Why Some Quality Time Away as a Couple is Good for Your Relationship

Taking some time away together can do wonders for strengthening your bond as a couple. Whether it's a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, making memories and experiencing new things together brings you closer. Here are some of the key reasons why quality time away is so beneficial for your relationship.

Escape the Daily Grind

Life can easily become all about work, chores, errands, and other responsibilities. The daily grind can leave you feeling disconnected from your partner if you don't take the time to nurture your relationship. Getting away together gives you a chance to take a break from the routine and demands of daily life. With a change of scenery and activities, you can relax, unwind and rediscover each other.

Focus on Each Other

When you're at home, it's easy to get distracted by screens, other commitments, friends and family. Taking a trip gives you the opportunity to devote your undivided attention to one another. You can ditch distractions like smartphones and laptops for stretches of time and engage in meaningful conversations. Without the clutter and obligations of daily life, you can give your relationship the focus it deserves.

Try New Things Together

Sharing novel experiences is a great way to reconnect and make new memories as a couple. Trying exciting new activities, seeing awe-inspiring sights and exploring unfamiliar places can ignite a sense of adventure. It adds freshness to your relationship as you see each other stepping out of your comfort zones. A change of environment naturally sparks curiosity and brings out different sides of your personalities. Book a hot tub lodge York and rediscover the romance in your relationship.

Rekindle the Romance

The stress and monotony of daily routines can sometimes cause romance to take a backseat in relationships. A getaway allows you to prioritise intimacy and affection again. From candlelit dinners to long walks on the beach, you'll have plenty of opportunities for romantic gestures, both big and small. Taking things slow and indulging in couple-time will help rekindle the romance.

Communicate without Distractions

Away from the distractions and pressures of daily schedules, you'll find yourselves opening up more. Long lazy breakfasts, cosy evenings in and strolls around new places naturally lend themselves to deeper conversations. You can discuss your hopes, dreams and anything on your minds without constant interruptions. Quality time together makes communication easier and more meaningful.

Appreciate Each Other

Getting away provides perspective and makes you realise what really matters - each other. When you're immersed in your routine, it's easy to take your partner for granted. Shared experiences in new environments will highlight your partner's attributes and make you fall in love all over again. You'll gain a renewed appreciation for each other.

Make Lasting Memories

At the end of a getaway, you'll have new adventures, inside jokes and memories that strengthen your bond. Looking back on the fun times, beautiful sights and meaningful moments that you shared will draw you closer. The photos, souvenirs and stories will serve as reminders of the great times you had. Making special memories provides a foundation for your future together.

Quality couple time is clearly vital for nurturing intimacy, communication and appreciation in relationships. Prioritising getaways and trips together demonstrates your commitment to keeping the spark alive. So, be sure to plan regular opportunities to escape the grind and immerse yourselves in experiences that bring you closer. Making beautiful memories away from home will work wonders for your relationship.

 

Why You Should Consider Mediation for Your Divorce Case

Navigating the complex waters of divorce can often feel like weathering an uncontrollable storm. However, there's a strategy that's not always at the top of our minds but holds immense potential for transforming how we approach separation: mediation. This alternative dispute resolution method is gaining traction for its ability to cut through the drama and focus on constructive solutions. If you're pondering the avenues available for your divorce, these are compelling reasons why you should consider mediation.

Time Efficiency

In a world where time is of the essence, divorce mediation offers a remarkably swift resolution compared to the drawn-out litigation proceedings. Unlike court dates that stretch over months, mediation can conclude in a matter of a few sessions. This expeditious closure frees you up to move forward with your life post-divorce without the burden of unresolved legal battles.

Reduces Conflict

Mediation is a harmonious alternative to the cymbal-clashing din of the courtroom, providing a space for respectful dialogue and the airing of grievances in a non-adversarial environment. Conflict is a given in most divorces, but the setting in which it is resolved can drastically affect its intensity and lasting effects. Through mediation, spouses often find less combative ways to mitigate courtroom drama during divorce.

Higher Satisfaction and Compliance

Couples who choose mediation often report higher satisfaction with the divorce results, not just because they reached an agreement on their own terms but because they were actively involved in the solution. This mutual participation nurtures a commitment to compliance, ensuring each party feels heard and understood and is, therefore, more willing to adhere to the terms of the agreement.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Court is a very public arena; legal records must be kept and filed, potentially exposing private matters and sensitive information. Mediation, conversely, takes place in confidential settings, away from the public domain. This prevents your personal matters from being stripped bare for public consumption, safeguarding your privacy.

Control and Flexibility

When you choose mediation, you are the architect of your agreement. No judge prescribes your settlement—you do. This control over the process allows for a more creative and tailored settlement that accommodates not only the letter of the law but also the spirit of your unique needs and those of your family. Flexibility is the key that allows mediation to craft resolutions that might not be possible within the confines of a courtroom.

The decision to pursue mediation for your divorce case is a profound one. It has the potential for a less rancorous separation, a speedier resolution, and a more satisfactory outcome for all parties involved. Considering the significant advantages it offers, it's no mystery why you should consider mediation for your divorce.

5 Questions to Ask a Wedding Venue Before Booking

Finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day. But before you put down a deposit, there are some important questions you should ask to avoid any unwelcome surprises. Knowing the right things to clarify will help you determine if a venue truly meets your needs and expectations. From costs and accommodation to setup, cleanup and more, enquiring about these key details now means you can relax knowing everything is taken care of on the wedding day. Whether you're considering a historic manor house or a modern hotel, here are five questions every couple should ask a potential wedding venue before booking.

1. What is included in the venue hire cost?

One of the first things you'll want to find out is exactly what's included in the venue's hire cost. Make sure you get a clear breakdown of what you're paying for. For example, does the cost include use of tables, chairs, linens, glassware etc? Is there an onsite coordinator provided? Are there any extras you'll need to pay for like power supply, lighting or noise restrictions? Getting all the details upfront will help you budget properly.

Some stunning wedding venues Wiltshire like Grittleton House provide access to dining rooms and marquees in the hire cost. But others may charge extra for this, so always check.

2. What are the accommodation options?

If you're having guests travel from out of town, providing accommodation should be high on your priority list. Ask the Wiltshire wedding venues if they have onsite overnight rooms and how many. This information will help determine if you need to book a hotel block at additional venues nearby.

Also, clarify what's included in the room rate, such as breakfast, parking, early check-in/late check-out etc. If accommodation is limited at the venue, make sure you secure rooms early.

3. Is there flexibility with catering and alcohol?

Food and drink costs make up a significant portion of the overall wedding budget. That's why it's important to understand how flexible the venue is when it comes to catering and alcohol. Can you bring in your own caterer, or are you required to use their in-house team? Is there a minimum spend? Corkage fees?

Asking these questions upfront will prevent unwanted surprises later. Make sure you get catering quotes before signing a contract so you know exactly what to budget for feeding your guests.

4. What's the payment schedule and cancellation policy?

Before you sign on the dotted line, get very clear on the payment schedule and cancellation policy. Most wedding venues in Wiltshire require a non-refundable deposit to secure your date. Make sure you're aware of all subsequent payments and due dates to avoid late fees.

Also, ask about their cancellation policy. If you have to downsize or postpone due to unforeseen circumstances, what are you responsible for? Knowing the financial obligations will protect you should anything not go according to plan.

5. What other events are happening there that day?

The last thing you want is another wedding or event competing for time and space at your chosen venue. Make sure you ask if there are any other activities booked concurrently on your date. If so, how will the venue ensure both events get the appropriate facilities and service?

Ideally, you want your wedding to be the sole focus that day. The venue should reassure you that won't need to vie for guest parking, catering, bathrooms or anything else on your special day.

By getting answers to these key questions during your venue search, you'll feel confident you are making the best choice for you and your guests. Don't leave anything to chance or assumption when booking your wedding venue. Being informed upfront will lead to a stress-free and flawless event from start to finish.

How Turbo Supercharge Feature Of Huawei Phones Provide Superfast Charging

Smartphones are evolving rapidly, and battery life is one of the most crucial aspects users consider when purchasing a new device. Huawei, a global leader in smartphone technology, has redefined mobile phone charging with its innovative Turbo SuperCharge technology. Keep reading to learn how the turbo-charged features of Huawei phones provide super fast charging. 

Huawei phones turbo supercharge feature. 

The HUAWEI nova 11i has this groundbreaking feature, which provides superfast charging and ensures that users are always connected. Here is the detail about the turbo supercharge feature:

The Power of Turbo SuperCharge

What truly sets Huawei's Turbo SuperCharge apart is its impressive speed. This unique technology provides a 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo for super fast charging. It transforms how users interact with their phones, substantially reducing the waiting time for the battery to juice up. But what truly makes it unique is the Turbo Mode. The nova 11i can reach a 60% charge in just 30 minutes. With such superfast charging speeds, users no longer need to worry about their phone's battery running out amidst busy schedules.

A Battery that Lasts: The 5000mAh Promise

The Turbo SuperCharge feature doesn't get all its power from speed alone; it gains a substantial part of its prowess from the phone's massive battery. Coupled with the intelligent charging system is a large 5000mAh battery. This powerful combination not only results in fast charging times but also ensures extended usage thanks to the considerable battery capacity. This means users can enjoy all-day power without needing a charge, even with extensive use.

Smart Power Management: Intelligent Charging Protection

Huawei has taken robust measures to ensure safety while charging, creating the 22-layer intelligent charging protection system. The smart power management feature strategically allocates power and safeguards the battery's life and integrity. It optimizes battery usage by effectively managing the power supply based on the phone's usage patterns, ensuring you never run out of power when you need it the most.

Moreover, the intelligent charging protection also monitors the temperature and voltage during charging, adjusting them if necessary. This proactive protective measure prevents overheating and potential damage, ensuring the battery's longevity.

The Turbo SuperCharge Experience with HUAWEI nova 11i

Experience the impressive Turbo SuperCharge feature with the sophisticated, power-packed HUAWEI nova 11i. Huawei has perfected the science of mobile phone charging with its superfast Turbo Mode, a large 5000mAh battery for extended power, and smart power management for efficient power conservation.

The Turbo SuperCharge technology, integral to Huawei's nova 11i, redefines the charging experience by providing unparalleled speed and safety. It minimizes charging time and maximizes battery life, ensuring that your phone stays powered throughout the day, enabling you to enjoy a seamless smartphone experience. With HUAWEI Nova 11i's Turbo SuperCharge, you're not just charging your phone but powering your day.

Conclusion 

The Turbo Supercharge feature of huawei phones represents a significant advancement in smartphone technology, offering users a convenient and highly efficient way to charge their devices. By harnessing innovative charging protocols and cutting-edge technology, Huawei has greatly reduced charging times, enabling smartphones to be powered up rapidly. This feature enhances the user experience by minimizing downtime due to charging and positions Huawei as a leader in mobile technology, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. 

Helping Your Child Move Out for College

Leaving for college marks a significant milestone in a young person's life. It's a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of nervousness – both for the student and their parents. Helping your child navigate this transition can be rewarding and challenging as a parent. From practical preparations to emotional support, here are some tips for assisting your child as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

Preparation Is Key

The process of moving out for college begins long before the actual departure date. Start by sitting down with your child to create a checklist of everything they'll need for their new living space. This can include essentials like bedding, towels, toiletries, kitchen supplies, and any personal items that will help them feel at home.

Encourage your child to research their college's housing policies and amenities to ensure they're adequately prepared. If possible, visit the campus together to get a sense of the layout and facilities. This can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with moving to a new environment.

Packing and Organization

As moving day approaches, help your child tackle the daunting task of packing. Emphasize the importance of staying organized to avoid last-minute stress. Invest in sturdy boxes, bins, and packing materials to safely transport belongings to their new home.

Encourage your child to declutter and only pack items they'll actually use. Remind them that college dorm rooms are typically small, so space will be limited. Encourage them to prioritize essentials and leave behind unnecessary clutter.

Emotional Support

Moving out for college is a bittersweet experience for both parents and children. While feeling a mix of emotions is natural, try to remain positive and supportive throughout the process. Reassure your child that you're proud of them and confident in their ability to succeed. Acknowledge their feelings of excitement, but also validate any concerns or anxieties they may have. Remind them that it's normal to feel nervous about starting this new chapter in their lives, but reassure them that they're not alone. 

Try to provide comfort items that they can take with them that they won't feel ashamed to take – a childhood teddybear may not be suitable, but a quilt from My T-Shirt Blanket that highlights bands they like or a particular passion would be a fun way to personalize their room. 

Encouraging Independence

Moving out for college is a significant step toward independence, and it's essential to encourage your child to take ownership of their experience. Encourage them to reach out to their future roommates or classmates to start building connections before they arrive on campus.

Remind them that it's okay to ask for help when they need it, but encourage them to problem-solve and advocate for themselves whenever possible. Offer guidance and advice, but allow them the space to make their own decisions and learn from their experiences.

Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye on move-in day can be an emotional experience for both parents and children. Take the time to cherish these final moments together and express your love and support for your child. Remind them that you're only a phone call or text away and that you'll always be there for them, no matter what.

As you watch your child embark on this new journey, take comfort in knowing that you've equipped them with the tools they need to succeed. While the transition may be challenging at times, it's also an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-discovery. And as a parent, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing your child spread their wings and soar.

Care For Your Pets Teeth (Without Brushing)

Do you love to give your pet kisses and receive them as well?

So do we! But our cat Beans has some smelly breath. Her breath smells like tuna and farts and honestly it can be pretty intense. When we took her to the vet for a checkup and some shots the vet had told me I need to start brushing her teeth and I understand why but have you ever tried to brush a cats teeth? Not likely! 

The use of PlaqueOff has made her breath smell so much better and I am not a cat dentist but her teeth look pretty clean to me. She absolutely loves the powder mixed in with her food everyday and eats it without any fuss. 

If this simple powder can keep me from torturing my cat by pinning her down to scrub her teeth that is fantastic. I know she appreciates it and so do I. 

ProDen PlaqueOff Powder

ProDen PlaqueOff Powder is a 100% natural and easy solution to pet oral problems. Simply sprinkle the powder once a day on wet or dry food to help reduce problems and pain in the future as well as freshens breath today. ProDen PlaqueOff Powder is approved by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) and is available for both dogs and cats. 

MSRP $14.33+

Available at: Amazon.com

ProDen PlaqueOff® Cat Powder is a patented natural dental product for cats, which can help reduce bad breath, plaque and tartar. A completely natural product, made from specially selected Norwegian Seaweed (D1070), Ascophyllum nodosum. Since cats are known for having a more discerning palate, it has been added to this product brewer’s yeast– an ingredient which most cats love.

Prior to the product launch, a palatability test was performed at Laboratories Le Centre de Sourches in France. The result: 100% acceptance.

ProDen PlaqueOff® Cat Powder comes in a granulated form which is easily added to food every day. The active ingredient is a specially selected alga, Ascophyllum nodosum, harvested along the North Atlantic coast.

Check out Beans cute reel here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5yqVBoJSX3/?igsh=cWFhemwyaGhkdmU5

The Great Cushion Debate: Choosing Your Ideal Meditation Companion

 Introduction

The alignment of mindfulness and meditation with modern lifestyles has increasingly garnered prompt attention. More and more people globally are engaging in this age-old practice, seeking to bring harmony to their chaotic lives. Regardless of our motivation to meditate - be it to alleviate stress, foster a positive mindset, or pursue spiritual development - a key element that dictates the success of our journey is comfort.

Comfort in a meditation practice is not merely a matter of luxury. It holds the key to sustained focus, deeper relaxation, and ultimately, a fruitful mindfulness routine. The human body is not designed to remain in a rigid posture for extended periods. Hence, investing time and resources in picking an ideal cushion that enhances comfort can significantly transform your meditation experience.

Why a Good Cushion is Crucial for Your Meditation Routine

Imagine attempting to meditate on a hard and uneven surface. Your mind, instead of focussing on the breath or mantra, would be constantly drawn to the discomfort and pressure points. This underscores the link between physical comfort and mental focus. A great cushion not only supports the body, relieving it of undue strain but also establishes the quietude needed to draw the mind inward.

Equally important is the role of a good cushion in promoting proper posture during meditation. Wrong body alignment, notably hunched backs or drooping necks, can lead to a host of health issues, including pain, numbness, diminished circulation, and even long-term musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, a well-suited meditation cushion can facilitate natural, effortless posture, boosting both your wellbeing and concentration ability.

Introduction to Different Types of Meditation Cushions

Meditators are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a cushion. The most used types include the Zen - a rectangular model favored by traditionalists, the round Zafu - an age-old classic, the crescent Zafu - a modern darling respecting contemporary needs, and the V-shaped cushion - a go-to for the meditative spirit seeking uniqueness.

Each cushion offers unique benefits and suits different needs. Therefore, understanding their characteristics can pave the way for a more informed choice. Moreover, don't forget to explore complementary props. Items like meditation mats, benches, and stools also play a significant role in shaping your meditative journey.

Round Zafu: An Old Classic

Whenever one thinks of meditation, an image that often comes up is of a practitioner sitting serenely on a round, fully stuffed cushion. This is the Zafu - a time-tested classic that never goes out of style. Made traditionally from natural materials such as cotton and kapok, Zafus typically offer a height of about 5 to 8 inches. This height is considered optimal for most meditators, supporting a relaxed yet upright posture.

While the round Zafu is synonymous with the lotus or cross-legged sitting position, it is equally comfortable when used with the kneeling or "seiza" position. The Zafu's firm support helps keep the hips elevated above the knees, reducing strain on the lower body, and allowing the spine to naturally align.

Crescent Zafu: Embracing Contemporary Needs

While the round Zafu is laden with historic charm, the Crescent Zafu is a newer entrant that resonates well with contemporary needs. This teardrop-shaped cushion is designed to offer optimal thigh support, preventing the legs from hanging off the cushion's edge.

Crescent Zafus generally offers angled surfaces, facilitating a forward pelvic tilt for improved spinal alignment. Although these cushions are often lauded for their superior comfort and support, they might not be ideal for those who prefer sitting in a kneeling position.

V-Shaped Cushion: For the Meditative Spirit

Unique, innovative, and versatile - that's the V-Shaped cushion for you. Designed as two attached wedge-shaped pillows, the V-shaped cushion offers adjustable support by varying the distance between the two wedges.

Whether you prefer to sit cross-legged, upright, or in a kneeling position, the 'V' shape ensures your base is not flat but slopes downwards. This can help maintain the natural curvature of your spinal structure even better. However, this cushion might take some getting used to, so give it some trial time.

Zen Cushion: Timeless Comfort

A Zen cushion is fundamentally a flat, rectangular cushion typically filled with kapok or buckwheat hulls. It's preferred for its firmness and ability to retain its shape, making it a perfect companion for long meditation sessions. Unlike other cushion types, it can be used in any position – sitting, kneeling, or even lying down.

The beauty of the Zen cushion lies in its simplicity. Given its flat design, it doesn't force any alignment but allows your body to assume its natural, most comfortable posture. This freedom makes it a favoured choice for Zen meditators; however, if you have body discomfort or specific alignment needs, another cushion type may be more suitable.

Comparing Meditation Cushions: Factors to Consider

Choosing a meditation cushion isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Your body type, flexibility, comfort preferences, and chosen meditation posture all matter. A taller person or someone with less flexibility may require a taller cushion for adequate hip support. Likewise, your preferred meditation position—cross-legged, kneeling, or half-lotus—affects the cushion design that suits you best.

Of course, practical considerations like budget, durability, and aesthetics come into play too. Meditation cushions can range from inexpensive to high-end models, with different benefits offered at each price point. Moreover, the cushion should ideally last several years, adding value to your initial investment. Finally, aesthetics can contribute to the environment of peace and tranquility you're trying to create, so choose one that resonates with your personal style.

Care and Maintenance of Your Meditation Cushion

Once you've chosen your meditation cushion, proper care and maintenance will ensure it lasts you for years. Most cushions come with removable covers that can be machine washed. For interior fillings, spot cleaning and airing out usually suffice.

The filling material also dictates the care protocol. For instance, buckwheat hulls can be refreshed by placing them in the sun. Kapok filled cushions, on the other hand, require an occasional fluffing to maintain their firmness. Regular care doesn't just lengthen your cushion's life, but also helps maintain its support and comfort levels, further enriching your meditation practice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right meditation cushion can significantly enhance your practice, allowing you to meditate more comfortably and effectively. A right cushion can cautiously trace the fine line between rigid asceticism and comforting luxury. Take time to decide and listen to your body's needs. Remember, it's not just about choosing a cushion, but about choosing a meditation companion - a companion that vows to support you on your mindful journey to inner peace.

Our Favourite Toys For Outside

We have an above average sized yard and we take full advantage of outside play time and adventures. Since we run a family child care centre we need to have plenty of things to keep the kids busy and having fun. Learning to climb, pull, push, balance, and share is a vital part of growing. 

Over the years we have gone through hundreds of different toys and found what works and what doesn’t. Some toys are just too high off the ground and regulations can be strict about what the kids are allowed to climb. Some toys are at the right height but kids like to push and fight over them so it’s best to keep them low to the ground just in case. For the older kids we have a fenced off area that is not for daycare use. 

This year we bought some awesome new toys and I feel they are the perfect size and encourage plenty of sharing and adventure. 

This slide (that you can find here) is one of my favourites for sure. It is the perfect size for most kids aged 2 to 6 and is very nice colours. It also folds up for easy storage. 

I absolutely love both of these swing sets. They have benefits for both big and little kids. This wonderful set has the big basket swing and an individual swing for different styles of fun. The swings (swing set with two swings found here) are the perfect height for kids to get up and down on their own and reduce the risk of falls and injury. This one can also hold up to 660 pounds if you have big kids swinging or want to add different swings.

This swing is a crowd pleaser for everyone all the way to the grown up stage. My husband and I both enjoy swinging on this swing. Our daughter can swing on it for hours listening to music in the sunshine and she is 14 years old. This swing (you can get here) is probably the best investment for me so I can finally have my hammock back in the summer without kicking my daughter out of it. This one can hold 500 pounds so it is going to last forever. 

Sports are a must have so we always have plenty of balls around. All the kids enjoy throwing basketballs or any balls so now they have a place to score some points and work on their skills. This basketball hoop (you can get here) is adjustable and made pretty solid so it should stay together for years to come.

We are always going to have the sandboxes around because this is a time honoured tradition for all kids. The best one to get is the turtle (which can be found here) because it has a lid and nice round sides just in case kids trip and fall around it. 

We have gone through hundreds of different shovels and buckets over the years and these are absolutely the longest lasting and strongest for rough kids. (Find your set here)

One thing that has lasted for ever is our amazing strider or balance bikes. (find your strider here)These little bikes help to teach kids how to balance on a bike way before they learn how to peddle. You can encourage proper biking techniques, rules like wearing a helmet, and bike safety that will come in handy later in life. 

We always have the classics like cozy coupes, or ride on cars because they are always a crowd favourite. Teaching little ones how to watch out for each other and learn about traffic is a great way to teach safety. We try to do a car wash once every summer to show them how to care for their little cars and encourage responsibility. Teeter totters, and tough wagons are always a great idea as well. 

We use this adorable tunnel we had gotten from our Lovery box for an outside toy and the kids have a blast rolling around and taking turns going through the tunnel. You can always find a tunnel (like the ones here) that are meant for outside play time as well. 

Another great purchase is a balance beam. We have used this balance beam for years and it is so well built that is has no cracks and no missing pieces. There are many other balance beams and stepping blocks available but these ones are definitely the best for big groups you want to play together. 

What are some of your favourite toys for play spaces? We also took the time to create a grown up play space as well because we need a place to hang out and relax as well. A gazebo (like ours found here) an egg chair (this one is similar to ours) and some comfy couches (like these ones) are perfect for grown up time.

How To Find Happiness In Life’s Simple Moments

Life… it’s a busy thing, isn’t it? The problem is that although being busy can often be seen as a good thing (in many places, the busier you are, the more successful you are, for example - or at least, that’s how you’re seen), it’s not always. Yes, it’s good to have things to do, but if you’re so busy that you’re missing out on life’s simple little joys because you’re always going from one thing to another, that’s not great. In fact, that could be downright dangerous, leading you to suffer emotional and mental health issues, and to experience a lot of regret as time goes on. 

The truth is that although work is important, too much is bad for you, and it’s far better to look for happiness in life’s simple moments as that’s what’s going to make you happy as life moves forward. So let’s take a look at how to do that with some practical tips and strategies to help you find joy in the simple moments of life. Read on to find out more. 

Photo by Miriam Alonso

Take Photos 

You might not think about taking photos when you want to find happiness in simple moments, especially since a lot of the time we’re told that we should put our phones and cameras down and just appreciate what’s happening in the here and now. 

There is something to be said for that, and you definitely don’t want to live your life through a lens or screen, but equally, taking photos can be a wonderful way to appreciate those smaller moments, so it’s useful to work out a kind of balance you can put in place to make sure you don’t miss out on anything but still get the memories stored so you can re-live the good times over and over again. 

Whether you use a professional camera or you snap a few pictures with your smartphone, taking photos can really help you appreciate what’s happening, especially if you’re looking at things with an eye for the special in the mundane because you want a great photo. The key is to make it a habit to document the little moments that bring you happiness, such as a colorful sunrise, a beautiful flower you spot on a walk, or just laughing with loved ones. Looking back at these photos can be a fantastic reminder of the beauty and joy that surrounds you every day, so challenge yourself to take one great photo of a simple thing each day and by the end of the month you’ll certainly have a lot to look back on! 

Share Your Day

Another great, and easy, way to find joy in everyday moments is by having conversations with your loved ones and asking specifically about their day - and telling them about yours. When you take the time to share even the smallest details of your day, you’ll remember them in more detail, plus, if you make this a habit, you’ll be more attuned to the kinds of things you’ll want to tell your partner, kids, parents, friends, or whoever else it is you chat to at the end of the day. For example, you might have taken your new labrador puppy for its first walk, or perhaps you saw a cloud shaped like something interesting, or maybe you heard a funny or emotional story on the news. There are no rules about what you can find important enough to tell someone else, the only thing to do is share the joy, and you’ll soon find plenty of different things that you can’t wait to talk to other people about. 

It’s often a good idea to make this into a regular part of the day, rather than trying to find a moment to tell your loved one about what you did - and ask them about their own day in return. It can often work well over a meal, for example, or perhaps you can go for a walk after dinner, or maybe you take fifteen or twenty minutes before bed to chat once you’ve turned off the screens (add some hot milk or cocoa and it can become a wonderful ritual that helps you sleep better too!). The point is that making some time to mention some of the simple things you did and saw will definitely help you appreciate them more. 

Have Daily Routines 

Rituals and routines can also be a wonderful - and actually rather powerful - way to find joy in everyday moments, even if the very fact that they’re so ingrained in your life could mean you don’t realize that and miss the benefits. To get more out of every action that you perform throughout your day, you don’t necessarily have to take more time over it, but you don’t have to rush either - in other words, don’t do things mindlessly and instead make sure you think about what you’re doing. That can be a hard thing to do because these daily rituals become habits, and that means you generally don’t even have to think about them all that much, but if you can step back and take note, you may well be able to find some joy where you didn’t expect to. 

You might, like many people do, make some coffee in the morning. Instead of just waiting for the coffee to brew, why not add a new ritual to that time, and listen to the birds singing or make a note of the weather or watch the sunrise? When the coffee’s ready, don’t just dump milk into it - pour carefully and watch the patterns being made on the surface of the liquid before you stir them away. Count the bubbles. When you start to think about it, you’ll come up with all kinds of things you can do that will help you appreciate the simple joys in life a lot more. 

You’ll have dozens of different daily routines that you do without a second thought, so now’s the time to find that second thought and start to realize that it’s these small, everyday things that make life worth living. 

Pay It Forward

Another practical way to find joy in everyday moments is by practicing gratitude through acts of kindness - it might seem like a tricky thing to add to your day, or even to think about all that much, but it can be done and, for the most part, it should be done. You’ll need to think about how you can essentially perform random acts of kindness for others, but those things don’t have to be big and they don’t have to cost anything - a smile at a stranger can change their entire day around, and it’s made no difference to you (other than to make you feel good, of course!). 

There are small things you can do as we’ve mentioned above, but you can do larger things as well, and it’s going to depend on your time and how much you want to help out. You could write someone a thank you note, for example, or you could volunteer somewhere to help those in need. 

Another great thing to do is to pay it forward - so you do something nice for someone else every time someone does something nice for you. Not only are you helping others, but you’re also having to be aware of when kindness comes to you, and that can ensure you find the joy you might otherwise have missed. Being more aware of how people treat you can be the joy itself.