Many people have used a “happy jar” to stay focused, positive, and always moving toward a balanced, healthy, happy life. When you have a happy thought, emotion, or experience – jot it down on a post-it note or slip of paper and drop it in your happy jar.

This lets you focus on positive thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It can help you be happier and maintain stronger mental health. It lets you move forward more quickly, without all the opportunities to sink low, backslide, or procrastinate the things need to do.

More recently we’ve seen mental health professionals advise using a notebook. Get a cheap ruled notebook to be your Happy Book. Each time you have a happy thought, memory, feeling, or experience – write it down in your Happy Book.

There may be times when your notebook isn’t with you. Try to remember the good thought or feeling until you can get access to your book. Then write it down later when you have time. 

After a long, tiring day when you’ve been through a stressful experience or feeling down due to long, dark, cold winter days – sit down and take a few minutes to read through your Happy Book.

Relish in your positive thoughts. Don’t be critical. It’s not important if your writing is good, your grammar correct, or even spelled right. These are your positive thoughts for your enjoyment only.

After a few days you will think of new insights about your Happy Book experiences. Write down your new thoughts to expand on the good things in your life.

This can be the powerful encouragement you need to stay healthier, heal, and move forward during winter.