Finding joy in the greyness of February
We can all be real here, right? February is kind of the worst.
It’s grey, it’s cold, it’s dark. Outside of a delightful galentine’s get-together, there’s usually not a ton to look forward to socially.
And the newness of January has worn off. The goals and resolutions are now just a large list of tasks and you’re back in the groove of real life after the holidays.
So, how can we insert a little joy into this time? Here are a few simple ideas!
Start a daily challenge - February is a perfect month to commit to a daily practice to develop a new skill or get into a healthy habit. Only 28 days? We got this. Example ideas: Spend 30 minutes at the beginning of the day to practice sketching; Take a long walk at lunch instead of sitting at your desk; Try a new recipe every day; Memorize scripture over coffee every morning
Plan a day out of your normal environment - I know this isn’t a possibility for everyone, but if you’re able, take a day to work from a new coffee shop in town or take a Saturday to hike and find a brewery in a new place. It doesn’t take an elaborate international vacation to refresh your perspective a bit (although a getaway to Italy sounds pretty nice…)
Write a note of gratitude once a week - This might sound like an extra task you don’t have time for, but it is a quick way to insert some joy into your day and someone else’s. If you’re a small business owner in particular, write to a client, customer, supplier, or mentor and let them know one thing you appreciate about getting to work with them. It’ll feel great, and is a genuine investment in your business to build relationships that could turn into repeat customers or referral leads. Sometimes you need to be reminded that marketing doesn’t only look like social media posts or buttoned-up marketing coffee meetings. Building relationships is valuable work.
Make a new playlist! Work is way more fun with good music or great podcasts. Get out of your Taylor Swift rut and dive deep on some new artists. If you’re looking for one that’s already primed to enjoy, here’s my ever-evolving studio playlist.
Revisit the why behind the goals you set - we know, those goals you set in late-December feel a little burdensome now that you’re actually in the thick of the work. But take a minute to remind yourself why you want those things. Write it on a sticky note and put it somewhere you can be reminded daily. And if you need to, set a new goal that isn’t tied to income or data. Set a goal for rest, creativity, or time to dream. Those intangible goals can still be satisfyingly crossed off your to-do list when completed.
Have ideas to add on how you insert joy into the more mundane moments of your week? DM me on Instagram and let me know!