A while ago, I heard a blogger/influencer talking about her happiness hacks – those small tweaks to your routine that improve your overall level of happiness. When she just brought it up for a third time in her Insta stories, I decided it was time to consider my own. These little creative solutions add up over time and are so easy to implement. So, inspired by Kathleen Barnes here and here, I’ve compiled my own roundup of tricks that make the days a bit sweeter and life, generally, a bit happier.
- Stock straws and use them – along with a nice glass – for iced coffee. I pretty much match my coffee to the seasons. In cold months, I love a hot mug, but in the summer I’m all about iced coffee and enjoy making it for myself at home using Trader Joe’s cold brew concentrate. It makes a world of difference when I put it in a real glass (I like the beer glasses we got for our wedding or my fave UGA Tervis Tumbler) and use a paper or glass straw. Sipping it feels like a vacation rather than something I’m rushing through purely for the caffeine.
- Keep a bluetooth speaker in the bathroom. My favorite time to listen to podcasts is while I shower; keeping a speaker right there makes it easier to hear them.
- Turn on a coffee shop on YouTube. While you’re sipping that morning coffee or enjoying the paper on a Sunday morning, set up a coffee shop channel in the background. Sometimes (like during COVID or now, with a kid) going and relaxing in the actual coffee shop isn’t feasible. Since it’s always a nicer experience enjoying a coffee in a cozy space, bring the coffee shop to you on days that you can’t leave.
- Crock pot salsa chicken tacos. Simply dump boneless skinless chicken breasts and a jar of salsa in a crockpot and let it go for hours. This is a consistently delicious meal that takes zero effort so Taco Tuesday can continue being a joy rather than a chore. Literally the easiest recipe hack ever.
- Use cocktail napkins for weekend drinks, even when company isn’t over. A cocktail/mocktail – even when you’re not entertaining – can be something special. And using cute napkins signifies “weekend” to me.
- Utilize the album feature on your phone. I keep a “V” album on my phone for all photos of Finn. (I also have one with all my LaLa’s video responses to questions about her childhood.) Part of this hack is practical: I can easily access the photos to include in Finn’s baby book – no sifting necessary; part is because it just brings me joy to scroll through.
- If you wear glasses, buy multiple pairs. I primarily wear my contacts, but I should be giving my eyes a rest more often. When I have multiple eyeglass options to choose from, they feel more like a fun accessory I can change around, rather than a medical need.
- Pack a face/eye mask for the airplane. Flying has become a somewhat grim experience. I like to whip out a face mask mid-flight so the whole thing feels more like a mini luxury.
Peaches to Apples 