I love connecting dots between scientific research and personal experience. I created our Occasion Packs that way -- I would observe how card writing made me feel, and then find studies about it, or learn about what is happening with our neurotransmitters.
Here's something I don't talk about often, but I under went a huge mental shift when my accident happened.
I went from a somewhat depressed but otherwise completely healthy 29-year-old, and became a decidedly happier but physically totally disabled 30-year-old.
I think this happened because I was suddenly forced to have a positive mindset to deal with the massive amounts of pain involved with paralysis.
You kind of need to fight hard in the opposite direction.
I have found so much pleasure from figuring out what has made my life happier.
Ever since I was a teenager I felt like I was always a somewhat melancholic person.
Well it's weird, but I'm not anymore. I'm an extremely happy person.
What I know about hope is that it's a mindset, but doing activities to bolster our mental health is what supports that mindset.
We are a soul in a physical body. We need to take care of our bodies so that our souls are happy.
I wanted to share a list of 10 of my favorite activities to do that boosts my mood. Almost all of them are free.
I've been thinking alot about hope these days.
We recently curated a pack of 5 cards and called it "The Look for the Light Mini Pack."
We wanted a way for you to have five cards to share joy with others this winter.
Light has been a theme in my work for the past several years. I love observing how light works. How light affects color, and radiants out from a light source.
These cards aren't your normal Holiday Cards, but we thought, "what is important at this time of year?"
→ We chose a card for you to show up for someone who is grieving in this season.
→We picked one for you to send to inspire a desire to read a good book this coming year.
→One to thank someone for loving you through out the whole year.
→One to inspire another person to give their bodies the rest they need.
→The phrase "Look for the Light" has been a mantra of mine the past few years, and I think it's an important mantra for the winter especially.
In "light" of that, I wanted to share a list of my top 10 favorite 10-minute activities to inspire more hope.
(I recently learned the definition of hope — basically it's when you can imagine a better future, and feel like you have the freedom and ablity to get yourself there. Creativity is an essential part of hope, so alot of these activities are interestingly tied to creativity. When we engage in creative activities, it makes our neurotransmitters dance...then you are able to imagine a way to create change for the better… which is the definition of Hope. 😊)
The following list is a complilation of activities that help my mindset and many have scientific studies backing them up. I will link to the studies where I've found them.
I hope that you can try some of these activities when you need a boost. Some of them will also make the people around you more hopeful too.
Set a timer to "gameify" these activities. Grab someone else to do them with you! Consider these little bursts of light in your day.
Tiny's Top Ten 10-Minute Activities to Increase Hope:
(Studies are linked in blue.)
Go on a walk and say hi to everyone you cross paths with (or even stop to chat!).
Have a ten minute dance party . (I like dancing in my kitchen for some reason. Always have, always will.)
Write a card to someone who is experiencing depression.
Go on a short walk to pop it in the mail.
Do the dishes by hand. Or other cleaning.
Listen to classical music.
Sketch or doodle. Drawing from nature, focusing on observation.
Call a friend, and share something vulnerable.
Go on a nature walk and take photos of the beautiful things you see.
Write a list of people and things you’re grateful for. (Bonus points for then writing to someone on the list!)
Wishing you hope, peace, and joy this coming week.
P.S. The more the vigorous or present you are when you do these activities, the more excited you’ll make your neurotransmitters.
P.P.S. I’d love for you to comment with a ten-minute activity that you like to do that gets your mindset back on track. Let’s add to this idea list!
7 comments
These are five of my all-time favorites of your cards. So glad that they exist in a mini pack now. :)
Leah, thanks, as always, for your Sunday “check ins” they always give me such a needed boost…
I have so many tree and weed allergies (I finally get allergy shots so I can garden more comfortably) that we do not get a cut tree for Christmas…I have a wonderful fake metal tree that I adore, but always put strings of white lights in my large houseplants—this year I left them in place all year—AND it can be such a lovely break to just sit in my very “plant-y” sunroom with only the white lights in the house plants on and just enjoy that gentle glow at night…Enjoying them right now with my Pups warming my feet since it’s getting dark by 5pm…
Also, nothing better than indulging in “seed and plant” catalogues on a dreary winter day—“just looking at them and dreaming about new gardening adventures” is free gets the imagination juices flowing…
Take care and hope your and Grace’s families have wonderful Thanksgiving weeks this year—Yum Yum…
Love your list!
One of my favorite things to do is a version of your gratitude list. I say to myself while I walk or do an activity some of the things I’m grateful for: I’m grateful for this sweater, I’m grateful for this oak tree, I’m grateful for opposable thumbs, etc. The idea isn’t to necessarily go deep or profound but to list as many things as I can. Also, I don’t worry about feeling gratitude because if I’m in a dark mood or heading into the pit of despair, that won’t be available. The cool thing is that an hour or so later, I always feel better.
About six months ago, I woke up and literally couldn’t get out of bed. It took me an hour to shift the covers off and be able to stand…even then I wasn’t sure I could support my weight. I’ve since been diagnosed and am working on getting (slowly and, perhaps/perhaps not permanently) better.
I try not to take things for granted. In the mornings “I get to” (changing the mindset from “I have to”) wait on two other adults in my household to start them on their day with tea/coffee, etc.
The making of loose leaf tea is especially calming with all the fussy bits employed:
Warming the teapot. Weighing the tea leaves. Using a tea trivet and tea cozy. Using a cup and saucer when there’s time as opposed to a mug. (I could go on and on…whoops. I think I just did. Haha).
Thanks for the ten list. I will try to employ the ones that resonate with me the most.
This is such a beautiful list, Leah! Your joy for life is inspiring!
Creativity is a big theme for me as well! I was writing messages on leaves the other day, to be tucked into cards and for Thanksgiving place settings/decor! Cooking is another one – especially baking or wanting that is hands on. Kneading dough (also happens with clay) brings this instant sense of calm and peace over me.
Tending to my plants! I’m not a great gardener (ironically), but I have fun seeing their new little buds, flows popping out, picking and eating vegetables I’ve grown! It’s total magic to me :)
When I’ve had tougher seasons in life, I write a joy list – things that I can quickly do to help bring joy. I keep it with me and when I feel a little down I pull it out and pick one. Everything from a specific song, poem, or person I connect with to favorite food, drink, or spot to be. It helps get me out of a funk, but also reminds me of all the beauty and joy that is right at our fingertips!