The post-holiday months of January through March can be kind of a gloomy time. I find there isn’t the anticipation of the fall months, and it’s not warm and sunny like the spring and summer.
Knowing that this low and slow time of the year was on the horizon, I decided to start this blog in January. You know what, it’s worked! I have felt happier this year than in years past, largely because I’ve had this big new project to look forward to every day.
With this in mind, here are a few ways to lift your spirits TODAY with not too much work or money. I’d love to suggestions from others out there on this topic!
1. Start something new. For working mothers the idea that you are continuing to learn and grow is so critical — with limited time and energy you can feel like you’re in a rut personally and professionally. Starting something new can be as simple as taking a class (do it at lunch, or ask your husband to take one night with the kids), or writing in a journal. Or it can be a bigger project like planning a new business or going back to school. Figure out what your capacity is, and don’t choose not to start anything because the thing you most want feels too big. Do a little at a time or think about a smaller project just to get you off the ground. Tiffany Monhollen offers three great tips on starting anything new here. Tips for starting your own business from Work it, Mom! are here.
2. Connect with friends. There plenty of research that shows that connecting with friends makes us happier and healthier. Call or send an email to someone you haven’t seen in a while to make plans, even if you are only initially touching base via a social networking site. Gretchen Rubin had a terrific post the other day about how Facebook fosters happiness, and despite the Church of England’s views to the contrary, I agree with her!
3. Schedule family time. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of weekends, we forget to schedule some time with just parents and kids together. Being with friends and family is wonderful, but it can also be stressful. Set aside one whole weekend afternoon to do something relaxing together like bake cookies, go to a museum or see a movie. Make a rule that everyone has to participate, and turn off your cell phone/email for those few hours.
4. Take a day off. We working parents hoard our paid time off (PTO), squirreling it away in anticipation of a sick child, childcare emergency or other urgent need. However, more 50% of Americans fail to take their vacation time. Even if you think that you might take every hour, try negotiating one extra day at a slow time (do not try to do this during your company’s busiest period or when lots of other employees are out). If all else fails take a sick day (mental health). It’s so rare that a working parent has a day to do WHATEVER THEY WANT, but you need this. Really.
5. See a fun play or movie. I’m not talking about seeing the Oscar contenders or the hottest new show; I’m thinking about Mamma Mia, Bride & Prejudice, Emma, The Importance of Being Earnest, and their ilk. Or maybe you love horror movies — whatever “fun show” means to you, that’s what you should see. Preferably with a friend who is similarly appreciative of your brand of entertainment. Here are Betty Confidential’s best chick flicks of 2008. (Disclaimer: I don’t agree with all of her choices, but I suspect most would qualify as “fun” regardless of whether they are actually THE BEST.)
Some good long-term happiness links:
