Friday, November 18, 2011

Friday Five: Little Things that Can Brighten Your Day

A few weeks ago, I constructed a list of little things that can turn your day to total crap. But today, the sun is shining, it's brisk, and I'm feeling very connected to the "little things" in life. My dear friend over at mypixieblog.com did a list of things she's done to make herself feel good, and I feel as though this is right in line with that.

1. A chat with a friend: When things get particularly frustrating around the office, we instate what we call Coffee Shenanigans. This is a few minutes set aside to brew a K-cup and chit-chat about... well, anything. This also works nicely on the phone with a friend you haven't seen in a while, or even an IM exchange if you are digitally inclined. The point is the break from the frustration, problem, or just overall bad day.

2. A treat: This doesn't even have to be a gigantic ice cream sundae or anything monumental (or even unhealthy). But a cup of a fancy coffee, a piece of fruit you don't normally buy or eat, or just something that you haven't had in a while. Receiving something "special," especially when you do it to reward or pamper yourself is what does the trick here.

3. A doggie (or kitty) snuggle: Animals have a sense when you need their affection. I could have the most rotten day on the planet, but when I get home and there's a pup waiting to do nothing but love me and be so happy to see me, it's genuinely a lovely feeling. And he doesn't talk or ask questions. All he does is listen, and give a snuzzle (snuggle + nuzzle = snuzzle) when I need it. Animals' instinct here is what makes this so special. You don't have to say a word.

4. Laughter: There are a handful of people on this earth that I can share a really hearty laugh with. I'm not talking about a chuckle. I mean a side-splitting, tear-streaming, breath-constricting laugh. It also happens to be a pretty effective ab-workout. Laugh hard enough, and you'll burn some calories. But it also releases all those feel-good chemicals in your brain. This can also be a two-fold treat if it comes from a chit-chat session.

5. A hug: I am willing to claim that there are very few problems, pains, dilemmas, or sorrows that cannot be comforted this way. It may not solve the problem, but it makes bearing the burden that much easier when you're wrapped up by someone who loves you. A parent, a sibling, a partner, a friend. All of these people (and others) double as hug dispensers. And they rarely, if ever, deny the request.

What's particularly nice about these is that, as much as they are nice to receive... they are equally rewarding to give. Making someone else's day a little brighter just might do the same for yours.

What makes your craptacular days better?

1 comment:

  1. Awww, I love this list, Nicole. And the part about the hugs? So true. I love to give and receive and think there must be some sort of hug therapy I could sign myself up for. How awesome to just hug it out for hours?!

    And yes to puppy snuzzles. They are the best :)

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