What’s something that makes you feel lighthearted, cheerful, and upbeat—for no reason at all? And when’s the last time you let yourself feel that way? What comes to mind for me: dancing to music in the kitchen, sitting outside on my back deck with a cold beverage, watching hokey teen dramas, baking cookies, coloring, arranging flowers, writing down quotes and song lyrics, walking through farmers’ markets, riding a bike, exploring libraries or bookstores, texting GIFs back and forth with my sister, checking out a coffee shop in a new city, and so on. None of these things necessarily serve a purpose. I don’t get graded or paid or even told “good job.” But in the grand scheme of life, these simple pleasures are bright spotlights against the humdrum of daily existence.
Think of one thing you can do today that’s purely for fun, and then give yourself permission to do it, no strings attached. How does it make you feel? Can you let yourself cut loose for a happiness boost, just for a moment? Pick something that brings you joy, regardless of whether it makes sense to anyone else.