The meaning of happiness has become very obscure amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Sandra and I are thankful that we have stayed safe during these challenging times. And somewhat to our surprise, we find that we are happier than before because the pandemic has allowed us to slow our life down (even if it's only a little) and reevaluate the things that really matter to us. Homeschooling the three kids has had its challenges as well as its rewards. I am glad that school is over and we are now in summer vacation mode.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, most of us have been spending a lot more time at home. Our home can greatly affect our mood as well as our productivity. It is more important than ever that we make home our happy place. While we may not be able to control what's going on in the world, we can certainly make changes, even if they are small, in our personal environment. Here are 3 simple things that you can do this summer to make you happier at home:
1) Make Your Bed
This may not sound like much, but making our bed will give us the feeling that we have accomplished something positive right from the beginning of
the day. It's okay if we forget today, because thankfully, tomorrow is another new beginning. This is a habit that our three children do every morning (well, we still have to help with our seven year old boy). But he himself would admit that it makes him happy to see his bed made.
2) Tidy Up Before You Go to Bed at Night
What? Another item related to our bed? Yes, but this one has to do with what you do before going to bed. This one might be a hard one since you are already tired at the end of the day, but if you'd take about five minutes (maybe more if a "hurricane" has hit the house earlier), you will feel so much better the next morning. You won't walk into a messy living room or kitchen thinking that you have a lot of work ahead of you. But rather, it's a clean slate to start your new day. So if you have dirty dishes in the sink, load them into the dishwasher and start the machine before going to bed. You'll be happy to wake up to clean dishes. Or at least you'll have a clean mug to drink your coffee in.
3) Bring Every Room Back
If the previous point seems daunting, then try tidying up each room before leaving it. Much like turning off the lights when you leave a room, I make it a habit of mine to tidy up my office when I am done each day. It gives me a great sense that my work for the day is done. By doing this, you'll have less to tidy up before you go to bed each night.
By the way, happy Canada Day!