25 Simple Ways to Create Your Own Happiness When Adulting Feels Draining

This post is about how to create your own happiness when being an adult can feel overrated.

Written by Iesha.

If I am being completely honest, adulting can feel very overrated. Between the responsibilities of the kids, daily chores, and the pressure to “have it all together, “ can leave you feeling burnt out and discouraged. At this point, finding your happy place seems like a long-lost afterthought.

But on the bright side, just because life gets heavy doesn’t mean your happiness and joy have to play second fiddle to it.

This post isn’t about escaping the reality of adulthood, but about creating those special moments that make life feel worthwhile. I want to help you create your own happy place, and here are 25 simple ways to do just that, especially when life feels draining.

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How to create your own happiness?

1. Talk to God.

There is no better happy place than being in the presence of God. In prayer, be open and honest and avoid being robotic. Just be free and talk to him like the best friend that he is. 

There is no denying that you won’t find the peace and happiness that you were seeking after you have your quiet time with God. He will give you peace that surpasses all your understanding.

2. Romanticize the little things.

Make everyday moments feel special. For example, instead of rushing to pick up a coffee, relax and take your time to drive and reflect on your morning. Instead of just a pick-up, sit down for a minute and look out the window. If you only get coffee, switch it up and add a muffin or fruit with it.

Whatever works for you. Plus, let’s not forget they normally have a great playlist going in your coffee shop where you can catch a vibe that will boost your mood for the day.

3. Take Mental Health day’s unapologetically.

 You don’t need permission to relax. Mark your calendar for days when you do nothing but pour into your cup. Most of the time, we are running on an empty tank instead of flourishing on full. Take care of yourself. The end of the story.

4. Create a cozy corner just for you.

Find a special place in your home where you can go to and relax. Create a small nook with LED lights or candles, soft blankets, with your snacks and books to read. This is where you go to get away from the chaos sometimes that comes with adulting.

5. Play Your Favorite Childhood Shows or Nostalgic Music.

There is nothing like strolling down memory lane. Create a marathon of the shows that made you feel happy inside with no cares in the world. To make the moment even better, find one of your favorite snacks at that time of your life and enjoy every second of it.

6. Say no without guilt.

No is a complete sentence. Your peace is more important than sacrificing your sanity to help others.

7. Make time for things you enjoy, even if they seem “unproductive”.

Give yourself permission to have fun and do whatever. You don’t have to be uptight about deadlines or your goals for a moment. Go with the flow. Cherish life for what it has to offer.

8. Celebrate your small wins like they are major milestones.

A small win is a big win! Every accomplishment counts, whether it is making your bed or washing those clothes in the corner; it’s a win.

9. Take yourself on solo dates.

Treat yourself to a nice night on the town or maybe have brunch. Don’t allow yourself to rely on others to experience a good time, because you are great company to keep.

10. Journal Your Stress Away, then allow your peace to create space.

Find your favorite journal and allow yourself to put it all out there, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Then, allow yourself to move forward, enjoy every moment of life, and the positivity ahead.

11. Keep something playful nearby.

Bring out your inner child and rediscover the fun things you used to do. Whether it was you painting or reading your favorite book, that took you to another adventurous world. Don’t take yourself too seriously and just be silly.

12. Disconnect to Reconnect

Limit your screen time and stay in the present. Give your mind a reset and take a much-needed break.

13. Eat or make your comfort food.

There is nothing better than having food that you love, plus brings you so much comfort. Bring out that go-to recipe or order takeout at your favorite restaurant, and find that show that you can watch to create the perfect night. 

14. Let go of perfectionism for good.

You don’t have to have life figured all out. Always remember, progress over perfection. 

15. Rewatch a comfort movie with no shame.

If you are anything like me, you watch the same movie 50 million times, and someone always reminds you that you have. Even though you know it word for word and scene for scene, it never gets old. The no judgment zone here. For the last time (probably not), rewatch your movie, and dare someone to stop you lol.

16. Have a theme day once a week.

This one is fun! Spice up your week by adding some flavor with a creative theme night. For example, you might want to have the popular “Taco Tuesday” as one of your dinner nights for the week. Since taking care of yourself is a priority, you might enjoy having a dedicated “Self-Care Sunday”. Glow up your week and make it exciting.

17. Have a “no advice, just vibes “friend Convo.

It’s always nice to go to your friends about the problems and stress of life because you know they will give you great advice. They always have a listening ear and can sympathize because they usually have the same issues or have been through it before. The next time you call or they call, make this time different.

Talk about situations that make you laugh until your stomach hurts. Discuss the future vacations and goals that you want to make happen. Never have a dull moment.

18. Leave yourself a kind voice note. 

Whenever you are in a great mood, record something encouraging for yourself. Say exactly the things that you know can lift your spirits. Then, on the days you’re not feeling like yourself, you have a reminder that will change your entire mood. Always remember to be kind to yourself.

19. Write a letter to future you.

This assignment should be motivational! Write a letter to the future you. Be transparent, and allow yourself to feel. Tell yourself what you hope for, how far you’ve come, and how proud you are.

20. Create a “no expectations playlist”.

Create a list of songs that have no connection to anyone or anything in your life. Just vibe and listen to music that makes you feel alive and free.

21. Build a “dream life” Pinterest board.

Visualize the joy-filled version of your life, even if it’s just for aspirational purposes for now. Allow your imagination to run wild and put everything your heart desires. Be specific and creative, but most importantly, dream big because this board will one day be your reality.

22. Wear your favorite outfit.

Wear your favorite outfit that makes you feel good, even if you are staying in the house. This can boost your confidence and create a positive day for you. You look good, you will feel even better.

23. Keep a “happy place” folder on your phone.

Whenever you are bored, sad, or just want a laugh, create a folder with quotes, memes, GIFs, or just sweet notes whenever you need a pick-me-up. It truly helps when life can feel too serious at times. You always have a little bit of happiness within reach.

24. Plant something and watch it grow.

I know this may be out of your comfort zone, but find a plant that you like and watch the process of how it grows. It may help you become more grounded in your life and analyze your own growth process.

To see something beautiful blossom just by planting the seed can bring you so much joy. Hopefully, this will inspire you to plant your own seeds in your life and watch them blossom.

25. Sit in nature and just breathe. 

Take some time to go to the park or just go outside into your yard and sit in nature. Maybe you can watch the sunrise or the sunset. In the moment, just be still and leave the phones where they are. Appreciate the world around you because the scenery is one to take in.

Inhale and exhale the fresh air that you normally take advantage of when you are caught up in the busyness of life. As always, make every second count, because nothing is ever guaranteed.

A little reminder…

You don’t have to lose yourself in being an adult; you can still prioritize your peace, joy, and freedom even when the bills are due and your to-do list is on the second page.

You are not wrong for feeling like being an adult is draining. There is nothing wrong with taking some time off for yourself. You have to be the best you can for yourself to be great for others.

Don’t feel overwhelmed, thinking that you have to do a lot at once. Take everything one step at a time, day by day. 

Conclusion

Of course, we can’t hide from the responsibilities of life, just to run off into the sunset, and search for happiness. Adulting may not always be fun, but protecting your peace and joy is always worth it. Make it a habit to find your happy place and be there often. Every minute of happiness counts, and you deserve it. 

I want to know in the comments below which way will help you find your own happy place? What resonated with you the most? Want even more simple ways to create your own happiness? Click here to grab your free printable checklist—made just for you. Enjoy! 💛

This post was about how to create your own happiness when adulting feels draining.