What are 5 everyday things that bring you happiness?

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Today I’m sharing with you my journey of overcoming feelings of isolation and depression while living in a foreign country. And how I have included 5 habits in my life that brings out happiness.

When I moved to the U.K. with my family over 20 years ago, I quickly realized that it was a big adjustment. It was just the three of us: my mother, sister and myself. However, soon after our arrival, my niece joined us and a year later, I got married and had a baby.

Even though I had six months off to be at home with my baby, I had to return to work because we had bills to pay and family in Africa to support. This meant that my husband and I would alternate our work schedules in order to take care of our babies. Although we did it out of necessity, this work schedule caused us to have less contact and eventually led to feelings of isolation.

As a new immigrant in a foreign country, things were constantly changing and it was hard for me to keep up. I had never experienced or even heard of depression, since the word was never used in the same context back home in South Africa. However, as the stress and changes in my life continued to pile up, I started to feel a sense of sadness and confusion that I couldn’t shake off.

Back then, when my daughter was only 2 years old, I began to attend local support groups and social events in order to make new connections and find a sense of community. I met a group of women with younger children. We did fun activities, we went on trips and supported each other. This was so helpful and very special particularly meeting people who understand your feelings and have the same experiences.

Fast forward, years later with three children and living far from busy cities. I have learned a few habits that bring out happiness in me:

1. Opening windows and taking a shower in the morning.

This simple habit helps me feel refreshed and energized for the day ahead. Fresh air and running water also help me clear my mind and start the day with a positive outlook.

2. Having a gratitude prayer and listening to podcasts.

I like to start my day with a few minutes of gratitude, thanking the universe for all the blessings in my life. Then, I listen to podcasts that are spiritual, motivating, family-oriented, and offer financial wisdom. This helps me stay connected to my values and encourages me to keep growing and learning.

3. Sending love messages to my family.

Every day, I make it a point to send love messages to my husband and our two kids who are in boarding school. This helps us stay connected even when we are physically apart. I also send good morning messages to my sister and mother, letting them know I’m thinking of them. This habit helps me feel connected to my loved ones, which is an important source of happiness for me.

4. Going for a walk with the baby.

When I feel overwhelmed or stressed, I take a break and go for a walk with my baby. This helps me clear my mind and get some fresh air. The exercise also boosts my mood and helps me feel more energized and focused.

5. Taking breaks throughout the day.

Finally, I try to take breaks throughout the day to rest, recharge, and engage in activities that I enjoy. This might include reading a book, doing some gardening, or just taking a nap. By taking care of myself and listening to my own needs, I’m able to maintain a positive mindset and find happiness in my everyday life.

Living in diaspora is a challenge, but developing good habits everyday can help to feel more connected and happier in the new home. It’s important to remember that small changes can lead to big improvements in your mental and emotional well-being