The Joy of Small Changes
Written by: Luísa Rangel
Published on: October 29, 2024
The Mouth of Krishna #867. Artwork by Anna Cabrera & Ángel Albarrán
Estimated Reading Time: 2-3 minutes
We live in times where exhaustion and psychological burnout are no longer exceptions but a common reality for many. Whether due to work, studies, or the constant sense of urgency brought on by the digital age and social media, many of us feel as though we’re constantly falling behind in our achievements.
As a result, hobbies and activities have been abandoned or sidelined, as if there is no longer room in our hectic lives for moments of lightness and pleasure, which once offered refuge from the chaos. The lack of time for genuine rest—free from worries and the overwhelming noise in our heads—has led to growing emotional discomfort and a generalized dissatisfaction.
"Small moments of gratitude, connection, and presence can bring balance and calm into your everyday life."
For this overwhelming sense of burnout that affects so many, there is still a solution: the Yale Happiness Challenge. This “challenge,” despite the name, offers a gentle, real-life approach, without demanding drastic changes or radical transformations.
Instead of calling for a complete overhaul of your routine, it suggests small adjustments that can be gradually incorporated into your life. Simple practices, such as setting aside a few minutes each day to reflect on what we are grateful for, reconnecting with friends or family, or taking brief breaks amidst the rush to breathe and focus on the present moment.
The Mouth of Krishna #269. Artwork by Anna Cabrera & Ángel Albarrán
A great example of how this challenge can make a difference comes from a personal experience shared by a writer who completed Yale’s Happiness Challenge for 28 daysr account, they highlighted how small, mindful actions—like practicing gratitude and disconnecting from social media—led to noticeable improvements in their mental well-being. They didn't change everything at once, but the gradual shifts helped them feel more balanced and restored.
This experience underscores that you don’t need to change everything at once and risk turning a constructive process into something chaotic that could generate even more anxiety. The path to well-being and satisfaction, both physically and mentally, lies in these small actions that, over time, help realign your perceptions, much like it used to be.
“Happiness is not the destination but the journey.”
The Mouth of Krishna #868. Artwork by Anna Cabrera & Ángel Albarrán
By incorporating simple practices, we start to notice that happiness is not found in what we deem extraordinary, but in the choices we make every day. As we pay attention to the daily moments, we rediscover satisfaction in the subtle activities we had long abandoned due to a lack of time or the stress of modern life.
Imagine the impact these small changes could have on your daily life. It’s not about abandoning your responsibilities or commitments, but about creating space for your mind and body to restore themselves. Small gestures can transform how we perceive our routine.
“Each choice we make throughout the day is an opportunity to cultivate happiness.”
It’s important to remember that when dealing with fatigue and burnout, the key lies in making small changes that can have a significant long-term impact. You don’t need to transform your life all at once. Instead, introduce moments of rest and self-care that will help restore balance and well-being over time.
The Mouth of Krishna #1002. Artwork by Anna Cabrera & Ángel Albarrán
Here are some practical suggestions to get started:
Practice daily gratitude: Take a few minutes at the end of the day to reflect on the good things that happened, no matter how small.
Reconnect with people: Make time to talk to a friend or family member, even if briefly.
Disconnect from the digital world: Schedule breaks from social media, and use that time to relax or meditate.
Breathe and observe: Dedicate a few minutes to simply be present, whether through deep breathing or appreciating something around you.
Revive old hobbies: Fit a hobby or enjoyable activity into your routine, even for a short time. This can help you rediscover pleasure in simple activities.
Remember, the path to well-being is made up of small daily choices.
