How to Create Your Own "Save the Day" Formula: A Guide to Adding Joy and Balance to Your Life

Life resembles a rollercoaster, filled with unforeseen highs and lows that can interrupt our routines. Everyone experiences tough days, be it a rough morning, a challenging encounter, or a sense of being overwhelmed. Therefore, having a personal "Save the Day" formula readily available is essential. This formula can boost your mood and reestablish balance, allowing you to regain your happiness with a few minor adjustments to your daily routine.

The key lies in the decisions you make daily. By identifying activities and habits that boost your mood, you can develop a personalized strategy to handle life's challenges positively and effortlessly. It's crucial not to remain stagnant. We all have choices, and we can all discover ways to improve our days. This is the focus of this post. I hope it encourages you to view things from a new perspective, find more joy, and spend more time doing what you love.

Understanding the "Save the Day" Formula

The "Save the Day" approach combines intentional self-care with your individual preferences. Life will bring challenges, both external and internal. The key is understanding that you have control over your reactions. If you've read Mel Robbins' "Let Them Theory," it emphasizes not letting others' actions affect us to the point of disrupting our day or happiness. Things we can't control, particularly regarding other people, shouldn't deprive us of joy or leave us feeling stuck. Instead, we can choose to say, "Let ME do this." For example, when everyone at work starts complaining about a situation beyond their control, you might decide to take a walk with a coworker and grab a fresh juice or enjoy your snack or lunch in the park, hopefully with some sunshine, rather than sitting in the office under fluorescent lights discussing the same issues for the hundredth time.

When negativity begins to dominate, take a moment to pause and reflect. Consider what you can incorporate into your day to shift it from gloom to glow. The possibilities are limitless. I encourage you to break free from autopilot and truly observe your surroundings; I assure you there are moments within your 24-hour day where you can introduce something wonderful for yourself.

Identifying Your Joy-Bringers

The first step in crafting your "Save the Day" formula is to identify what truly brings you joy. Consider these questions to guide your reflection:

• What activities rejuvenate me?

• What joyful things have I stopped doing?

• Who can I spend more time with to bring positivity into my life?

• Do I have favorite places that soothe my mind?

• What simple rituals can I incorporate to spark joy?

• What should I carry in my bag or car to create enjoyable moments?

For instance, you might find that spending just 20 minutes reading your favorite book at a local café significantly boosts your mood. We often rush in, grab a coffee or tea, and even preorder to quickly pick it up and leave, don't we? When was the last time you walked into a charming little spot, ordered something warm, sat down, turned off your phone, and opened a really good book? Perhaps you want to try something entirely new. When was the last time you did something new, something that thrilled you or even pushed you out of your comfort zone? Maybe that would be the kind of experience that makes you say - now that was a good day!!!!

Integrating your "Save the Day" formula into your life is simpler than it might seem. Here are practical strategies to consider:

1. Morning Mindfulness & Positive Mindset

We all possess the ability to manage our thoughts. What occupies our minds? What consumes our energy? What are we concentrating on and aiming to accomplish in our lives? I frequently bring this up because it can genuinely make a difference and transform our lives when we start our days on a positive note, replacing negativity with light and optimism. We have the choice. Begin your day with a few minutes of mindfulness. Try to avoid starting your morning by grabbing your phone, checking emails, or watching the news until you've taken a deep breath and centered yourself. Research shows that just a few minutes of mindfulness can increase daily happiness by 25%. It might not seem like much, but beginning your day 25% happier can make a difference, don't you think?

2. Get Outside

Spending time outdoors is an effective way to enhance your mood. Whether it's a brief walk during your lunch break or a leisurely stroll in the park after work, nature can greatly elevate your spirits. Research shows that being in green spaces can decrease stress by up to 40%. This doesn't mean you have to be in a forest; don't get me wrong. Just being outside, listening to the sounds, and observing flowers—even if they're in a pot—can be delightful. Perhaps find a favorite bench under a tree. I see these bike stations everywhere in the city now; when was the last time you hopped on a bike and explored a new part of town, or took a different route to work or the store? How will you brighten your day? What can you do outside that brings a little joy to your day? Do that!!!

3. Move Your Beautiful Body

Movement is essential for both mental and physical health. Whether you're attending a dance class, practicing yoga, or simply walking around your neighborhood, staying active can quickly uplift your mood. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can increase happiness. We spend too much time sitting. Our commutes are longer, and our jobs often require sitting in front of screens. We drive kids to activities and then sit and wait. What type of movement do you enjoy, and when and where can you incorporate it into your day? Remember, even 10-15 minutes is beneficial. If you're short on time or don't enjoy traditional exercise, consider taking mini breaks for movement. Water is very therapeutic, so perhaps you want to check the schedule at your local community center, or go as a family once a week?

4. Creative Outlets

Discover activities that ignite your creativity, such as painting, baking, or journaling. Pursuing something you love can invigorate your spirit, even if you only spend a few minutes on it regularly. Using your imagination or expressing yourself through art or words can bring immense joy. It can be very therapeutic, personal, and relaxing. Perhaps you'd like to pick up that camera again and return to photography?

5. Social Connections

Strive to maintain connections with friends and family. Share your successes and challenges. Social interactions can boost your mood and remind you that you're not alone. Digital communication has made it too easy to just send a text instead of meeting up for a walk or dinner. I know, it sometimes feels like too much effort, but think about how it will feel to spend quality time with that one person who truly understands you and makes you laugh. Human contact is so important. Was it part of your routine before, and you just haven't scheduled it? Perhaps a long-overdue lunch date is the perfect thing to brighten your day!

Creating Your Personal "Save the Day" List

We frequently concentrate so heavily on other aspects and individuals in our lives that we've overlooked including ourselves in life's equation. We become drained versions of ourselves, too tired to focus on our own desires or needs. This led me to contemplate purposefully adding some positivity before others demand our attention during the busy day.

Take some time to create a personal list of "Save the Day" activities that resonate with you. For inspiration, think about these examples: What components make up your ideal good day formula?

• A cherished book to read in your favorite cozy spot

• A curated playlist of uplifting songs to energize your day

• An array of motivating podcasts to listen to during breaks

• Trying out a new recipe you've been eager to bake

• Plan a lunch date

• A great night routine with a bath and a face mask

• Walk home the long way to clear your mind

• Schedule a video call to reconnect with that friend who lives far away and whom you miss greatly.

Keep your list nearby for when you need a boost.

Embracing Your Daily Choices

Developing your "Save the Day" strategy is an effective approach that can greatly improve your happiness and well-being. Challenges are inevitable, but by making deliberate choices and embracing joyful moments, you can navigate these obstacles with ease. Understanding that you have control over your own life and happiness can transform your day. Often, we let circumstances and others reduce our space and joy due to routines and specific work or community settings. However, we have choices, and we can examine our days to discover small opportunities where we can let the light in, becoming happier and more in control of how our day unfolds.

Every day offers a fresh opportunity to build a fulfilling and balanced life. Discover what motivates you and utilize the power of choice in your daily actions. By intentionally incorporating joy into your routine, you can not only take back your time but also help others do the same. Spread this idea; if you find it effective, share it with your family and friends.

So, start compiling your "Save the Day" items, and feel free to share them! Use the hashtag #savetheday to encourage a community focused on positivity and upliftment. You have the ability to design a life that feels good each day.

As always, take good care XO