Weekly: What matters
The holidays might be known as the 'happiest time of the year,' but they're also the most stressful time of the year, too: 9 in 10 people report feeling more overwhelmed at this time of year.
This week, we made something to help with that: a New Happy Stress Guide. After doing a deep-dive into the stress science, we came up with a list of 60 different strategies that will help you to reduce your stress. They're all backed by research, they all take just a few minutes, and almost all of them are free. Think of it as your stress toolbox, filled with tools that you can choose from depending on the moment that you're in.
You can download it here. I really hope it helps you, both in this holiday season and in every other one.
With love,
Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy
This Week
Old Happy: "I have to have it all."
New Happy: "I am working towards what matters most to me."
One of the ways that Old Happy culture makes us miserable is by convincing us that we have to do everything, get everything, and be everything. You spread your energy out in a million directions trying to achieve an impossible task, leaving you overwhelmed, dissatisfied, and exhausted.
Instead, take a different approach: prioritize what matters most to you, devoting all of your energy towards the few things that really bring you joy and fulfill you.
Try this five minute exercise: write down a list of what matters most to you. Then, compare it to how you're currently spending your time. What do you need to let go of so that you can devote your energy towards what matters most?
Tips and Tools
1. The legacy you leave — This week's animation.
2. Wait until it passes — Don't make decisions this way.
3. How to like yourself — Be true to you.
4. Who you really are — Other people don't define you.
5. Open your mind — How to change your mind.
More from TNH
Podcast — Get a daily morning pep talk — in five minutes or less
Speaking — Book us to speak to your team about well-being, resilience, and productivity.
Articles — Read more articles on our website.
Community
What matters most to you?
"Being open to life's experiences."
"The happiness of my loved ones and also the peace of the world."
"My health and my family."
"Making a difference in the world."
"Striving to be a better person."
Inspiration
1. What friendship plan do you want? (New Yorker) — Made me laugh.
2. The Sycamore Gap tree is growing back (NPR) — Here's some wonderful news.
3. Why reading sad books is good for kids (NYT) — This is a short, beautiful interview (with a kid's perspective) that we adults can learn from.
Before You Go
No spam, just joy.
