Keeping Busy for Peace of Mind

Honestly, I have been pretty moody this week. The days have felt like eternities. There was almost too much time to think.

I often sat or laid down and said to myself that I wanted to do something, but I didn’t know what to do.

I have been trying to do something meaningful or fun every day, but when the days are so long, my thoughts start to wander and I feel my mind and limbs going restless. While this can be natural, I do not like to let myself get to this point for the sake of my mental health. Over the past few years I have learned that it is VERY important to recognize and assess my feelings throughout the day. My anxiety always start with a weird thought and the sooner I recognize it and make adjustments, the less likely I am to fall on my face.

In an effort to avoid such feelings I want to create a list of the little things I can do to find happiness during my down time. I hope to look at this list regularly when I feel some restlessness, anxiety, or depression coming on. This list is definitely more geared towards my stay in Puerto Rico, but I plan on going back and adding ideas as my life situation changes.

1. Draw a silly picture
2. Watercolor
3. Paint my nails/Self-care
4. Find a DIY project
5. Write a blog post/journal
6. Write a love letter to my husband
7. Write thank you cards to my family members/friends
8. Plan out my week/month
9. Call Mom & Dad
10. Contact friends via social media, text, or phone call just to catch up
11. FamilySearch
12. Read at the beach
13. Read my scriptures
14. Say a good, long, meaningful prayer
15. Listen to an audio book
16. Read my books on Puerto Rican history
17. Get a head start on homework
18. Read Mere Christianity
19. Go through old pictures
20. Collect recipes online or from family
21. Bake a treat
22. Meal prep
23. Make food to give away
24. Make an elaborate meal
25. Identify what food I am craving and eat it
26. Eat some ice cream (Yes, it deserves its own bullet.)
27. Plan out my weekly meals
28. Research a new fun place to eat
29. Go on a walk/jog
30. Go swimming
31. Explore the city
32. Go shopping!
33. Do an exercise video
34. Learn to dance
35. Watch Beyonce music videos
36. Listen to and memorize the words to songs in Spanish
37. Create a new playlist
38. Update my LinkedIn account
39. Have a movie night at home
40. Go to the movies
41. Binge watch a new exciting series
42. Make lists: books to read, places to go, movies to see, groceries to buy…
43. Add to my overall bucket list & make a plan to accomplish it
44. Clean/organize
45. Take note of service projects in the area
46. Plan a day-trip
47. Research graduate schools
48. Look for future employment opportunities
49. Get all dressed up & go out for a bit
50. Do something nice for Ellie (my internship partner)

Just writing this list has helped me to feel better. And surprisingly, the idea of publishing it makes me feel even better. The truth is that I have written lists like this before. But I always lose track of them. By posting this list, I feel more responsible for the little choices that I am making every day.

**I would love to receive more suggestions!**