Friday open thread: small joys

[dolorosa_12]

It's been a long, and busy summer, and my availability on Dreamwidth has suffered a lot as a result, but I finally think things have calmed down to the point that I can commit to these Friday prompt posts with some degree of regularity.

Let's ease back into things with a pleasant prompt:

What are some (small, low-cost or free) things that you do regularly that make your life better and happier?

I was brought up by a mother whose solution to all life's ills was to go outside for a walk, so it's striking that it took me until the pandemic lockdowns to start doing this (other than walking with the purpose of getting to a specific place, which I've always done; my main mode of transport is my feet). But one of the things Matthias and I implemented in the first week of working from home was regular lunchtime walks — a way to see something other than the walls of our house, and a way to break up the day. After returning to hybrid working, I stuck to this routine on days when I worked in the office, and it's astonishing how much it's improved my mood.

The ritual of making tea for breakfast, or my morning coffee, in a slow, deliberate way, with nice ingredients.

Reading books while eating breakfast, and a general 'no social media before mid-morning or after dinner' rule, implemented ruthlessly at times of mental pressure.

Being awake in the early morning, and starting my day (especially on weekends) when most other people prefer to stay in bed.

Listening to music while cooking crepes for Sunday breakfast, or while drinking a glass of wine when preparing dinner on the weekend (which is, in fact, what I'm going to do once I've caught up on Dreamwidth).

I used to be terrible about hoarding the nice things people gave me as presents or that I bought to use only on special occasions. Then I realised that those special occasions might never happen, or my tastes would change and I'd no longer like the thing by the time I'd slowly used it up over years (and in some cases decades). I decided that everyday life was the special occasion, and if I wanted to light the expensive candle or use the 'good' olive oil or perfume, I had permission to do so.

What about you?

Comments

[yarnofariadne]

Keeping a paper journal! When I'm really struggling to get my thoughts in order and/or if my head's just in a really bad place and I can't figure out why, emptying my head onto physical paper and working it out as I write has always helped me immensely. Typing doesn't quite do the same thing for me.

Also, living around free museums and art galleries is such a joy. It still costs me to get into the city centre now that we live closer to the coast, but I still try to go when I can. Engaging with art and culture has always improved my mood and made me happy, and if I'm in a creative rut it tends to help untangle whatever knots I've tied myself into. It gets my brain going again in very satisfying ways.

[dolorosa_12]

Paper journals are so wonderful, for exactly the reason you specify — so mentally healing.

I love that so many museums and galleries in the UK are free — it's one of the best things about this country, and I'm glad you've got so many in close proximity.