by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor
Here’s to enjoying something sweet this weekend!
Kate’s Sweet Dreams Pajama Party // Tom Kat Studio
Sweet & Sour // Be As You Are
Homemade Lemonade // No. 2 Pencil
Chocolate Boombox // Sugarfina
Simple Things // The Wheatfield
Happy Friday!
by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.”
– Dalai Lama XIV
Where is your happy place? For some people it’s a relaxing and peaceful place. For others it may be when they’re feeling creative or connected to other people. And yet, doing something exhilarating and thrilling brings on the happy for someone else. The possibilities are endless!
Maybe it’s…
Petting your dog
On a roller coaster
Hiking a mountain
Playing with your kids
On top of the Eiffel Tower
Hanging out in your garden
On a sailboat
Up in a tree house
Soaking in a hot lavender filled bath
Everyday stuff can get to us, stress us out, and make us wish we were “anywhere but here”. Know the feeling?! The cool thing is that you can connect with your happy place anytime you want to.
Connecting with your happy place
When you’re in a less than happy frame of mind, channeling that joyful time can be just the medicine you need. You probably have several happy places, I know I do. The key is to focus in on one, close your eyes and think about it. Conjure the feelings and senses of being there: the beach breeze blowing your hair, the softness of your pajamas, or the smell of lavender. Hold the thought for several minutes, exploring your happy place in your mind.
I’m willing to bet you’ll return to “real life” feeling refreshed.
Be in your happy place regularly
As the Dalai Lama says, you have to create your happiness. So while its awesome to channel your happy place when you need to, you also have to actually go there in real life too!
Whatever it is that brings you joy – make the time and go do it! Go bungee jumping. Stop and pet the cat. Plan a sailing vacation or a Paris trip. Call in a Pajama Day!
Photo Credit: Ängsbacka Kursgård via Compfightcc
“Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along,
listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.”
-Winnie the Pooh
Have you noticed how much laziness really gets a bad rap? As a culture, we place so much value on doing and striving and accomplishing, that resting or taking a break is looked down upon. But what about the proven benefits of slowing down?
As it turns out, laziness is not a bad thing at all and is something we all need to embrace. Being a couch potato and allowing yourself to chill out is actually good for you!
Laziness helps you to renew your energy and motivation.
Its no secret we’re big fans of napping around here. When you rest and sleep, you allow your brain time to rejuvenate. You also enhance you memory function. Letting your body rest gives you the chance to restore your energy, much like filling the gas tank of your car.
Being lazy sparks your creativity.
Lounging around allows our conscious mind to slow down, it calms our thoughts and helps to quiet the mental chatter. Giving yourself time to daydream and veg out often actually sparks creativity. This is because when you rest, it stops the process of over thinking – a loop that we often get caught in – which reduces our ability to come up with creative ideas.
Laziness leads to good heath.
Being stressed out is obviously bad for your health. It takes its toll on your heart, among other things. Resting gives your body time to repair wear and tear that’s happened during the day. Even the oldest man in Britain gives credit to his laziness for helping him to live so long!
Laziness helps you avoid burnout.
We all have our limits and there’s only so much we can do until we need to rest or else risk burnout. I always thought burnout just meant you got really tired. But as I’ve experienced first hand, not only is burnout really bad because of the level of exhaustion that comes with it, but most times it also includes losing interest in what burned you out in the first place. Yikes! So even if you’re doing something you’re passionate about, its still important to step away.
We say, embrace your love for rest. Not only is it good for you, but you deserve it too!
Happy weekend! Here’s to spending it sleeping in, hibernating, and relaxing…
Photo Credit: melodramababs via Compfightcc
by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor
We have a saying at The Pajama Company:
“Pajamas just make people happy”.
So what’s the connection between pajamas and happiness, anyway?
When you get down to it, its all about simple pleasures. Lots of people chase happiness, thinking the next thing they attain or goal they reach will finally, once and for all, make them happy. Goals and desires are a part of life, but when we’re constantly looking down the road, we’re missing what’s right in front of us: the simple things that make us happy right now.
Here are just a few of the reasons why we believe pajamas can add to your happiness…
Comfort & Relaxation
Getting cozy in your pjs after a long day at school or work can be so soothing. Its a signal to your body that its time to slow down. Giving ourselves time to recharge is key in maintaining inner peace and happiness.
Family Time
Being at home in your pajamas usually means time with family: pancake breakfasts, movie marathons, or just hanging out! We know that connection and belonging – whether it be with family or friends – increases our well-being and joy.
Being Yourself
Pajamas give you another way to express yourself, and maybe even in a way you wouldn’t normally during daily life. You get to wear what ever you want. Piggy pjs? Superman underoos? Fuzzy frog slippers? Its all about YOU and what makes you feel good!
So how about you: what is your simple pleasure? Tell us in the comments below!
by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor
You probably know by now, that at The Pajama Company, we believe in happiness! And although in life you won’t feel happy 100% of the time, there are some simple things you can do right now to feel better.
Whether you’re having a bad day or just need an energy boost, here are some of our favorite ways to shift yourself to a better mindset and put a smile on your face!
1. Give Someone a Compliment
See someone with a cute dog or a cool pair of shoes? Did a co-worker just make an outstanding presentation? Did the barista just make you the best latte you’ve ever tasted? Well, tell them! Giving someone a meaningful compliment brightens their world and makes them feel seen and acknowledged. And, the side effect is how good you’ll feel too!
2. Visit the Dog Park
Whether is the enthusiasm of a puppy or two dogs playing together and rolling in the mud – witnessing the carefree nature of dogs in the park is an awesome way to boost your mood. If you can’t make it outside today, here’s a hilarious dog video to watch instead…even the first 10 seconds will crack you up!
3. Take a Dance Break
Drop everything, turn on a great song, and get your groove on! There’s even proven research out there that dance helps to boost your mood and alleviate depression.
4. Tell Someone you Love Them
The first person who pops into your head – call them, send a text, or even go old-school and write a card and mail it. It only takes a few minutes and I guarantee you and the recipient will feel wonderful.
5. Listen to the Pajama Song!
Have you ever heard our Pajama Song? Well, its pretty much impossible to watch this video and not smile and sing along to the super fun and catchy tune! Oh, and I have to mention that it was written and performed by none other than The Pajama Company’s own, Alex Badanes.
6. Play on the Swings
Remember how good it felt as a kid to hop on a swing, pump your legs with the wind in your hair, and swing to the sky? As silly as it may feel at first, find a playground and get swinging! Pure joy. There’s even a global campaign to install swings in cities around the world for the simple mission of infectious happiness.
Now its your turn! We want to hear: what makes YOU smile? Tell us in the comments below!