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!
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I write down inspiring quotes in my inspiration journal I carry with me. These quotes are usually about writing.
Interacting with my pups, or other animal. Especial if they enjoy being pet and/or spoken to.
I love being in the water, especially the ocean. Ten minutes, thirty minutes, an hour.
For the first time in my life I took a dance class- tap. I am exhausted in class, it is after work, I don’t have time to practice. But just slapping my feet on the boards for a few minutes makes me feel great. I get the same feeling playing a bongo drum for ten minutes.
Preparing tea. I adore my tea. The smell and routine are so soothing.
Watching the wildlife outside. Weather looking out on birds in the yard, the deer, seagulls, being lucky enough to spot a whale- that really brings hope& joy.