My Ten Happiness Essentials

Hello Everyone!

We all have those little things that make us happy, right? Over the past year I've tried to stop more and appreciate what makes me happy, no matter how silly or small. They say that you should make time everyday for the things that make you smile and these things listed below are guaranteed to get me through a rough day. It's funny how something so simple can make you so happy. I could have easily listed about fifty more, but these are my absolute essentials.

Here's a list of all the things that I have made a priority and make me the happiest!

My Family

People find it weird with how well our family gets on with each other. Both my brother and are in our mid-twenties and we still love going on holiday with our parents. Not in a lame way, just because we all love exploring similar places. We have a really strong family unit and since I started running with my Mum, we've become really close. One of the things that makes me really happy and calm is when we all sit around and chat about stuff together. I know they have my back for everything and they support me through every decision. Nothing beats family.

Keeping Active 

You all know what a gym-junkie/runner I am, can't go a day without doing some form of exercise. And no wonder, because there are so many reasons why being active makes you happier in life. It makes me feel productive for the day, lets me feel super-confident with myself, and helps me think better for when I'm writing. Ever since I made a habit of exercising everyday, my mental health is so much better and I can't imagine ever giving it up now. This one is less of an essential and more of a compulsive daily habit that I need in life.

A Hot Cup Of Coffee

This is probably a daily essential for a lot of you too and I just don't like my day without it! It's not always the caffeine boost that I need (although it seriously helps!) but more the comfort you get from sitting down with a fresh cup. It's something reassuring throughout the day that makes you feel like you can handle whatever gets thrown at you.

Being Creative 

I was always a creative kid and that never changed as I got older. Whether I'm drawing, taking photos, writing, painting, or working on some kind of project, it's guaranteed to make me happy. Being creative is just something that I need to do and get out of my system. I always have about ten journals on my desk at one time, plus more on my bookshelf for when I need them. This is where blogging became my ultimate dream job, because I get to be creative in all of my favorite ways when I'm working. Very necessary for keeping my mind happy!

Travel

Even when I was younger, our family would travel the length of New Zealand for my brother's BMX races in our old van. We have always traveled, and never on a big budget. As we got older we still we started venturing further too (first Australia, then America.) I caught the travel bug early and it's never left me. I can't tell you how excited I get at the thought of being at an airport with a suitcase and going off to explore a new city. It will always be an essential in my life to plan and live adventures. It's usually where I'm my happiest!

Doing What I Love Everyday 

Last year I was working in my first full-time job and it was a real eye opener into the real world after University. I started having a few problems in the workplace and it was only on my days off that I felt like myself again. I would spend my time blogging and getting proper workouts done at the gym. I left that job after eight months to save my mental health and pursue what I felt passionate about, which was my blog. Looking back almost a year later and it was still the best decision I could have made. I can genuinely say that I love what I do everyday and even though it's not enough to support me just yet, I know my hard work will pay off one day. I wouldn't change it for anything!

Setting Goals 

I've definitely become more goal-orientated as I've grown older. It keeps life interesting and fun! I love a good challenge and having something to work towards is such great motivation. Whether it's a goal for my fitness (currently: muscle ups!) or growing my blog and being able to collaborate with brands, goals are one of my favorite things to work on. I don't settle for average, I work hard on what I want in life and setting lots of goals to achieve will get me there!

Sacconejoly Family

I know, I know, I talk about these guys a lot. But they have been a part of my daily routine for nearly two years now and for some reason this family just brings a lot of happiness to my day. I don't know whether it's Jonathan's positive attitude and humor, or they kids being super-cute. Or maybe because I feel like me and Anna are so similar that we would be great friends. It's probably all of the above combined with that reassurance that when I get up in the morning there's a new daily vlog waiting for me. Positive influences are very essential for staying happy, and this family never fail to be that for me.

Getting Enough Sleep 

I think we all know what this one is important! Just the other day I had once again not gotten enough sleep for a second night in a row and I was incredibly cranky. I could hardly get any work done because it makes me have writer's block, which only made me feel worse. I'm sure we have all had these kinds of days and vow to ourselves that we will be in bed by 10pm sharp to not have a repeat of it the next day. Although, sometimes we just can't help but prioritize other things over sleep (and Suicide Squad was totally worth it!) 

Positive Influences

This one has become quite apparent to me lately and it's crazy how fast your mood changes with the right people around. I've been so incredibly lucky over this past year find some amazing friends that inspire me daily. They are guaranteed to pick me up on my days where I'm not feeling my best and make me want to be the absolute best version of myself. Having the right people around me makes such a big difference, it's contagious energy and it's made me picky with who I surround myself with.

What are some of your happiness essentials?
Steph x.