August is Happiness Happens Month

Posted: 10th August 2025

With so many things happening in people’s lives and in the world, we may find the emotion of ‘happiness’ at times can be quite elusive. Yet we can find ways to bring more joy into our lives every day, even against the odds, when we find ways to experience happiness beyond the material world. Here are some ideas to bring joy and happiness into every day.

Morning Gratitude Ritual: Start your day by listing three things you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus to being more positive.

Nature Walks: Spend some time in your garden, a nearby park or visit the countryside near you. The fresh air and natural beauty can help us relax and at the same time feel energised. This wee video may be of interest https://www.copescotland.com/resources/coorie-for-wellbeing

Creative Journaling: Express your thoughts and dreams through creative journaling. Use colours, doodles, and lists to make it fun. This link offers more ideas for journaling https://www.copescotland.com/resources/ideas-for-journaling

Dance Party:  Chores can often feel like, well, chores, put the radio on, or stream some of your favourite songs and have a wee dance as you hoover, dust, iron, do the dishes (Obviously paying attention to your surroundings and staying safe) sometimes just having a wee sway to the music can lift our spirits, even if only for a moment. This video may inspire you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q8oQGBcFdo

Random Acts of Kindness:  Do something nice for someone unexpectedly. The joy of giving can be good for our wellbeing as well as the person we are being kind to. Even a kinder conversation can make a difference to you and someone else’s day. https://www.copescotland.com/resources/kinder-conversations-postcard

Mindfulness Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day in quiet reflection, focusing on your breath and the present moment can help ground us. This wee poster which you can download offers ideas to ‘live in the now’ https://www.copescotland.com/resources/living-in-the-now

Cooking New Recipes: How often do we get stuck in the rut of eating the same things, especially when money is tight, however, perhaps by having a go at some new recipes on a budget we will find something we enjoy as well as cooking being a creative outlet. This link may be of interest https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/budget

DIY Crafts: Create something with your hands, whether it’s painting, knitting, or building a birdhouse can give us a feeling of satisfaction and joy. You could try upcycling to make some affirmation jars this link offers ideas how https://www.copescotland.com/resources/making-an-affirmation-jar .

Storytelling Nights: Share stories with friends or family. Reminiscing and laughing together can strengthen your bonds. It maybe you decide to start to write your own story to be shared with children and grandchildren.

Garden Therapy: Plant some flowers or vegetables. Watching your plants grow can be really satisfying. If you do not have a garden, consider helping at a community allotment. This booklet may be of interest https://www.copescotland.com/resources/gardening-handbook You could also consider growing a scented space indoors and out, this booklet offers ideas how https://www.copescotland.com/resources/creating-your-own-sensory-garden

Photo Scavenger Hunt: Take your camera or phone and capture specific themes or items in your surroundings which make you smile and bring you joy, just be mindful of the privacy of others when taking photos outdoors.

Reading Retreat: Dedicate time every day to getting lost in a good book, even a few minutes can make a difference. It’s a wonderful escape from everyday stress. Join your local library if you are not yet a member and find out if they have a book club where you can share your joy of reading with others. https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries

Volunteer Work: Offer your time to a local charity or community project. Helping others can bring us joy as well as be kind to others. Check out volunteering opportunities in Glasgow here https://www.volunteerglasgow.org/

Yoga Sessions: Engage in yoga exercises to enhance your physical and mental well-being. Check out classes near you, there are also other forms of activity which can be a way to be more active, relax and connect with others. This booklet offers one other idea https://www.copescotland.com/resources/a-relaxed-introduction-to-qigong

Puzzle Challenges: Solve crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, or sudoku. They’re great for mental stimulation and relaxation and can help us switch off even for a wee while.

Picnic in the Park: Grab a blanket and some snacks and enjoy a leisurely afternoon outdoors. If you do not have a park near you find someplace to sit outdoors and just relax for a wee while.

Animal Therapy: Spend time with pets or visit a local animal shelter. Animals have a unique way of bringing joy into our lives. If you cannot afford a pet just now, or your circumstances make it hard to have a pet, even watching videos of cute kittens and puppies can make us smile.  You or someone you know may be mourning the loss of a pet, this link may be of value https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-loss-support

Learning a New Skill: Take up a new hobby or learn a language. The sense of achievement can boost your happiness. Remember, we all need to learn and it’s important we practice what we learn https://www.copescotland.com/resources/sea-of-self-confidence-amp-laps-learn-apply-practice-share

Vision Board Creation: Visualize your dreams and aspirations by creating a vision board. It is important to have a vision and goals to help us achieve that vision, be realistic and take small steps on a regular basis. These are some tips for visualisation https://www.copescotland.com/resources/creative-visualisation and goal setting https://www.copescotland.com/resources/goal-setting-snakes-and-ladders

Stargazing Evenings: Gaze up at the night sky and marvel at the stars. It’s a humbling and calming experience to be aware that we are part of something so amazing. If seeing the stars.is a challenge where you stay due to light pollution, why not check out some of the amazing images shared online. These images may inspire you https://esahubble.org/images/

Relaxation using all the senses: There are so many ways to relax using all our senses, this video offers some ideas how https://www.copescotland.com/resources/using-the-senses-to-relax

Singing Sessions: As well as dancing to your favourite tunes why not enjoy a sing along too? Perhaps consider joining a choir. There are often more opportunities than we realise, check out this link for ideas https://www.whatsonglasgow.co.uk/activities/music-and-singing/

Exploring Local Culture: We have some amazing museums and galleries, in Glasgow to visit, experience and enjoy. It is amazing often the things on our doorstep which we overlook but could be a really positive experience https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums

Teatime Ritual: Enjoy a quiet, aromatic tea break. Savouring each sip can be a moment of peace. Often it can be the simplest things which can bring moments of joy and perhaps be good for you too https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/7S7zkfk7WZvFrXLfYW8Wr2/who-knew-a-brew-was-so-good-for-you

Memory Lane Walks: Visit places from your past that hold happy memories and reflect on those times. Share these with a friend or family member. It maybe there have been changes since you were there last, look for old photos which remind you of how they used to look e.g. https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/25263272.dramatic-pictures-reveal-much-glasgow-area-changed/

Positive Affirmations: Repeat uplifting affirmations to yourself daily to boost your self-esteem. How we speak to ourselves has such a powerful impact on our mood, this video may be of interest https://www.copescotland.com/resources/what-are-you-saying-to-yourself-because-you-are-listening

Board Game Nights: When was the last time you enjoyed a good board game? Even a game of dominoes or draughts. Gather friends, family or even neighbours for an evening of fun and laughter with classic board games. How many of us have these hidden away in cupboards, time to get them out and have some fun. Maybe consider starting a community games club? This piece may be of interest https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/wellness-wednesday-5-mental-benefits-of-board-games/

Sunset Watching: Find a scenic spot to watch the sun set. It’s a beautiful reminder of nature’s wonders. Sometimes even seeing the sun rise or set over the roof tops of the city can bring a feeling of peace and wonder. Check out images people may have shared online and if you use social media, why not take a picture of your own to share?

Personal Growth Workshops: There are often opportunities to attend workshops which can help us develop our interests and aspirations and remind us how amazing we are. They can also offer ideas which can support wellbeing e.g. https://www.lifelink.org.uk/wellbeing-classes/ .

Listening to Podcasts: Discover new ideas and stories through inspiring and informative podcasts where we can learn and hear from other people’s experiences, we may also find a podcast which can help us unwind e.g. https://www.copescotland.com/resources/learning-to-hit-the-pause-button .

Day of Disconnect: Set aside a day without screens to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings and be mindful of the impact of doom scrolling https://www.copescotland.com/resources/tips-to-avoid-doom-scrolling .

These are 31 ideas to bring more joy and happiness into every day. I hope at least one idea resonates with you. You do matter, please feel free to share these ideas as you think most helpful for others. These suggestions are not a replacement for professional advice, they are selfcare ideas for people to determine what makes sense for them in the context of their lives to then explore further. We are all different what matters is that we find something works for us.

Thanks for reading

Hilda

 

 

Expires: 2025-08-31

More Information: https://www.copescotland.com/

Contact: hildac@copescotland.com