I was recently tagged by Maria over at Suburban Mum to complete my happiness non-negotiable list. The happiness non-negotiable is a list of things that we must make time for in our day, no matter what, in order to be happy.

I am a list maker, and I even have lists for lists (!), but when it comes to making people happy, everybody else often comes first and I am way down that list! I have never really thought about the things I must do day to day, I just automatically do them so this list has taken some thought. With suffering with depression too, it is especially important that I make time for myself to try and do happy things, think happy thoughts, and just do happy.

So, my happiness non-negotiables, in no particular order, are:

Reading
I make sure I read every day, even if it’s only for 5 minutes here and there. Some days I will read multiple chapters, maybe even complete a book, but some days it’s less than a chapter. I always make sure I read something though as it takes me away from the day to day life into a different world, and that’s my little happy place.

Bubble baths
When we moved we inherited a large spa bath, and I just cannot imagine being without it now – it gets lots of use from me, at least 3 times a week! Bubbles, warmth, and a massage to boot – you just can’t beat it sometimes after a stressful day! This usually goes hand in hand with reading, as I will always have my book when I have a bath.

Cuddles
Whether this is cuddles from the children, or from my husband, it is the one thing that when I’m feeling sad, it makes me happy, and when I’m happy, it expands that happiness, so I am in a big happy bubble. A hug a day, keeps the sadness away! Especially sleepy bed time cuddles!

Coffee
Caffeine. It is so nice just to take 5 minutes from my day to relax with a cuppa (usually when the kids have gone to bed, otherwise it’s usually a reheated or cold coffee!). In the evening, this one also goes hand in head with reading and I will sit with a book and coffee, and just get lost in my happy place.

Speaking to friends
This is something I try to do every day, especially if I’m feeling a little down. Just knowing they are there to listen, rant at, or make me laugh, makes me happy. It is usually via WhatsApp or social media as I know they are there at any time of day or night. Even if it’s only once a day, it’s important to talk.

What is on your happiness non-negotiables list?

I’m now going to tag the following people to share their happiness non-negotiables list:
Zara at Mojo Blogs
Louise at Birds & Lilies
Clare at Mumsy Midwife
Trudy at Rendezvous en New York
Rachel at Parenthood Highs and Lows