Going for a walk or run solo. Clean house (ish)

Starting my day with "morning pages," a tool from Julia Cameron's creativity workbook "The Artist's Way" helps me stay happier on the regular. You write three pages when you first get up, longhand, and it doesn't matter what you write as long as you keep the pen moving until you are done. People think of it as journaling, but it really isn't -- there is a huge difference between free writing when you first get up and writing down what happened during your day at night.

Another vote for walks, plus it’s a good time to get all the good gossip from friends.

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't say it makes me happy, but praying keeps me in the proper mindset. Cleaning the kitchen after feeding my family makes me happy. My husband rubbing my feet (which he does almost every night!) makes me happy. Life as it is makes me happy - I am very grateful for my good fortune.

+1

Agree with PPs that if you are happy with things as they are, stick with it.

But to answer your question, quiet time by myself at the beginning/end of day to read and have coffee or tea is what works for me.

I wouldn't say it makes me happy, but praying keeps me in the proper mindset. Cleaning the kitchen after feeding my family makes me happy. My husband rubbing my feet (which he does almost every night!) makes me happy. Life as it is makes me happy - I am very grateful for my good fortune.

Poop.

Meditate. Ten minutes a day - it really has changed my mindset. Now even when driving my kids to their activities, I'm able to take a deep breath and relax instead of stressing in traffic. I ruminate less, which makes me more present during my time with kids too.

Walk the dog

Tuck my 8 and 10yo kids in bed. Briefly talk about their day, ask if there is anything they want to talk about. Kiss them good night.

I go to the gym and have one hour of being just me and focusing on me.

Anonymous wrote:If you’re happy with teens, I wouldn’t worry too much right now. They’ll be out of the house soon.

You’re sort of not “counting” the things you do actually do: relationship, walk

I see friends and exercise - I run 3 days a week in addition to walking the other days. I pair running with friends - feeding two birds with one seed.

I also walk with friends

If you’re happy with teens, I wouldn’t worry too much right now. They’ll be out of the house soon.

You’re sort of not “counting” the things you do actually do: relationship, walk

I see friends and exercise - I run 3 days a week in addition to walking the other days. I pair running with friends - feeding two birds with one seed.

You sound like a great mom! and if you're happy I wouldn't worry too much, don't borrow trouble. Mostly I am the same as you and I enjoy spending most of my time with my kids/family. But about 8 months ago I started going to Burn Boot Camp and it is the first time since having kids that I have enjoyed exercise again, felt legitimately fit and in shape and I truly enjoy it. I was just thinking the other day how much I love that little 45 minutes a few times a week. I go 3-4 times a week (more than I expected I would when I started but I just like it). Anyway, passing along in case there is one close by you and it feels of interest!

I am a single mother of teen girls who have extremely busy sport schedules. I also have a demanding job. Every day, for the last 5 years, I go to bed with my head spinning. It's a lot. Everyone close to me points out I never do anything for myself. I barely get to my routine doctor appointments. Not to mention going out to see friends, exercising etc. I am in a very loving relationship but we don't live together but we do make time for each other. That's about it. I walk daily but I can't seem to find the time or energy to get proper exercise. My friends get together for trips and weekends but I can't commit because of my kids and their demanding schedules. The thing about it is that I am happy. I love this crazy time with my kids but it's very glaring it's all about them and definitely not about me.
Is that typical or do you all do a lot more for yourselves daily? What do you daily that brings you tremendous joy? (other than work and cart your kids to practices)