Are you doing the things that make you happy?

There are so many things that we do every day just because we believe that we “have to.” Things like going to work, dropping the kids off at school, paying bills, getting groceries, etc. But how much of it do you actually enjoy?

Why not add more enjoyable activities to your routine? What do you enjoy doing? Do you enjoy reading? Do you like baking? Sewing? Knitting? Gardening? Sketching? Working on cars? Building furniture? Whatever you enjoy, make time in your calendar for it. By that, I mean actually schedule it in.  This is important. Put it in your calendar the same way you put other people’s priorities in your calendar. You are a priority! Put it in your calendar and don’t move it unless absolutely necessary. It will feel weird at first but the more you do it, the more you will love it. 

For those of you out there who spend so much time caring for others, this is time that you will ONLY FOCUS ON YOU. Self-care is not selfish. It is mandatory for your mental health. And you will not be able to continue caring for others if you don’t take care of yourself.

So make a list of the things you enjoy. You can write it down in your journal or any other notebook or write it on a napkin. Next look at your calendar and schedule time this week to do at least 1 of your favorite activities. No matter how big or small, get it in your mind that you will do it within the next 7 days. After you do it, spend some time writing down how you felt after doing it. This part is also important. Spend some time really feeling your happiness at spending time doing what you enjoy. Remember, you deserve the same level of care that you so freely give to others.