happiness Club.
Here are your happiness tasks for today!
Write in your happiness diary
We're going to try the name game today. Whether you are at work, or are spending time at toddler group, or even at the supermarket, try to find one person you have never spoken to before. Your aim is to find out their name. Record it in your happiness diary. "I met a new friend today called..."
Turn off your TV
Could you do your exercise task instead?
Have a daily laugh
Hopefully you've rediscovered your funny bone by now and you're finding it a bit easier to have a daily laugh. Tell us all in the Happiness Club what really makes you laugh and have a good smile at everyone else's suggestions.
Express yourself
Write a notice. "I have so many wonderful things in my life" (or words to that effect which come naturally to you). Decorate it - you can get your children to help you with this - and then stick it on your fridge. Every time you open the fridge door, say it out loud and let the words sink into your heart.
Get physical
Have you found one thing yet from our selection that you can do 3 times a week? Remember, exercise is an essential part of the 'happiness prescription'...a little bit of exercise makes a surprisingly big difference. So, go on, why not try to fitting in a walk today. This certainly isn't a cop out. Walking is wonderful exercise and walking with a pram or buggy is even better. It should be for at least 20 minutes and ideally at a good pace rather than a gentle stroll.
How are things growing?
Don't forget about your plants or seedlings. Take a look at how they are getting on and use it as a conversation opportunity with your children.
We hope that by seeing just how easy it is and how much enjoyment the children get out of digging, planting, watering and watching something grow, you have been inspired to grow something else over the summer. Have a look at our gardening section for more inspiration.
