The June bucket list: Little things to spark joy

Have you thought about what makes you happy? While chasing your goals and dreams and thus being inundated by work and deadlines, have you stopped to enjoy the process? Do you constantly feel overwhelmed? Here are some simple things you can indulge in to get your mind off what’s bothering you and recharge yourself. 

Put out some flowers 

You give flowers to others but do you buy them for yourself? The simple act of buying a bunch of flowers for yourself can bring joy into your life. Put up some flowers in your living room or dining room table to bring in some cheer into your life. Learn to arrange flowers. There are many pages on Instagram and YouTube tutorials too that can teach you neat tricks to create fun and pretty centerpieces. Flowers make for a great sight and can instantly brighten your mood. 

Try breakfast at a new restaurant

There is something extremely blissful about a leisurely breakfast at an aesthetic restaurant. Why not try one of the many new places that have opened in town? We recommend Feels and The Gardens in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. There are also many quaint cafes in Basantapur, Kathmandu, where you can have a good cup of coffee and some local food. Spend time with yourself or catch up with a friend this weekend. 

Visit a local fair or farmer’s market

Local fairs and farmer’s markets are great places to get some good deals, indulge in some scrumptious food and desserts, and have some refreshing beverages. It’s a wholesome experience so head to a fair or a local market and spend some time strolling around. What better way could there be than to spend a leisurely day eating, drinking, and shopping? The Farmer’s Market at Le Sherpa in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, has an amazing ensemble of stalls every Saturday. 

Explore a new part of town

We have our favorite hangouts and places to visit and, as creatures of habit, we tend to gravitate towards those places whenever we go out. But there are many unexplored alleys and places that are filled with stories and culture that you will probably know nothing about if you don’t venture out there. We suggest you drive or hike to a place you haven’t been before and spend some time discovering the area. It recharges your brain like no other activity can. 

Memorize a poem

Our minds are often filled with a lot of thoughts, or in other words, clutter. Memorizing a poem is a great way to get rid of all that unnecessary chatter. Poetry is a form of music, and it acts on and affects the imagination and emotions the same way that music can and does. It draws us in superficially at first, and later we can move onto an appreciation of its deeper meanings. All in all, it can make us more introspective and calm us during chaotic times.  

Donate what you don’t need 

One of the best ways to clear your mind and life is to get rid of all the things you don’t need and make space for new things. Our homes are filled with things we don’t use or need. Take some time out to weed through them and donate or sell what you don’t want. Donating what you don’t have any use for will make you feel good. Sukhawati store is a great place to drop clothing you don’t want so that those less fortunate than you can have them at cheap prices.

Disconnect for a little while 

We live in a world where we are constantly connected to one another, through calls, social media, etc. Make it a point to switch off at least once a week or for a few hours every day. Schedule screen time and only use social media for an allocated time period every day. Turn off the internet connection on your phone when you don’t need it. When you aren’t being bombarded by message pings and calls, your mind will automatically be at ease.