Weekly Happiness Note July 4, 2024
3 Ways to Incorporate More Play in Your Day
“It’s not just about what we are doing. It’s about how we feel and whether we enjoy the moments before us.”
Happy Thursday! 🌞
What energizes you, and what drains your energy? How we feel matters. In this week’s note, ‘3 Ways to Incorporate More Play in Your Day’, I’ll share some simple ways to lighten your mood.
In celebration of Canada Day on July 1st and Independence Day in the United States today, July 4th, I am removing the paywall so everyone can enjoy this week’s note, including the weekly planning framework for July 8th - July 14th. ❤ Emily
Here is a short 90-second video highlighting this week’s topic; the rest is below.
This Week’s Featured Topic:
3 Ways to Incorporate More Play in Your Day
Your daily schedule can fill up fast if you're anything like me. During busy times, seeking opportunities for lighthearted fun is often not a top priority. The mistake in this approach is forgetting that ‘fun is the fuel’ that helps us balance our lives.
When we inject more fun into our day, what seems challenging and impossible has a way of coming together. What felt like a push doesn’t feel as hard or heavy because a playful mindset helps us put life in perspective. Being playful is a way of being we can dance with every day.
Here are a few playful practices I use to enjoy more play and lightheartedness in my day. Try them out and see how easy it is to experience more joy and ease in all the moments of your day.
Playful Practice #1: Less Doing More Being
Instead of getting swept up in the abyss of endless doing, see what happens when you focus on being. Focus on your breath, wiggle your toes, feel your heart beating, and do what you can to wake up and connect to your body.
The pace is noticeably lighter when we approach what is before, us present and awake. When we are connected to our being, we don’t get lost in the tangled web of thoughts, stories, and worries that can suck the joy out of the happiest of moments.
The best part about using the power of our being is that ‘the doing’ becomes easier because we stop trying so hard. We are open to seeing the big picture and can easily add more fun and playtime when focused on being. When in our being, we lead a life with a glad heart.
Playful Practice #2: Spice up Mundane Tasks
If you dread having to do a particular task, yet it is something you still must do, see what happens when you add an element of play and fun while you do it. I like to listen to music while washing dishes, doing paperwork, or cleaning. Before long, what initially felt monotonous often transformed into the most enjoyable part of my day because of how I felt while doing it.
It’s not about what we are doing. It’s about how we feel and whether we are enjoying the moments before us.
Playful Practice #3: Take Regular Mind Breaks
Give your mind a rest. I like to tell myself this when I get caught up in believing the story that something is challenging or not fun.
A trick I like is to walk away and take a break from a task when I feel overwhelmed or focused on how hard it all seems. I then do something that brings me joy. This usually involves turning on the music, having a little dance party, or enjoying fun with my kids. Then I go back to what felt hard — and like magic, what seemed hard looks and feels completely different. Before I know it, the task is complete, and I am ready for even more fun.
When things feel hard, taking a break doesn’t wreck the flow and momentum. Instead, it helps to create momentum in a new direction — one that feels smoother and way more fun.
Now, the only question is: what kind of fun will you fill your day with?
This Week’s Quote:
Planning for Next Week📝:
Use the framework below to plan your upcoming week: July 8th - July 14th. Some people like to map out their upcoming week on Friday to ease into the weekend, knowing they are ready to hit the road running on Monday. Others (like myself) have a Sunday planning ritual. Do what works best for you. Over the years, in supporting many people in their planning and goal-setting, it seems to work best to pick a day of the week that’s easy to stick to so that your weekly planning becomes a habit and ritual.
What are your wins? Before you organize the upcoming week, ‘July 8th - July 14th’, reflect on the week you are wrapping up. What are your wins (big or small)? What is something you are grateful for? What have you learned about yourself this week? Record your reflections in your journal or the Notes section of the Planner Printout. Feel free to comment below (others in this community will also be able to see your comment) or hit reply to this note and share directly with me.
Planner PDF printout: This printout is from the ‘Fall in Love with Your Life, Seasonal Planner’ and will give you the framework and planning system to help you organize your upcoming week: The week of July 8th - July 14th. Click here to access. You will need to enter a password to open the PDF. It’s in all caps: FILWYL
Accountability: If you’d like an accountability check-in to support you in making the weekly planning ritual a regular habit, just hit reply to this email after you’ve organized your week and let me know you’re organized and complete. Feel free to share your weekly intention/power word. I’m always happy to be the check-in support and would love to celebrate your wins along the way.
Instructional Video: Get free access to this mini 20-minute video course. It will show you how to easily use the ‘Fall in Love With Your Life, Seasonal Planner’ method of organizing your week. Go here to access the free video course.
Priorities: What are your top 3 priorities for the upcoming week? What are some of the daily ways you will prioritize yourself? Remember to balance your energy output with energy input. Think: what is energizing me lately? What has been draining my energy?
Connect with Nature: This week, make a point of connecting with others in the fresh air. Whether meeting up with a friend for a walk or going to the beach or outdoor patio, notice if being in nature influences how you feel and interact with others.
Journal reflection points prompted by nature: What cues does nature offer about how interconnected we all are? Do you notice that interacting with others from a grounded, authentic place strengthens your connections? Does being in nature help you feel grounded?
Or come Share in our Facebook Group
Share your intention for the week of July 8th - July 14th. What are you calling in? What is your power word/phrase?
Or come Share in our Facebook Group
Disclaimer: The advice and strategies this newsletter shares are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and useful information, we cannot guarantee outcomes or be held liable for any consequences resulting from using or misusing the information provided. We encourage you to seek professional advice or consult with qualified experts for specific guidance related to your particular needs.