Bucket List

For today’s post I want to talk about a habit my friends and I recently adopted that has implemented positive changes into my life. It’s such a simple, almost silly-sounding thing, but I’ve really noticed the positive aspects of it and I wanted to share.

Recently, a couple friends and I got a notebook, decorated it, and created a “bucket list.” I’m sure most people know what a bucket list is, but in case you don’t, it’s a list of things you eventually want to do in your life. It can include things like small, fun activities, big trips, and goals. And you cross these things off as you do them.

We got the idea to make this list because one day we were talking and we realized that we always make plans to do things, but we forget about them and never get to them. We thought about how much better our lives might be if we actually followed through on all the fun things we said we wanted to do, and the goals we wanted to achieve.

We started our list with simple things. We added things like, “bike to the farmer’s market,” and “try a buffalo-cauliflower pizza recipe,” and then sprinkled it with bigger goals like “go to Miami together.” Not only did we have fun making the list and adding to it as the days went on, we started to do some of the things we wrote down on the list. Instead of sitting around talking about how bored we were, we opened up our notebook, looked at our list, and picked something to do. It brought us closer together as friends and prompted us to do fun, healthy things that boosted our moods and happiness.

According to an article from verywellmind.com called "The Benefits of a Bucket List," there are many positive impacts of creating a bucket list on your mental health. The article lists getting in touch with your values, managing stress, remembering your goals, getting creative, enjoying life, and keeping track of peak experiences. The article also says that "Fitting more hobbies and fun into your lifestyle can bring a significant payoff as well,” because “Doing things you enjoy can make you feel energized and more relaxed at the same time, and help to keep burnout at bay.”

I’ve definitely noticed that writing down my goals and incorporating more fun experiences into my life has made me happier and feel more energized.

Since, it’s April, this is the perfect time to start a bucket list. Spring is right around the corner, so there are so many opportunities to make new, fun, healthy habits. I think creating a bucket list is the perfect way to start off the spring and summer seasons.

Real Talk.