H is for Happiness
Be a Joy Finder
We feel it’s really important to start this blog by pointing out that it’s not possible to be happy all of the time, that it’s ok not to be ok sometimes, that we all have good days and bad days, including our kids! However, and this feels so relevant right now, there are a multitude of ways in which we can teach our children to sure up their mental wellbeing, to savour those good times and ride out the tough times, by taking joy in the many wonders that life can and does offer, including the very smallest minutiae of everyday. Here’s our pick of the brands who are helping our youngest generation (as well as ourselves!) to hone those happy hormones and feel more positive…
Happy Self Journal / My Happy Journal
Super simple, journaling is the perfect way to end each day by focusing upon the positive. Plus, it’s a great antidote to screen time. We highly recommend both The Happy Self Journal and My Happy Journal.
Promoting mindfulness, self-awareness, and reflection which have all been proven to promote psychological and physical wellbeing, both journals are packed full of daily activities including motivational quotes and affirmations, questions, challenges and conversation starters as well as a daily gratitude practice – used for a long time as a way to nurture happiness and celebrate the everyday joys and good in our lives which can come from anywhere. In fact, according to the Happy Self Journal, research shows practising gratitude through journaling not only leads to higher levels of positive emotions, but also to being more helpful, generous, compassionate and even stronger immune systems!
We also have to give a mention to the imaginative colouring pages and inspiring story prompts featured in My Happy Journal which we love.
The Happy News
A newspaper that celebrates all that’s good in the world – well that’s refreshing, particularly right now! Founded in 2015 by Emily Coxhead (at the tender age of 22 we might add) with the intention of ‘sprinkling a tiny bit of happiness all over the planet’, it’s now read by over 20,000 subscribers in 33 different countries. Packed with positive stories and wonderful people alongside brightly coloured illustrations, our favourite section is The Everyday Heroes. A must read, particularly for the younger generation, it features inspiring people, groups or organisations helping others and doing incredible things, and really heartens us to believe in humanity and the potential for our world to be a better place. Most excitingly, The Happy News has just launched their amazing, brand new initiative, sending 10,000 newspapers to 10,000 schools in the UK!
“I believe that children deserve to be hearing about the good stuff going on in the world and not constantly surrounded by terror and fear. I want to encourage and inspire children to find their own happy news and look for the kindness in their schools and communities“, says founder, Emily Coxhead.
Locker Days
Locker Days is a treasure trove of fun, uplifting and empowering locker accessories designed to brighten up the school day and boost the mental wellbeing of tweens and teens. From positively worded magnets and cards to bold and beautiful interchangeable wallpapers, the stylish collection enables girls to use their locker as a creative outlet for positive self-expression, creating a sanctuary which offers an opportunity to take a moment between classes to revitalise, and an antidote to a tough day.
Ellbie Co.
Whether making for yourself or somebody else, these cute craft kits are sure to raise a smile! With a strong focus upon mindfulness, Ellbie Co. want everybody to take some time out of the busy day to relax, switch off, create something to be proud of and ultimately, feel happy. Super easy and simple to make, the kits are perfect for those who are just getting in to crafting, and feature an extensive range of vibrant, colourful scenes such as sunflowers and bees, alongside positively worded mottos such as ‘You are Loved’ or ‘Stay Positive’.
Stacie Swift
Adults and kids alike can all do with reading illustrator, Stacie Swift’s, daily positive words. Stacie is on a mission to help us get through life’s ups and downs, bringing a bit of brightness to each day by offering support and affirmations in an accessible and relatable format. Focusing on positivity, self-care and mental wellbeing, her colourful combination of hand drawn images and type provide encouragement and comfort when you most need it. As well as a popular Instagram feed there’s a product range (available on Etsy) including prints, a colouring and activity book, screensavers, selfcare worksheets for uncertain days and pocket pick me ups plus two books as well.