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Are you bored or feeling down? Do you need an instant mood booster?
Experts believe that one of the most effective (yet simple) ways people can lift their spirits is through list writing. Just like keeping a journal, many people attest to the therapeutic benefits of writing lists.
Our brains actually work like computers, which tend to freeze when there are too many tabs and applications open and running at the same time. Similarly, our brains get overwhelmed whenever there are too many things happening in our lives, whether they are good or bad.
Fortunately, list writing gives us a chance to stop for a moment and think things through. This simple activity can be useful whenever you feel stressed or overwhelmed by life.
(Side note: One proven way to improve your happiness and life satisfaction is to focus on goals that truly matter. To get started, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals.).
In this post, we will provide you with a list of lists that you can fill out whenever you feel too much pressure. If your mind is in search of some inner peace and mental clarity, this activity can help.
Let’s check them out!
What You Will Learn
Favorites List
A very common type of list is the “favorites” list. You simply have to write down your favorite things in a certain category. You do not have to limit yourself to the ideas below. There are other topics available, so you can always create your own. But here are a few to get you started:
1. Favorite memorable life moments.
2. Favorite songs and singers.
3. Favorite podcasts (and those you want to listen to).
4. Favorite people in your life (and you can include why).
5. Favorite scents (and maybe those that you don’t like).
6. Favorite acts and scenes.
Self-Love
Self-love doesn’t mean vanity or egotism. It means making you, yourself, a priority. How can you expect to share your love with the world if you can’t love yourself first?
It all starts with having self-respect and knowing what you can and cannot do. You need to accept who you are and who you are not so that you can build a positive self-image and the confidence you need to back it up. Here are some lists to help you do that:
7. Things that make you a happier human.
8. Things that you are really good at.
9. Things and skills that you want to learn.
10. Things that you are grateful for (or should be grateful for).
11. Things that you don’t yet do, but want to do.
12. Things that you have accomplished so far.
13. Things you have accomplished this year.
14. Things you would like to achieve next year.
15. Stuff you need to get rid of (and how to declutter).
16. Random questions from other people that made you think deeply.
17. Things that make you an amazing human being.
18. Self-care ideas that you need to start applying.
19. Things that can make you a healthier, happier person.
20. Actions that can help you make a difference.
21. Meals (food plan) you need to eat and not eat.
22. Most prized childhood memories.
23. Most embarrassing moments (and what you learned from them).
24. Your proudest moments as a successful individual.
25. What you want to tell your future self.
26. Things you do not need to worry about.
27. Compliments you have received from other people.
28. Your strengths and weaknesses (and how to deal with them).
29. Good and positive habits you have.
30. Bad habits that you’re having a hard time changing (then include steps to overcome them).
31. Your random acts of kindness.
32. Your birthday or holiday wish list.
33. Quotes that inspire and motivate you.
34. Random questions that you ask yourself (and do not have the answers for).
35. Life lessons you have learned from your experiences.
36. Things you cannot live without.
People-Love
After listing down the things that can make you love yourself more, try listing down things that can help you appreciate those around you. You wouldn’t be where you are today if it weren’t for the people who have supported you along the way.
This list doesn’t have to be restricted to those whom you are intimately related to, like family and friends. You can even include your officemates, managers, employees, or strangers you have met.
37. Things that you love the most about your special someone.
38. Adventures you want to do with your partner.
39. Things that you love the most about your kids.
40. Experiences you want to have with your kids (or future kids).
41. Life lessons you would like to share with your kids (or future kids).
42. Things that you would like to tell your mom and dad.
43. Gift list for other people.
44. People you admire the most.
45. Words of wisdom from the people you admire most.
46. Things you love about someone else (then share it with them).
Adventure
Life itself is already an adventure, but of course there are also physical adventures that we would all love to try. Everybody needs a fun and exciting getaway (or hobby, for those who’d like to stay indoors) so we can experience life to its fullest.
Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or not, try making lists for the following ideas. If the adventure you are considering requires a financial investment, you can make another list of things you need to save money for.
47. Travel bucket list.
48. Things to do before you die.
49. Restaurants, cafés, or food hubs you want to try.
50. Local events to go to.
51. Books you want to read.
52. Articles you want to read.
53. Movies you want to watch.
54. TV series to binge-watch.
55. Playlists that can make you feel good.
56. Recipes you want to try.
57. Scrapbook or journal ideas.
58. Adventures you have already tried.
59. Escapades that you want to explore.
60. New hobbies you would like to try.
61. Online courses you would love to take.
62. Things that you’d like your dream house to have.
63. Ideas to increase your income.
64. Things that will complete your (ideal) day.
65. Journal prompts to answer every day.
Important Matters
As an adult, you know there is no escaping your duties and responsibilities. Since there are likely a lot of obligations you need to keep up with, an organized list can help keep your mind clear and stress-free.
66. To-do list for the day, week, or month.
67. Bills you need to pay, and their due dates (then prioritize).
68. Phone numbers and addresses of people in your lives.
69. Dates to remember, such as birthdays, events, and meetings.
Final Words
Here’s a pro tip: Get a small notebook and a refillable pen that you can carry with you everywhere. This way, you can write a list whenever or wherever you are. If anxiety or stress attacks and you need an instant mood booster, just pull out your pen and paper and start writing.
Try making your first list today, and observe the sense of accomplishment you get upon completing it. When times get tough and you need a quick way to cheer up, list writing can do the trick.
Have you already tried some of the ideas mentioned above? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!
If you thought this article was helpful, please share it with your friends on your favorite social media platform. Be an agent of mental health and let others know how writing lists can help people relax!
Finally, one proven way to improve your happiness and life satisfaction is to focus on goals that truly matter. To get started, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals.
