Read This First

This list intentionally leaves out the obvious things that make nearly anyone feel better, like family, pets and friends. It also leaves out materialistic things that make people think they feel better, like cars, houses, vacations, jewelry and money in general.

Jake and me

The List

1. Nature. There is something magical and healing about nature. It reminds me that I'm a part of a larger picture and that my problems are just a speck in the universe. When I combine nature with #5 on this list, it's especially profound.

Me, at work, drinking tea.

2. Tea. Not the cheap kind. The good stuff. The Japanese jasmine green tea leaves that are rolled into little pearls and cost way too much. Totally worth $20/lb. No wonder the Japanese consistently live past the age of 100.

3. Chocolate. Again, not the cheap kind. I'm usually most fond of Swiss chocolate. Dark chocolate with almonds is my favorite. With all the anti-oxidents in dark chocolate, who can argue about the combination of physical and mental health benefits?

4. A notepad and pen. Writing down my thoughts, worries, reminders, etc always makes me feel better -- especially before bed. It's great for me to do a brain dump before sleeping so I can fully relax and actually sleep. Writing down my thoughts and worries helps me to get them out into the open, even if I destroy the paper I wrote them on. Sometimes just the fact that I acknowledged the thought and removed it from my head is all I need to move forward and feel better. I find that writing down all my petty complaints, worries, and irrational thoughts first thing in the morning and then ripping the paper to shreds helps me to have a great day.

The free Planet Fitness t-shirt I got for joining. A gym membership is the best $10 I spend every month.

5. Exercise. It's easy to shrug off exercise and say we don't have time for it. But we all know that is complete B.S. Even if you only exercise for a few minutes 2 or 3 times a week, it's worth its weight in gold. It speeds up your metabolism for the rest of the day, improves your mood, makes you stronger and more flexible over time and makes you look better. When you look better, you feel better. It also becomes a habit that you look forward to. I know I look forward to going to the gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening and I especially enjoy workouts where I do only weight training. 

6. Minimalism. And no, I'm not trying to be some annoying, trendy Millennial. I have adopted minimalism into my life in many ways, and I don't miss the old me. I don't miss the junk lying around my house and I don't miss the insatiable desire I used to have to buy stuff. I am truly happier with less and feel significantly less stress nowadays.

7. Saving money & investing. Because I buy less junk, I have more money to put toward my investments and emergency stash. Knowing that I have more room for error and tragedy (financially speaking) in my life certainly makes me feel better. I know I said I wouldn't put money on this list, but I feel this is a little bit different. Saving for your future is so much different than buying crap you don't want to impress people you don't like. Therefore, it's on my list.

8. Abraham Hicks. Oh, how I love listening to Esther/Abraham go on a rant. They make me feel like I can tackle whatever is thrown my way. Look up Abraham Hicks on YouTube if you're curious. One day, I will attend one of the cruise seminars in person.

Photo Source: National Park Service - nps.gov

9. Hot springs. If you've never been to a natural hot spring, you're missing out. It's like heaven in the water.

10. Helping someone who can never pay me back. I saved the best for last on my list. There is nothing quite like helping someone only because they need help, not because you expect anything in return. Some people have to rely on the kindness of strangers, and I always feel better when I have the opportunity to be that stranger.

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