10 little things you should start making time for again

I am happiest in life when I take time to do the 'little' things - that's always been 'my thing'. The little things that don't take much time and don't seem major productive but have the power to bring so much joy and content into our lives. You don't need to always be out, dressed up or productive 24 hours of the day, you can still reap joy by simply appreciating the small everyday things.

1. Buying flowers for your home

I've said it before and I'll say it again, plants and flowers radiate happiness. You can buy flowers for as cheap as £1 in Tesco or you can pick them from your own garden or parents garden for free. I always have flowers in my bedroom because as soon as I walk in, they give my mood a little boost. They're super pretty and they give off a natural energy that makes me feel good - many studies say they help to reduce stress and anxiety. Every once in a while I like to treat myself and buy a bunch from the florist because they tend to last longer and they just look so much prettier and healthier than supermarket ones.

2. Creating

Writing and blogging is the main way I express my creativity but my Pinterest is home to a whole range of creative projects I want to try. You don't have to be great at drawing or a fashion designer to be creative. Creativity comes in a whole range of colours! Learning something new can be great for our well-being and it is so easy now. Google, Pinterest and Youtube are full of ideas and have complete guides for beginners. Dove Cottage is one of my favourite bloggers for quick and cheap DIY projects - check her out now. It can be so rewarding and fun to create something totally handmade and unique to you. Ideas of my own are: write poetry, embroidery and journalling.

3. Taking time to make your own meals

Food has become so much more than just surviving, it's become something we should enjoy and nurture. I am a huge believer that what we put in our body makes a difference - and it reflects how we feel. I will never ever tell you to diet or choose 'clean' eating but I will say that nourishing your body is very different to those terms. To me, nourishing my body means listening to what my body is telling me and taking the time to enjoy it. With busy schedules, kids, studying and life getting in the way we don't always have time to think about what we're eating but a few times a week, I suggest finding a new recipe or an old loved one and taking the time to create it from scratch. Think about what you're putting in your body and enjoy the process of making it and eating it. Making a hearty breakfast is my favourite way to do this as it sets me up for a productive and enjoyable day!

4. Journalling

We often suffer with a hectic brain and it can be hard to make sense of all the feelings and ideas going on in our brain. My journal is my absolute favourite thing on earth - it is full of all my random thoughts, goals, inspiration, lists and quotes to live by. I've had one for years so I can look back and see how I've evolved and it reminds me of what I want in life when I'm feeling a little low or need of some love / motivation. It doesn't have to be Pinterest worthy with pretty doodles, it can be messy and raw with lots of scribbles and scruffy handwriting - it is yours. I find it so therapeutic to get my thoughts down and put my energy into writing and manifest it into the universe.

5. Reading

Reading is such an easy way to wind down that is way healthier than staring at a screen. So far in 2020 I've made it a habit to read before bed and I've found it helps me sleep better and makes me feel like I've achieved something. I switch between fiction and self-help books to escape into another world and learn something. Not only can reading be fun and entertaining, it can actually teach us so much! By delving into characters and plot lines we can gain a new insight into different emotions and perspectives. One of my favourite feelings in life is when I become attached to a character - when they challenge my mindset, make me feel something new or teach me a worthwhile lesson. Especially as a writer, I like to read how beautifully stories can be written and find new inspiration.

6. Make new friends

It doesn't matter how old you get or how many friends you have, meeting new people is always a great idea. Reaching out to someone new or smiling at someone can be so beneficial to them and you. I've made so many friendships online just by replying to an Instagram story and I've even been known to flat out ask someone to be friends with me!

7. Alone time

Alone time sounds scary, but loneliness and spending time alone are different. Being on your own can be so beneficial for your well-being and happiness. I used to go to coffee shops all the time and eat and write on my own which I haven't done since leaving Newcastle. But as I'm writing this, I'm sitting in a coffee shop after eating eggs Royale and I feel amazing. I am being 10x more productive than writing at home and I feel like I've nurtured my soul by doing something on my lonesome.

8. Speaking kind affirmations to yourself

This takes absolutely no time whatsoever but has immense consequences. Make being kind to yourself a habit by practicing it everyday. Look at quotes, write them down or speak them to yourself. This can alter your mindset into a kinder and more positive one that will make your attitude towards yourself happier and make your life happier. Being kind is one of my main goals in life and I try to practice it each day in the little things. Gratitude can also come under this - wake up each day and thank the world for one thing.

9. Sleep!

A good night's sleep can do wonders for your mind and body. Going to sleep just a little earlier than usual could drasticaly improve your mood. I often feel unproductive, groggy and have little energy to do the things that me happy when I'm running on little sleep.

10. Spend time in nature

Plants and fresh-air are well renowned for improving mental health. Enjoying the world in its natural glory and appreciating life in its simplicity helps you put things into perspective. We're constantly using technology whether it's our phone, a computer or TV - we're constantly bombarded with it and we need a way to disconnect and let our mind breathe. A walk in nature can give our mind the well-deserved rest and way to clear all the thoughts going on. Watching animals, feeling the breeze, looking at the trees and breathing in the greenery remind me of what life is, something to be cherished, something unique and of total coincidence, something bigger than just me.

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I hope you enjoyed my list of all the little things in life that bring me joy and I hope it gives you a few things to consider to make space for new habits in your life.

Emmanuelle ❀