How To Enjoy the Little Things: Make the Most of Every BOOP
Counting down the days until your next road trip with the besties? Can’t wait for the annual family reunion to come back around the corner? Wish it was already summer?
When considering the things you look forward to most, it’s easy to get lost in the big things in life. And while definitely important, we often forget to enjoy the small things — those everyday moments that make up the fabric of our lives.
With this in mind, here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of every BOOP — or, in other words, enjoy the little things. A BOOP on the nose is a fleeting instance of love and joy, and we’re here to help you appreciate each one to the fullest.
Why Is It Important To Enjoy the Little Things?
Between a wonderfully chaotic family life and an overpacked work schedule, it’s not surprising how easy it is for many of us to get swept up in the grand scheme of things and forget to appreciate the small stuff.
We’re talking about the ray of sunlight that beams through your window in the morning. The stranger who smiles at you when you pass them on the sidewalk. The feeling of cozying up in your freshly-washed bedding. That first bite of a delicious, Oatmeal Cranberry BOOP.
Despite society’s obsession with always focusing on “the big picture,” we could benefit from taking a step back to pay attention to these small things. After all, when put in perspective, they build up over time and eventually come to define us. That said, here are just a few reasons why learning to appreciate the little things can benefit you:
1. Boosts Happiness
Savoring small, positive moments can make a really big difference in overall happiness. In one study, researchers linked greater appreciation to increased life satisfaction.
In other words, taking the time to appreciate the pleasures life brings, regardless of how small they may be, can boost happiness.
2. Promotes Fulfillment
Without an appreciation for life, there’s a good chance that you’ll always feel lacking or unfulfilled. Think about the difference between feeling joy and full of energy vs. feeling stuck and always longing for something. Which one feels better?
It’s when you have an appreciation for all the things, however small, in life that you feel great. Rather than always looking for the next big thing, you’re able to celebrate everything that’s right in front of you on a daily basis.
Of course, it doesn’t mean you have to love every itty-bitty moment that comes your way; life happens, and it’s not always good. But when you can appreciate the small things in life, such as a BOOP here and there, the less-than-wonderful things won’t seem so bad because you know that you’re surrounded by plenty of good things, too.
3. Supports Health
Showing appreciation and enjoying the little things doesn’t just make us feel better, but it improves our overall health, too.
This is because gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. And research has indicated that being happier can support a stronger immune system as well as the ability to combat stress more effectively.
What’s more, researchers believe that because of the incredible impact happiness has on one’s life, it can ultimately help you live longer. Examining the link between happiness and positive benefits is still relatively new, but the future of this research is looking bright!
Making the Most of Every BOOP: Tips To Enjoy the Little Things
In today’s modern world, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. Fortunately, one of the most effective ways to prevent these emotions from becoming too much is by making the most of every BOOP.
So, what’s the best way to do just that? There are a lot of things you can do to show appreciation, but if you’re looking to learn how to appreciate the little things, start with these tips below:
1. Try Mindfulness Meditation
Life moves fast, making it harder than ever to appreciate the small stuff in life. So our first piece of advice to help you in your journey of gratitude is to pause and take in the moment. Think about the way you feel, the things that surround you — the big, beautiful world that you’ve created for yourself.
Practicing mindfulness meditation can ground you back in the present moment — it’s easy to stress over the big things, and equally as easy to skip over the small moments of joy in life. Things like the sound of rain hitting the pavement, the laughter of your kids, the feeling of a gentle BOOP, or the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked cookies. Meditation can help you find your center and reconnect with the simple pleasure of life.
Additionally, when you pause to enjoy the little things, you’re subconsciously building the habit of finding joy in the little things — so it’s a win-win.
2. Take a Break From Your Phone
Put your phone away and choose to be present in the now. This type of consciousness of the moment (aka mindfulness) is of the utmost importance in generating positive emotions that come with gratitude.
If you have trouble disconnecting from your phone, trying adding screen time limits in your phone settings, or investing in a timed lockbox that you can place your phone in when you need a break.
Relish in the moment of being present and stop focusing on what you have or don’t have. When you live your life with more awareness, you notice everything — even the little things.
3. Recognize Your Small Wins
We all want to be successful in our hopes and dreams, but along the journey to reaching those big goals and ambitions, we can sometimes feel a bit demotivated. This is why appreciating the little things and celebrating small victories along the way is so important — it gives us the motivation we need to push through difficulties and move forward.
So give yourself permission to do just that and celebrate the little things. Here are some ideas:
- Pat yourself on the back for waking up 15 minutes earlier with a BOOP for breakfast
- Celebrate a week of workouts with a sweet treat
- Reward yourself for getting through a daunting task by doing something you enjoy
- Celebrate finishing a project on time with a day of pampering
4. Start a Gratitude Journal
Writing down all the little things that bring you joy in a gratitude journal can help you to realize how much you have in your life to appreciate. It’s easy to forget about the joy that comes from a warm shower or biting into a perfectly soft and chewy cookie — especially when you spend time worrying about tomorrow.
So each night, take a few minutes to jot down all the things that you’re grateful for. Maybe you managed to hit every green light on your way home from work. Or perhaps you got an afternoon BOOP on the nose from a friend. Whatever brought you happiness during the day, write it down. This way, if you’re ever feeling blue, you can flip through the pages of your journal to see just how much happiness surrounds you.
Keep Calm and BOOP on
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us forget to slow down and appreciate what we have. But the truth is that encouraging yourself to take pleasure in these small joys, however small they may be, can make your life richer. Research also shows that appreciating the little things and showing gratitude can boost happiness, promote fulfillment, and support overall health.
So, if you’re on a mission to make the new year your best one yet, we recommend hitting the pause button to first appreciate all of the wonderful things you have. Cherish the small wins, be present, and practice gratitude.
Here at BOOP Bakery, we’re all about the little things — that’s why we believe the best BOOPs are those made in the moment to simply spark joy and a smile for anyone with a snoot. Pair it with one of our unbelievably yummy Oatmeal Cranberry cookies, and that’s something to be grateful for!
BOOP Bakery™ believes cookies are better off enjoyed than locked away in a cookie jar. BOOP created a line of craveable, soft-baked cookies that allow health-conscious consumers and cookie connoisseurs alike to indulge without the guilt that comes with most processed sweets and treats. BOOP set out to bake delicious, wholesome, craveable cookies everyone can freely enjoy any time of day, whenever, wherever, whyever, proving no moment is too small for a BOOP!
Sources:
Giving thanks can make you happier | Harvard Health
6 Benefits of Happiness According to the Research | Positive Psychology