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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Shay's Ways ·

Shay’s Ways: FOR A HAPPIER DAY!


Happy Wednesday, friends!  It’s another edition of SHAY’S WAYS!

I’ve had this topic on my “to blog” list for about a year now, and I decided today was the day 🙂 .

Today, I’m sharing my own personal little list of things I do for a “HAPPIER DAY”.

As you know, I find my JOY in the Lord.

One way I always think about it is that JOY comes from within regardless of circumstances while HAPPINESS is based on “happenings”.

Spoiler alert: There are many times when I am not happy.  I have JOY in the Lord, but for the love, I am not a happy person.

When my “happenings” are crappy, I am typically not happy.  (Right now, I’m laughing at my silly rhyme.  Sigh.)

All of this to say, I personally think that if I add “more happy” into my day (specific ‘happenings’) then even on super crappy days, I can find a little happy. 

(I just can’t quit that rhyme.)

Basically, it can’t hurt to add certain things into my day that bring me happiness, so I try to do that every single day.

I’m going to share my little list of THINGS I DO FOR A HAPPIER DAY and then I certainly hope you share yours in the comment section too.

Here we go…

1: I SPEND TIME OUTSIDE

Going outside just makes me HAPPY.  Even if the weather is yucky, if I can put on the proper clothing to stay warm/dry/cool enough for it, I love a few minutes of being outdoors.  If the weather is gorgeous, then I want lots and lots of time outdoors.  I get a little cranky every year when the temp here goes crazy high because it cuts down on my time to be outside.  If I had it my way, I’d eat all of my meals outside, work from my patio table, and stay outside all day, every day.

2: I READ

Reading is my very favorite hobby.  Right now, my Kindle says that I’m on a 351 weeks in a row streak.  That’s about 7 years.  Yeah, I love to read.  Even when I’m just having a really hard day, I can open my book and my brain can think about that for a few minutes instead of what’s bothering me.  Reading is the perfect escape to happiness for me.

3: I DRINK COFFEE

I am trying to add matcha into my life, but honest to goodness, I just love coffee.  I don’t think I’m crazy when I say this, but every cup of coffee is like its own experience.  I don’t care where I procuring said cup, I get excited every time.

4: I GO FOR A WALK

I love to walk as a part of my exercise routine, but I also just love to walk just to walk.  Even if I can only get out for five minutes, a nice little walk is an instant happiness maker for me.

5: I MAKE MY BED

Walking into my room with a bed that is made makes me happy.  Walking into my room with a bed that is not made makes me feel like things are chaotic/unfinished/messy.

6: I SHOWER AND GET DRESSED

I don’t think I’ve ever regretted taking a shower and getting dressed in the morning.  There have been many days when I have certainly regretted NOT doing those things.

7: I TURN ON FRENCH MUSIC

It’s calming and relaxing, and my brain can think about other things with it on in the background (it’s not distracting).  It sounds like happiness to me.

8: I LIGHT A CANDLE

Let’s be real, my day is a little happier when my space smells nice.

9: I EAT DINNER WITH MY FAMILY

I love eating with my family.  Even if I’ve had a really hard day/don’t feel well/have no desire to eat, sitting there and listening to them is a mood booster.

10: I GET INTO BED AND TURN ON SOMETHING FUNNY

Lighthearted and happy TV at night before bed is so much better for my brain than heavy stuff.  Give me an episode of The Office, and I’m one happy camper.

11: I PUT MY PHONE DOWN MORE

Any time I start to feel overwhelmed or anxious, I put my phone down.  It’s incredible how walking away from a four inch piece of technology can suddenly make me happier.

12: I LISTEN TO UPLIFTING PODCASTS

I almost exclusively listen to some sort of uplifting podcast in my car.  Instead of filling my brain space with commercials, loud music or obnoxious DJs, I listen to something educational/uplifting/funny instead.

 

Okay, I could have kept going and going, but I’ll stop for today 🙂 .

I can’t wait to read comments about how you add a little happy into your everydays too!

Also, don’t forget, I have so many other SHAY’S WAYS you can check out as well.  Just look:

25 Keys to a Peaceful Morning
22 Keys to making Fall Cozy
19 Key Fall Kitchen Essentials
18 Keys to Prepping for a Trip
14 Keys to Simplify BACK TO SCHOOL
21 Keys to Savoring Summer
21 Keys for Working at Home {Summer Edition}
25 Keys to Outdoor Summer Entertaining
25 Keys to Maintaining our Yard
17 Keys to my Holiday Prep
11 Keys to a Cozy Winter
9 Keys to Returning from a Trip
12 Keys to Leaving Your Kiddos When You Travel
13 Keys to Meal Planning
8 Keys to Creating Daily Routines You Love
21 Keys to Elevating the Everyday
13 Keys to Managing Jet Lag
9 Keys to a Cozy Halloween Night
19 Keys to Hosting Festive & Easy Holiday Parties
12 Keys to Adding Activity into the Everyday
17 Keys to Working From Home
9 Easy Afternoon Energizers
14 Simple Luxuries
8 Keys to Finding a Gym
21 Ways I Hygge

Today, I’m also talking about my recent DEXA Scan on our Wellness Wednesday post, so head HERE if you want to learn more.

I hope you all have the HAPIEST day! xx

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25 Keys to a Peaceful Morning
Shay’s Ways: ADDING “VACATION” INTO THE EVERYDAY
Shay’s Ways: MAKING THE HOLIDAYS FUN FOR TEENS

Comments

  1. Susan Jeffries says

    I love all of these suggestions. Exercise and walking our dogs is a game changer for my mood too. I also stopped watching tv about 4 years ago. I will watch the occasional movie (usually older) but nothing else. If I have a few moments to relax in the evening, I read. That has helped me to relax before bedtime a lot!

  2. Lisa De says

    When my 3 girls were little, my neighbor and I wanted to create T shirts that said “Outside fixes everything,”

    And for our husbands we used to say, “Wake up happy, or don’t wake up.”😉

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh my gosh, I need you to create that shirt so that I can buy it! YES! I am going to be quoting both of these phrases from now on.

  4. Diane Moore says

    I am an innately happy person (though I, too, find my Joy in the Lord). I also do many things that add happiness. For me, English breakfast tea with a little milk every morning and every afternoon, having a flow of productivity, with that tea & a book to look forward to later, a made bed, absolutely, doing little domestic things for my husband to make him feel spoiled, a little exercise break – maybe doing something quick but new, when we had dogs – just doing anything with them. 😁

  6. Emily says

    What coffee do you prefer to use at home? I’m trying to find our “go-to” brand but haven’t found anything we love yet.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Well, we are very boring. We use Starbuck’s Pike beans in McKinney and then on Nantucket, we use a Nantucket variety that is sold there (also just ‘normal’ coffee).

  7. Kelly Davis says

    Amen. Happy is a choice (one I don’t always make- but am striving for!). So many of the same happy additions as you… I would also add that tidying or ordering my space makes me happy. I try to carve out even just five minutes and see what drawer I can organize or area (cookbooks, office planner) I can tidy … small but allows me to feel I accomplished something even on days when I feel very out of control.

  8. Ashley says

    Can you share some podcast recommendations that you listen to alone and once’s you listen to with your kiddos?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yes! Ashby and I always listen to suspenseful ones (it varies but anything similar to Crime Junkies). I personally love listening to Everyday Wellness, The Drive, The Office Ladies, The Simple Sophisticate, The School of Self Image, The Model Health Show, At Home with Sally, The Gabriel Lyon Show…just to name a few.

    • Cris says

      For extra happiness, “Annie and Eddie Keep Talking” is so much fun! They’re mostly old now, but they’re still talking once a month on the “That Sounds Fun” podcast!

  9. Allison says

    Yessss to coffee! I’m a fifth grade teacher and we take our kids to Allaso Ranch every year for three days, and my assistant principal went with us our first year to go together. And we all brought our K cups and we were up early getting our coffee in the dark & quiet before the crazy fun day with 90 5th graders… anyway, I told my AP “every single cup of coffee is an experience every morning!” And she quotes me that to this day now. LOL! So, AMEN to that!!

  11. Jessica says

    I love this post! My husband used to make fun of me because I was always trying to find a way to bring a little extra happiness into our lives every day. Now he does it too!

  12. Hanna Humphreys says

    I like to start my mornings with online word games (Wordle, Connections, Strands, USA Today Crossword). Easy brain boosters to get the day going!

    • Dena says

      Same. My 23 year old son and I share our efforts for Wordle and Connections every day. The fact that we connect over that, actually makes me happier than the games themselves!

  13. Katie Stewart says

    Love this list! Besides #7 and #11, I would say doing those things makes me HAPPY, too! ❤️
    I’ve been thinking about a post you made last week referring to the “quiet blessings” and honest to goodness, I needed that post! It has encouraged me to find the beauty and the blessings in the smallest things!

  14. SS says

    Shay,
    There are days that weigh more than some. I am with you get outside. Right now, things are starting to bloom, so I go see what is blooming. In the winter, I love to be in the snow making a snow man, snow angels, and my favorite sledding. We even make a point to leave on lights (I bought some that change colors), so we had green for March and do a night sled. Oh and watching for the Northern Lights.
    Our kiddo has a switch and we have been playing Clue. It is so fun to play that with each other .
    I love to just put on some old music and sing along or dance silly. I will put on Cha Cha slide and we dance around the house, some 80s and just song that you can’t help but sing to.
    The one thing that always makes me feel happy is getting a hug from my hubby and kids. Sometimes you just need that “safe place.” Just take a deep breath and let it all just go.

    PS your rhyming reminds me of our kiddos books City Spies…the leader has these little rhymes to help them remember things they call them “Motherisms”. I have read all the books(at kiddos request) they are good.. If Ashby hasn’t checked them out she should, really anyone.

  15. Laura Holmes says

    Sitting around the dinner table talking and laughing with my family. It’s my favorite part of the day and makes me happy!

  16. Karleigh Johnson says

    I love your tips Shay! I try to do almost all of these when I can. One silly thing that my family and I do, is we have a “dance-off” in the kitchen. It was mostly started by my 3.5 year old and it ALWAYS brings me so much joy and happiness and I can feel my heart get lighter and my body feel more at peace every time we do it. It’s not planned or scheduled, but it does bring me so much happiness.

    I also love making a “special” coffee at home. I will usually make a latte with my own homemade syrup or store bought, put it on ice, put it in a special cup (I have these glass “can” cups) with a glass straw, and I take it wherever I’m going or drink it at home while I found laundry with a baby strapped to my chest. It’s not glamorous, but it brings me joy.

    I also try to do self care a few times a week. Usually 15 mins with my ice roller, a mask, and a good serum. A bath if I have time!

    Xoxo

  17. Gail says

    My morning shower and shaving my legs EVERY day makes me feel grounded and ready for anything!
    Morning cup of coffee in silence
    Stretching for 10 minutes in the morning
    Checking your blog first thing when I sit down with said coffee, because I know I will be in a positive space
    Working on my genealogy because family history is my happy place
    Praying for my peeps and friends
    Being an introvert and being able to start my day in quiet with all these things makes me SO happy and ready to tackle what life brings….also having a husband that loves and appreciates me brings me such joy and happiness!

  18. K.K. says

    Love this… It really can be the small things! For some happy, I’m loving my first round of Bible Recap every morning on my commute – game changer!! 🙂

  19. Kimberly Gray says

    Love this post ! It’s sometimes too easy to let yourself get down with “the stuff” of days. Face it.. not everyone is a great one ! To help I try to start the morning with naming a couple things I’m thankful for in the moment. (Beautiful sunrise, puppy kisses) and one thing that I’m looking forward to for the day ahead. Even if that one item is going to bed ! I also try to have a packed lunch / snacks if I’m going to the office or going to be out. Something about taking that moment to prepare for yourself makes me feel good and is something I look forward to.

  20. Beth Valenta says

    I am a true believer in making yourself happy everyday. I love the walks with or without dogs. I love wandering in stores like Trader Joes or TJ Maxx, even if I am not purchasing much. I love fresh flowers in my kitchen. Lastly, I love a special lunch, nothing major, but my favorite chicken salad with special crackers, and I LOVE a fun water. When I am hectic here at school, I know I have these treats tucked in my fridge to look forward to.

    And a new accessory? Yes, makes me giddy.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I love wandering around those stores too! Plus Hobby Lobby or Target. I don’t have to buy a thing, I just love to stroll and look.

  21. Mary Anne Duke says

    In my 70 something years I never drank coffee however last year I got an iced coffee with cream … game changer. Now every morning for a cup of happiness I have one cup of Starbucks medium roast, unsweetened, found in the grocery. I packet of Splenda and a bit of 2%. I feel special, decadent and happy.
    Also, kitty in lap with a good book brings me happiness.
    And being with my happy friends in our Bible study🤗

  22. Kay says

    I just love this post so much! Today’s weather is gloomy in New England (and has been for about a week) so this brightened my day. Thank you for sharing!

  25. Anne says

    Okay I’m going to say it since no one else has . . . A little piece of chocolate makes me happy!

  26. Mary S says

    Love all of these! Can I add reading your blog each morning after I finish my devotions? Such a happy way to start the day. 😊

  27. Danielle says

    Hi Shay! I love this post and agree with all of your ways to find happiness. I just wanted to share that today I found an immense amount of happiness when a box from Colleen Rothschild arrived with multiple bottles of the recently restocked shampoo!!! I also wanted to share that a few weeks ago you wrote about savoring morning rituals and how you save your favorite podcasts for the morning commute – well I absolutely love reading your blog and Erika’s blog so I save your posts until I’m running on the treadmill because you both bring me immense amounts of happiness and therefore make a super mundane task MUCH more enjoyable! Lastly, yesterday you asked for suggestions on travel posts – I’d love it if you could do a comparison of the Caribbean islands you’ve visited! 😊💕

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Goodness Danielle, thank you so so much! I am so grateful for YOUR participation in this community! xx

  28. Kristen says

    I have to say my favorite things to do each day is have my morning cup of coffee , play my wordle and check your blog!

  29. Leah Z says

    I read this quote online this morning just before reading your post and I think it goes along perfectly!
    “My favorite thing about wonder, whimsy, and magic is that they’re not things to “believe in”…they’re things to notice.”

  30. Cris says

    Getting out of bed significantly earlier than everyone else makes me happy (after the initial shock, of course). I always say that “I need a long runway.” I try to arrive early for everything for the same reason!

  31. Joy says

    I love this post! Reading the Bible, snuggling with my husband and kids, reading a book , getting my nails done and walking outside are just a few things that make me happy.

  32. Karen in Virginia says

    I have to say Starbucks. I swear, they must put serotonin in there. When I have a Starbucks, 2 hours later my mood is completely different. It’s my happy place for sure!

  33. Sarah Langley says

    French music ideas?? Maybe a playlist. I love music as a background at home and work.

  34. Addy J Robinson says

    Buying a greeting card and sending it off to someone… Makes me so happy to think of them opening it in their snail mail!!

  35. Caroline says

    I go on a 3 mile walk every morning at 6am- rarely miss it even when the weather is bad. The combination of movement, being outside and time to myself before taking care of my kids is almost spiritual. I connect with myself and practice some gratitude. I talk to my dear dad who died two years ago. I daydream and I reflect. My last mile is for listening to music. My routine makes me genuinely happy and a much better wife, mom, employee and friend. ❤️

  36. Lynn T says

    I finally had a chance to read this post and I’m going to be honest…I was surprised by your spoiler alert…you are not always happy. I look at your blog every day and follow you on social media and often think, is every day great for Shay? I know that sounds silly…but I can’t help but check myself sometimes when I look at people on social media.
    I agree with a lot of your ideas…I can’t stand when my husband gets up after I leave for work and doesn’t make the bed. I’ll come home even late in the day and make it. Thank you for your posts every day!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Thank YOU for showing up here every day. I’m so honored to “do life” alongside women like you. Please know, I am certainly not always happy. Joyful, yes…happy, not always. xx

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