In my new one-minute video book trailer, I list “Ten ways to be happier at home.” Some of those suggestions are serious, and some are goofy (to my surprise, my suggestion regarding purple has turned out to be fairly controversial). Here’s another list of ways to be happier at home, or at least, they’ve made me happier at home. One of these items is important enough to be listed in both places. Can you guess which one?
1. Get enough sleep.
2. Embrace good smells. No cost, no calories, no energy, no time–a quick hit of pleasure.
4. Accept and expect more from yourself.
5. Give warm greetings and farewells. I was surprised by how much this resolution changed the atmosphere of my home.
6. Abandon your self-control. Well, this one really works for my fellow abstainers, not moderators.
7. Remember the Sixth Splendid Truth: The only person you can change is yourself.
What else would you add to the list?
This photo is included in Happier at Home. As a confirmed under-buyer, I almost never make impulse purchases, but last fall when I saw this Christmas ornament, a tiny model of the “Play Family” Fisher-Price house that my sister and I played with for years and that my daughters play with now, I had to have it. I love miniatures, and it seemed like the perfect memento to keep in my office as a reminder of the time I spent writing this book. Plus, the doorbell actually rings! Who could resist?
The book giveaway continues! I’m giving away a book a day until publication. Simply enter your name and email in the sign-up form, and every day, a name will be picked at random. U.S., Canada, and U.K. only–sorry about that restriction.
If you’re wondering about Happier at Home, you can
– Read an excerpt from the chapter on “Time”
– Watch the new one-minute book trailer on “Ten ways to be happier at home”
– Pre-order the book (will be released Tuesday September 4th, 2012)
Gretchen Rubin is the author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller The Happiness Project—an account of the year she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific studies, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. On her popular blog, The Happiness Project, she reports on her daily adventures in the pursuit of happiness. Gretchen is also on Facebook and Twitter.
*Photo by linda yvonne.
