I'm trying 12 cheap/free things that promise to make me happier
Because trying things is fun. And watching other people try things is fun too!
I mean, Gretchen Rubin wrote a whole book about trying happiness habits for a year, and the world was pretty interested in that. 😉
For this project, I scoured the internet's lists of habits/practices that promise to make my life happier and chose twelve that don't require much cash outlay, if any.
I skipped the, "get a monthly massage." type of ideas, not because a monthly massage is a terrible idea, but because this is, after all, a frugal blog.
I also skipped habits that are already solidly in place in my life, such as exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. I do think those things will make you happier, but I can't give them a trial run if I'm already doing them!
SO.
I'm gonna give each of these ideas a one-month go, and I'll let you know how they work out for me.
If I really like any particular habit, I'll consider making it a regular part of my life.
And if something's not really working out for me, well, a month isn't that long. 😉
January's free happiness practice
You can't really turn around on the internet without running into an article letting you know that spending less time on the internet, and specifically, less time on your phone, is better for you.
(though we probably could have guessed that was true even without the study!)
I'm not about to give up my phone entirely, but here's what we're trying this month to at least get the first half of our days off to a good start.
(*we being Sonia, Zoe, and me. Joshua's moved out of the house, Lisey's nearly an adult and can manage her own screen time, and Mr. FG is at work all day where he can't have his phone anyway.)
- charge phones overnight somewhere other than bedside
- get all the have-to's done before using phone (school, chores, laundry, working out, etc.)
It's mid-January as I write this, and I can definitely tell that this is helping the three of us make time for things that were previously getting pushed to the side.
For one thing, my house is cleaner because we are getting cleaning chores done! And schoolwork is getting done earlier in the day.
I'll report back at the beginning of February to share my thoughts on whether or not this is helping to improve my happiness level.
And I'll share February's happiness practice then too!
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If you want to join Sonia and Zoe and me, we'd love to have you along for the ride.
I'd love to know more about your exercise routine. I don't think you've shared that recently? It's one area that I struggle with that I'm trying to improve in 2019. Thanks.
That was my thought, too! I enjoy your levelheaded approach to most all things and would love to know your exercise routines and how you stick to them.
Ok, I'll work on a post about that!
My kids got a couple new board games for Christmas. It had been a while since we played a board game together. Admittedly, I was dreading learning a new game. I also resented the loss of time it takes to play with so many household chores ahead of me this weekend.When we finally sat down together, I truly enjoyed sitting in close proximity( besides eating) with my family. We laughed as we learned how to play...with no screens in sight! My youngest is now able to play well, she was the winner! I plan to rework this into my rotation of things to do as a family, as we have in the past. Playing board/card games encourages people to take time to be close to one another while celebrating gains/losses together resulting in happiness, IMO. We needed this.
Yep, I hear you! Mr. FG and I played Yahtzee together with Zoe last night, and it was a lot of fun.
Kristen maybe you already have this somewhere on the blog- a list of family games. If not can you share what games your family enjoyed over the years? Recently my husband and I and our older 2 kids put together a 1000 piece puzzle. It was great being together around something other than watching YouTube. I would love to introduce all of us to some new games.
This sounds like a good idea, and I'm waiting to hear what worked out for you. My first reaction to this was, "Oh, no, I can't introduce anything else into my routine!" but that's the wrong idea. Maybe a good habit for me to start with is to reduce something! I don't have much screen time at home, I don't think, but maybe I should start timing myself. I definitely want to look at anything I do that wastes time.
Yes, this is going to GIVE me more time rather than adding one more thing to my schedule. So it seemed like a good thing to start with!
When it's 3 degrees outside on a Sunday and you have a toddler it can be pretty frustrating and TV is a really tempting device for those days. I mean, in July we just go outside and it's a lot of fun.
After church yesterday we spent about an hour playing with Duplo blocks (aka the big Lego) and even for an adult it can be pretty fun. We also played with some stamps. Much better than giving in and putting one of her horrible movies or TV shows on. 😉
Duplos are the best! My girls played with their Duplos for years and years.
Speaking of Gretchen Rubin, I've been wondering if you're an Upholder? (One of Rubin's Four Tendencies -- you can Google for a quiz if you want to find out which tendency you are.) At least from the nosebleed seats, it seems as if you are able to make and follow-through on goals you set for yourself.
I definitely feel less anxious when I put my phone aside for awhile, so this is a terrific idea for the new year!
It's been a little while since I read the book, but I think that sounds like the one that was me. The upholder is a rule follower, right?
Woo this is such a fun project! It helps your be happier and save more money too! I'm all in. Sometimes it just takes a bit more time and effort to develop a good habit in our lives. I'm excited for your next update!
GIRL! I just finished reading Gretchen's book! I had read her habits book in the summer and I just finished The Happiness Project.
(PS I'm about to start Happier At Home. I bought it at Half Price Books and realized I was lucky enough to snag an autographed copy. How neat!)
I love how you picked just one thing a month, too. I think it was hard to follow The Happiness Project simply because she took on so much every month!
I've been limiting screen time in a neat way. I restructured my daily schedule. Instead of leaving my time from 5 - 10 pm unplanned, I scheduled in time for reading. And when I'm reading, I'm not on the phone or watching TV.
It's been so long since I read The Happiness Project that I can't remember how she structured hers! Was she trying multiple things every month?
Good idea. I have an app that is supposed to tell me how much time I spend on my device, however it doesn’t seem accurate at all, probably because I don’t close things properly. Maybe ai should do something about screen time although I am pretty happy and not troubled by this issue, at least not that I’m aware of!
Another thing is always trying to notice and acknowledge things that make me feel good. I am not a fan of winter, but it can be beautiful. Your photos made me happy today! Thanks!
This is so great! I needed some extra spurring on to plug in and leave my phone away from my bedside.
I like that you're trying one thing for one month instead of a traditional year-long New Year's resolution.
A year feels like a long time to do anything, but a month is much less overwhelming. I'm looking forward to what you find out and your next trials!
Do you listen to the Happier podcast? A friend and I have been doing the 18 for 2018 and 19 for 2019 lists. Her 19 are unique and more closely follow Gretchen's intent — goals-based and fun/task balance — where as mine are 14 leftover from 18 plus five new ones, all much more task- and learning-oriented than they ought to be.
I started the Happiness Project (first edition) and am finding it to be a struggle. I like her spoken style but am not as attracted to her writing, as it turns out.
Karen, I love the Happier podcast! My 18 for 2018 list was a flop....that was my fault, though. I still need to make my 19 for 2019 list....I think I was too ambitious last year, so will try and be more realistic this year.
Liz, I feel sure that if I watch just a little more Tommy Silva and Kevin O'Connor, I can teach myself to shingle. Right?! That's No. 18. 😉
I know I've also read those suggestions that people would be happier if they decreased their online time, but I think that's probably a vast oversimplification. The quality of what you do online makes a huge difference. I mean, I spend a lot of my online time in a volunteer capacity, building an online community that matters to me. Also, I found that getting rid of my bedside clock and using my phone instead added to, rather than taking away from my happiness.