My own Happiness Project inspired by Gretchen Rubin

About maybe two years ago, I was given The Happiness Project book by Gretchen Rubin, I devoured it though it has been a while since I followed some of the useful tips in it. As I was thinking of resolutions I could undertake to better myself, I thought I would perhaps revisit this book and its concept. After all, I am in search of my own happiness.

So following her concept, below are my own January's Resolution: Less chaos

1. A better sleeping routine

2. Exercise and eat better

3. Stay on top of cluster

4. Toss and organize

5. Tackle a nagging task

6. Discover meditation

1. If I was to be honest, I truly enjoy reading as I go to sleep. I also like to draw as a mean to unwind after a long day. I know from past experiences that I also like doing sudoku, ken ken or play words with friends as I drift to sleep. Can I incorporate these into my daily routine when it comes to my bedtime routine? I believe so. 

First, in order for I to get 8 hrs of sleep, I must commit to set time to which I must turn off my light. Perhaps, during the week, I must turn it off by 11pm (if not 10:30). Also, nights I wish to read, how long do I accord myself? up to one hour (I tend to stay up late to finish books - can't do this anymore). 

If I wish to do sudoku or ken ken or words with friends, I must only do so at most for 30 min. Same with drawing. I believe sticking to a set time is not punishment but rather a way for me to learn to stick to things. I tend to disregard things and especially disregard time. I often run late, a habit I am not too proud of. Perhaps, holding myself accountable for a set time will benefit me in that regard. 

2. I used to enjoy yoga and pilates as well as running. I commit myself to find a way to incorporate these activities back into my life, starting this month. In regard to my diet, I eat pretty healthy though I do have a heavy sweet tooth. I crave sugar. While I did cease adding sugar to my tea and coffee a few years back, I would like to restrict myself to having sweets only on special occasions or in moderation. For instance, I enjoy caramel macchiato with extra caramel or hot chocolate with extra whipped cream or a cup of coffee with literally half of it filled with half and half. Perhaps, I can commit myself to enjoy one cup of caramel macchiato only once in a while.  I had my first cup this morning, justified it by telling myself it was the first day of the year. So no more for the remaining of the weak. In regard to coffee, I will attempt to cut back on my half and half consumption. Hot chocolate need to be a treat just as caramel macchiato. Realistically, I should be able to cut back my consumption, and only accord myself one of such treats, once a week as a very special treat. I would like to try to only have one once every two weeks to one a month. I really don't need all that extra sugar. 

3. I very much enjoy the ten minutes before bedtime cleaning up routine suggested by Mrs. Rubin. I have implemented it and really find it beneficial. Tonight for instance, I will clean up my bathroom (bleach it). I also make my bed every morning. In regard to a more substantial quest, I would like to keep my dogs' beds clean a bit more. I just bought them new ones two days ago, perhaps I could avoid giving them treats on them as to avoid getting crumbs or grease (depending on the treats). I also could spend 10 minutes once a week to vacuum their beds instead of once so often. 

4. I really need to stay on top of my mail. I will commit to spending 5-10 min each evening to go through my daily mail. And I must not wait the last possible minute to take my trash out. 

5. I will make a point to overcome my fear and avoidance of nagging tacks starting this month. 

6. I would like to consecrate 10 min a day to meditation using the app "Headspace"