HealthyBea

Small Joys

How are everyone’s New Year’s Resolutions coming along? My daily goals have been successful, but those longer term are off to a slow start. And honestly? I am perfectly at peace with that. 

Last year was a lot (in the best way). I finished a job, planned a wedding, had a wedding, started a new job, launched this blog, contributed to a huge research paper with my former University, and mentored a lovely teenager. All on top of my normal routines, chores, plans. I am not listing out my activities to seek praise or pity, but instead to demonstrate the “big” events for which I was responsible. I don’t regret one bit of them for a second. I am really proud of what I accomplished. But I ended 2024 mentally and physically weak. 

I was about to blame this state on the fact that I was doing too much. But that’s not necessarily true. It’s not that I was doing too much. Instead, it’s that I was tied down to too many deadlines which weren’t “filling up my cup.” I wasn’t taking any time to just live and live freely. Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of life? 

So, although I approached this year with many goals (21 to be exact), 2024 taught me that amongst my productivity and expectations, I needed to focus on slowing down, recovering, and doing things simply because they bring me joy. Crazy idea, right?! Even though some aspects of my life have ramped up significantly (i.e. evenings and weekends working), I am happier and calmer given the tiny daily actions I have weaved into my schedule. I listed these out for you below knowing that they aren’t necessarily going to relate to you specifically, but hoping that they can spark some positive changes for you to balance the craziness and stress of everyday life.

MY NEW SMALL JOYS

Mornings

I was recently explaining to my husband how much my morning routine drains me. I so badly wanted to feel like one of those girls who LOVES putting on makeup and selecting her outfit for the day. Shortly after this conversation, I somehow changed my sentiment. I didn’t necessarily plan it; the solution naturally revealed itself while I was seeking comfort. Here are the little tweaks I made:

1. Slippers & Robe: I now wear my slippers as I get ready and I bought a comfy robe that is light enough in which to move around, but also cosy enough to provide me a feeling of luxury. 
2. Podcast: For better or worse, I listen to podcasts during every quiet moment of my day, but for whatever reason, this excluded the 45 minutes I took to get ready in the morning. That is, until now! Adding my news podcasts transformed the monotonous chore of dressing for work to an interesting and enjoyable experience. It offers me entertainment and a sense of company to force out those negative thoughts that inevitably creep up. 
3. Laying Out My Outfit: Isn’t it a glamorous thought to waltz over to your couch, chair, table, or wardrobe and mindfully layer on each item of clothing with ease? Think “The Devil Wears Prada” intro containing beautiful girls with their hair and makeup done who are dressing in stylish clothes carefully selected from their sophisticated closets. Setting out my full outfit the night before not only cuts down on precious time before my commute the following day, but it also prevents unnecessary stress from “panic outfit picking” (I know you’ve been there). 

Evenings

This one isn’t new, but I am including it so that everyone catches on…read before sleep. Even if only for 5 minutes, it forces your mind to slow down, focus on something outside of your normal thoughts, reduce stress, and signal sleep. Also, make sure you aim for 7 hours of sleep. It’s hard to appreciate your small joys if you’re too sleep deprived to think rationally. 

Weekends

I love nothing more than to wake up early on a Saturday to workout, shower, put on my comfiest set of sweats while making pancakes as I listen to a lighthearted podcast (such as “Smartless” or “Armchair Expert”), and accomplish computer work. I am so in love with this routine that I started implementing it on Sunday. While I do believe that my extracurricular commitments last year warranted an extra day of productivity, it certainly did not support my mental (or physical) health. I was wearing myself down, trapped in this “get shit done” mindset.

Luckily, this past Christmas break taught me how important sleeping in on my rest (from the gym) days are to my overall wellbeing. In fact, my body was so tired on these days that I could easily sleep in until 10-11am. It is absolutely crazy to think that I was forcing myself up 3-4 hours earlier than what I really needed. But this year, so far, is different. Sundays are now my one day of the week to not only sleep until I naturally wake, but also to embrace this idea of “being lazy.” Now I know that I am never actually lazy, but watching a tv show or reading a book in the afternoon allows me to feel indulgent. It supports my mission of slowing down and committing to activities that just make me happy, regardless of how they contribute to specific and tangible goals. 

Consumption

1. Food: Not a huge amount has changed within this category, but I have found some peace in being a bit more ~chill when it comes to deciding what to eat. To me, this means not just listening to what my body needs, but also what it wants. And that feels powerful. A normal (aka unhealthy) chocolate chip cookie for breakfast alongside my nutrient-dense green smoothie? Sure, why not?! A thick chocolate chip pumpkin pancake made with regular flour for an afternoon snack? Yep, go for it. Removing (just a little bit) of structure from my eating routine has awarded me a sense of freedom. 
2. Coffee: Have you ever wished that something minuscule in your day-to-day could be slightly improved, but never actually thought about what it would take to make that happen? I challenge you to stop and consider how you could alter your less ideal daily practices to become, well, ideal. For example, I always wanted just a bit more coffee at work than what the mugs supplied could fill. Simple solution? I started bringing a beautiful travel mug to use instead and it transformed my morning and afternoon coffee experiences! Not only can I bring this protected mug to different floors and conference rooms without fear of spilling along the way, but I can add the exact amount of liquid that my heart desires. Tiny swap, huge impact. 

It is only 19 days into 2025 and I already feel happier, healthier, and more optimistic than I did all throughout 2024. Just from ever so slightly tweaking the routine I had engraved in my brain and listening to what I really wanted and needed to recover. Returning to a claim at the beginning of my reflection, this is why I am confident in eventually accomplishing those longer term plans which I have yet to start. Because I know that my renewed state of peace and clarity will lead me on my path to productivity in its own time.

For those of you looking for some sort of improvement in your daily activities, start small (very small). Think about the moments that are less enticing, more stressful, and in need of enhancing. Chances are, the approachable alterations that will contribute to your overall wellbeing are at your fingertips. Consider those small improvements in your life to enjoy and give them a try. This practice seems to be working for me, and I believe it will for you as well! 

Good luck ❤

Bea