Five Things
Tuesday November 11, 2025
The instructions are simple. Take out a piece of paper or open the notes app on your phone. List 5 things that make you happy. More if you can think of them but at least 5 things. They don’t have to be big things. It can be anything.
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5.
Now keep this list somewhere handy.
Now, when the day is hard. When you are at the very end of your rope. When you simply are about to lose your mind. Pull out this list of 5 things and do something involving one of those things.
For instance, my list includes “a cup of coffee, a good book and a blanket.” It’s that simple. A few minutes on the couch, under a blanket with a book and a cup of coffee. I may only get to read a chapter but those few moments just for me bring me happiness.
If your list includes “my grandkids” make a plan to go spend some time with them. Go pick them up and get a milkshake. If they don’t live close, FaceTime them, write them a card and send them a little something in the mail. Or even just reminisce with some photos or videos you have of them.
If your list includes “friends,” call or shoot them a quick text and ask them to come by for coffee. Or make dinner plans with them soon.
Another thing that could be on my list is “the beach.” Something about the beach just puts my soul at ease – the sound of the waves crashing, the sand beneath my feet. Since I can’t just run to the beach, maybe I work on a plan to go next summer for a girls’ weekend. Or I could even put on ocean sounds, kick back and imagine the beach. Even if I can’t be on the beach, the sound of the waves crashing can be relaxing and bring some happiness.
While the items on the list won’t fix any of the immediate issues that you face as a caregiver, focusing on these items and investing even a few minutes on things on your list can give you a bit of a reprieve. Hopefully, these things can help give some perspective. Pulling you out of the “caregiver funk.” As you utilize this list, add additional things as you think of what brings you happiness.
Written by Sheri Wammack, LBSW
Page Robbins Program Director
