After my friend Kirsten posted our video discussion on making a happiness list, I decided it was time to post about what my list consists of (It’s also a response to her list). Here are a few
little tricks that I use to make me feel better on a rough day:

• Taking a hot shower.The water running over my body refreshes me, not only physically but also mentally. It feels as if my miserable feelings are taken away by the water
  and as if I can make a new start (to a small extent of course).
• Children.Their open and honest way of showing how they feel and what
  they think. A videocall or an afternoon together with my 3-year-old friend Jura
  can really make my day. Talking about the lives of our teddy bears (and showing
  them to each other) makes me forget my sorrows in my adult life. Her joy is
  heartwarming. 
• Evening chat walks.I love my city walks with close friends during the evenings.
  When I was studying in Leuven (Belgium), I almost did
  this every day. The city seems more at peace in the evening which creates a
  nice atmosphere for relaxing conversations about whatever topic. A great way to
  end your day!
• Quality time with friends. When with my best friends, I fully enjoy the simple
  pleasures. 
• Fresh flowers. The thing I have with flowers is that their beauty surprises
  me every time. As long as I can make myself feel better simply by looking at
  flowers, I feel confident that I will not get completely depressed one day. 
• Reading. I
  love to lose myself in a book. I have a few ones I can read over and over again at moments
  I can not concentrate on a new book. Simple stories that make me dream.
• Watching people passing by in the streets. It always makes me smile.
• Writing. I enjoy playing with words. Finding that word that perfectly
  expresses what I want to say. I love to create a text that is well written.
• Doing sports.While running I get into a certain flow, a void, it is a
  great feeling of freedom. The satisfaction after working out is another thing
  which makes me feel good.
• The sun. Unfortunately I can not influence its presence, but whenever
  the sun is shining, it works for me to go out and enjoy it. Sunlight is a good
  source of positive energy.
• Calling a friend and asking about his/her day. I enjoy listening to others’ adventures. We mostly end up
  laughing. 
• Playing my guitar. Actually only strumming the strings already works. It makes
  me feel calm and relaxed.
• Having interesting discussions/conversations; whether they tend to be a bit philosophical or whether they
  are just humorous crap talk. 
• Chocolate.
• …