Happy Things List - My Best Mental Health Tool
Why a Simple List in the Notes App Became My Best Mental Health Tool
In a world filled with endless apps, gadgets, and wellness hacks, it turns out the most healing ritual I’ve discovered this year is a simple list in the Notes app on my phone. I call it my Happy Things List.
This list is my safe little corner of joy where I write down things that make me happy or grateful every day. At first, it felt too simple to be life-changing, but now, months later, it’s become a grounding practice that has transformed my mindset.
How It Works
The concept couldn’t be easier. Each day, I open the Notes app on my phone and add a few things that brought me happiness or peace. Big or small, they all go on the list.
Here are some examples:
The first sip of tea in the morning
A stranger’s kind smile at the grocery store
That one song that always makes me dance in the kitchen
Warm socks fresh from the dryer
I don’t set rules for myself—some days I write five things, some days just one. The point is to notice the good that exists in every day.
Why This Ritual Works
It’s Simple and Accessible
Unlike physical journals, my phone is always with me. Whether I’m at work, on a walk, or winding down for the night, I can capture those small but meaningful moments before they slip away. I love a beautiful journal, but I tend to forget about it after a week. Make it work.It’s a Gratitude Practice in Disguise
Focusing on the good things—no matter how tiny—shifts my perspective. Gratitude has a sneaky way of turning a bad day around, and the list keeps that gratitude front and center in my life.It’s a Reminder of the Good in Life
On hard days, scrolling through my Happy Things List feels like a warm hug from my past self. It reminds me that life is full of joy, even when it’s not obvious.It Builds a Habit of Joy-Spotting
Knowing I’ll add to my list makes me more aware of happy moments as they happen. It’s almost like a mental scavenger hunt for good vibes!
How This Daily Practice Heals
This ritual is about more than just making a list. It’s a daily act of self-care that helps me slow down, notice the present moment, and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Over time, it rewires my brain to see the positive even in mundane or challenging days.
And let’s be honest—life isn’t always easy. But this tiny ritual has helped me approach tough moments with a little more grace and resilience. It’s a gentle reminder that joy doesn’t have to be grand or extravagant. Sometimes it’s as simple as noticing the way the sunlight filters through your curtains.
Start Your Happy Things List
To start with this nourishing ritual, simply open the Notes app on your phone, create a new note, and title it something like Happy Things or Grateful Moments. Start with one thing today—just one—and see how it feels.
The beauty of this practice is its flexibility. You can add to it in real-time or at the end of the day when you’re reflecting. The key is consistency. Let it be a small, soothing ritual that reminds you of the goodness in your world.
I like to sort it by months. So I keep one list for every year, and sort that list into monthly sections of happy things.
Final Thoughts
It has been a year of simplicity and healing for me, and this little Notes app list has been my favourite discovery. What made you smile today? I suggest you write it down in your Happy Things List.
