Filling My Own Cup: Little Joys That Keep Me Grounded
There’s a TikTok trend going around where people share the things they do to "fill their own cup" and honestly, I love it. Lately, I’ve been trying to rely less on others to bring me joy and happiness. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my people. Even though I’m a socially anxious person, being around friends (new and old) gives me a sense of belonging. But I also know that joy doesn't have to come from others. I can create that for myself, too.
There are a few things I try to do consistently each week to fill my own cup whether I’m feeling down, disconnected, or just because I know it helps my mental health. Here are a few of my favorites:
READING📚
This is a big one for me. Reading helps me escape, not because I want to disappear, but because it pulls me away from my phone and especially from social media. It gives me a break from comparing my life to others’. Instead, I get to be immersed in another world, thinking only about the characters and their stories. It’s my meditative time, where everything else fades into the background.
JUNK JOURNALING📝
While I don’t do this every day, I try to fit it in whenever I can. Junk journaling is my favorite way to document life. It’s fun to look back and see photos or little "junk" pieces from a trip or even just a random day in town. Turning scraps into art is incredibly satisfying, proof that you really can make anything aesthetic. Plus, it makes journaling feel more creative and joyful instead of just writing about the hard stuff.
COLORING🎨
A simple but soothing activity. Coloring lets me be creative while also engaging in a repetitive, meditative motion. I usually pair it with music from my favorite artists—Billie Eilish, Tate McRae, Justin Bieber, Noah Kahan—which helps me stay present and distracts my mind in the best way.
COZY GAMING🎮
This is a newer discovery, but I’m obsessed. Lately, I’ve been playing non-intense, relaxing games on my Switch. My current favorite is Tiny Bookshop, perfect for fellow book lovers. You run a mobile bookshop in a quaint beach town, recommending real books to characters and decorating your little shop along the way. It's pure joy. I also love Animal Crossing, Unpacking, and Disney Dreamlight Valley, all perfect cozy games for unwinding.
All of these little habits remind me that I’m capable of creating peace and happiness for myself. Some days it’s easier than others, but having these escapes helps me stay grounded and full.
