Create experiences in the everyday
I strongly believe that our lives could be incredibly enjoyable if we create experiences in our everyday life.
And if we are receptive and appreciate them.
We can transform the feeling of monotony around the ordinary and repetitive into something enjoyable. It helps break us out of autopilot. And begin to appreciate our immediate surrounding and daily interactions.
"The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life."
– William Morris
Let's take a look at a few examples of everyday activities which can be turned into enjoyable experiences ...
Morning coffee
Rather than making a cup and guzzling it down without noticing, pay attention to the sounds as it pours, and deep aroma of the beans. Take it outside to enjoy in the morning sun. And sip it slowly.
Or leave for work a littler earlier than usual, venture to a cafe with a cosy feeling with a book in hand. Find an inviting table. And spend half an hour reading while enjoying a nicely brewed coffee.
Work commute
Take a detour to the usual route if possible and explore a new street. Notice the houses or parks you pass by. The locals going about their day.
Sometimes just breaking up the routine of travelling to and from work can feel like a little adventure. It can alter our opinion of our everyday surrounding and enliven us.
Rainy day
A rainy day is a perfect opportunity to create a feeling of cosiness. It's days like these I love to light a few candles, make a pot of coffee on the stove, and sit and look out the window as the rain gently falls. Or climb on the couch with my son, cover our legs in a blanket and colour in superhero pictures all afternoon.
Family dinner
Rather than just throwing plates of food down on a table, or coffee table in front of the TV (which many of us do), cover the dining table with linen and place a lit candle in the middle of the table. Put on some ambient music and invite the family to the table.
These little touches, as simple as they are create an experience. When I do this at home, my son always comes to the table with eyes wide open and excited to sit for dinner.
Bedtime routine
Head to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual. Change into comfy pyjamas (if you haven't already), smooth some scented cream over your arms and take a moment to notice the scent, climb into bed and read, notice the comfort and feeling of security of a warm doona covering you.
Creating an experience around our bedtime routine can help us wind down slowly rather than going straight from our computers or TV to bed. Even 15 minutes of doing this can help relax us after a busy day.
Exercise
Pick a time of day that you love and head outdoors to do your exercise. The golden hours are beautiful for this. Invite a friend for a walk, or enjoy the silence of the early hours as you move on your own. Notice the fresh air, or the colours of the sky as the sun is rising or setting. When you finish exercise sit for a moment and enjoy being still and just observe.
It involves mindfulness
When we are aware of our surrounding it can help us feel calm, and an appreciation of the simplicities of life. It can reduce stress. Decrease the feeling of boredom. And help us break out of the exhausting treadmill that we often feel we are running. And essentially, it can help us feel happier.