My Daily 5: Simple Tricks for a Happier Me

Life's a wild ride, isn't it? Between the ups, downs, and all-around madness, snagging a bit of happiness can sometimes feel like chasing a runaway train. Good news, though: finding joy doesn't have to be a Herculean task. Sometimes, it's the little things, the everyday actions, that bring the biggest smiles. So, here are my top 5 go-to easy tricks for embracing the good vibes.

1. Morning Rituals

How you kick off your day can make or break your mood. My secret? A simple morning ritual that doesn’t feel like a chore. My morning rituals have become the thing I look forward to every night before I fall asleep. A hot cup of coffee or my famous espresso shot. Sounds basic, but it’s my moment to wake up gently and set my vibe for the day. After that, I always start my day with movement. Could be a simple walk on the treadmill, playing outside with the dogs or some type of training, example 30 min strength or cardio class. After movement then I like to do a 5 min meditation or listen to a book or my favorite podcast. And then I spend some time doing a little work for Midlife Thriving. Could be anything from a new blog, new reel or website updates. This routine keeps me happy and motivated. Find whatever works for you to get your going.

2. Keeping It Real with Connections

I am guilty of spending too many hours aimlessly scrolling through social feeds. We're all glued to our screens, but real talk? Nothing beats a good heart-to-heart. I make it a point to genuinely connect with someone dear to me every day. Could be a deep convo, a silly text exchange, or just sharing something that made me laugh out loud. This is about feeding the soul with real, quality connections. It’s the little reminders that we’re all in this together that really fill up the happiness tank. And for those of you on may daily reel share... you're welcome :)

3. Move It and Groove It

Listen, “exercise” is a loaded word. I’m not saying you need to run marathons (unless that’s your jam). For me, it’s about finding fun in being active and staying strong. A dance break, a quick walk, biking around the neighborhood... anything that gets me moving and boosts those endorphins. It’s about reminding myself that my body is awesome and capable of fun stuff, not just sitting in a chair all day.

4. Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

We’ve all got a little creativity all of us. Each day, I try to carve out a little time to get creative, and it can be anything. Brainstorming with my team or friends, whipping up something new in the kitchen, or taking new fun creative photos. It’s not about perfection; it’s about trying something new. This daily dose of creativity keeps things fresh and makes me feel like I’m not just going through the motions. Try it. Do it. And do it some more.

5. Gratitude Check-In

Ending the day on a high note is key for me. I take a few minutes each night to think about what I’m grateful for. Sometimes I write it down, sometimes it’s just a mental note. It’s about shifting focus from “I didn’t get everything done” to “Hey, a lot of good stuff happened today.” It’s a simple switch that makes a world of difference, reminding me to appreciate the big and small wins.

Looking to learn more, check out The Gap and Gain book.

Finding joy is all about the litte things in life, the daily choices that add up to a big impact. These 5 habits are my roadmap to a happier me. They’re flexible, low-pressure, and most importantly, doable. So make happiness a daily habit, one small step at a time. Cheers to finding your own happy groove!