Hey, it’s Paula here on the Dóchas blog! Do you find yourself getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of life? Well, we are a product of our environment. If we are too busy giving, if we struggle to take time to fill our cups, we can end up running on empty, which may be a catalyst for other mental health distresses. When we are feeling drained, there is a lack of fulfillment. Today I’m going to walk you through some ways you can feel happier and more fulfilled throughout the day, with some wholesome activities for your daily cup of happiness.
Where to start
How do we fill our cups? We have to intentionally take time to engage in activities that foster wholesomeness. Filling our wholesomeness cup can be done in smaller chunks and in various ways, on a daily basis. It’s the practice of small doses, amidst the calls to action of our day-to-day that can enhance the sense of feeling wholesome.
First, identify what little actions can or do foster glimpses of feel-good sensations. Little rewards foster dopamine in the brain, which can create a sense of fulfilment (laughter, peace, contentment, pride, accomplishment, growth, and success). Engaging in cup-filling activities also promotes serotonin boosts which are naturally mood-enhancing.
Then, set aside time to connect in engaging with these strategies. Actively engaging in these will take practice, so start small. You can start by dedicating 10 minutes throughout the day, making that mindset shift. Make the time valuable.
You deserve to feel good. Over time the activities may become part of your daily habits. Your initial 10-minute block may turn into multiple 10-minute blocks throughout the day. That’s a lot of cups filled with mood-enhancing and wholesome sensations.
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Cup-filling wholesome activities
Some examples of daily cup-filling wholesome activities:
- A phone call during a commute or in between breaks – 10 minutes to connect with a spouse or a friend.
- Disconnect from tech and connect with nature – go for a walk; grow a herb garden or new potted plant; tend to a plant and watch it grow; or read a book, colour, or journal.
- Turn mundane tasks into an experience – walk every aisle of Costco or a grocery store, or browse through the bookstore – sit at a local coffee shop and just observe and take in sensory stimuli (sights, sounds, smells, tactile and taste).
- Sit in grass or play with your pet. Treat your pet just because they’re cute – oxytocin boost!! The sound of my pet smacking or crunching on a cookie is a sensory sensation – anyone else?
- Bake cookies or try a new recipe.
- Walk around a flower shop and just observe – or take time to smell the flowers.
- Look up jokes – lighten the mood, get a laugh in.
- Look for something to smile about- practice gratitude.
- Take the scenic route- take a different route home and notice something different.
Daily practice
These strategies are considered top-down, and voluntary, and you engage in them with intention. They are goal-oriented, and there is an outcome of feel-good sensations. In daily small doses, you can fill your cup with acts that foster wholesomeness! Hopefully you now have some ideas for wholesome activities for your daily cup of happiness.
If you’re having trouble grounding yourself with these strategies, I encourage you to reach out and ask us how we can help. You can reach out to us here by calling us at 780 446 0300 or emailing info@dochaspsych.com. And as always, take care of yourself!
About Dóchas Psychological
Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
