We’re popping in today to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and to share a few inspirations for the day…
Here’s a beautiful story about how one woman found happiness through gratitude and how she cultivates gratitude in her everyday life.
David Steindl-Rast, a monk and interfaith scholar’s inspirational talk on how happiness is rooted in gratitude.
The Power of Gratitude: 4 Ways to Develop an Attitude of Gratitude
Enjoy!
1. Pajamas. They do indeed make us very happy, especially putting them on at the end of a long, tired day.
2. This amusing post – How to Carry Off Pyjamas from Mr. Porter. We love that he shares our belief that comfort at the end of the day is important. What’s more he argues that men’s pajamas should be as” elegant as a good suit”, because after all, “the people who see you in your loungewear are the people whose opinions really count – wives, girlfriends, partners and children.” Sounds like a men’s pajama revolution!
3. Coffee all day. We feel so strongly that we’ve dedicated a Pinterest board to it.
4. Holiday Spirit. Yep, The Pajama Company headquarters is already embracing the spirit of the season. We’re playing our Christmas music favorites and check out our logo decked out in his Santa hat!
5. Frog Wisdom. Feeling inspired by Kermit the Frog’s wise words…”Life’s like a movie. Write your own ending.”
What’s making you feel good today? Tell us in the comments below!
by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor
Although some of us may be gearing up for back to school, we still have a little over a month of the official summer season left!
That means its time to get the most out of the warmer weather and long days, before the change of seasons is upon us.
To help you along, We’re giving you 20 fun ways to make the most of the rest of your summer…
1. Float in the pool.
2. Make a campfire – roast marshmallows and tell ghost stories!
3. Go to the waterpark.
4. Play on the swings!
5. Go camping.
6. Go to the farmers market and grab some late summer goodies!
7. Spread out a blanket and read under a shady tree…
9. Learn to paddle board.
10. Throw an outdoor dinner party.
11. Tour your city’s local historic sites and landmarks.
12. Take the dog for a hike in the park.
13. Go to an outdoor movie.
14. Sit on the porch and sip lemonade.
15. Lay in the hammock and do nothing!
16. Have a beach day.
17. Grab a blanket and go star gazing…
18. Go tubing.
19. Take a spontaneous weekend trip to the mountains.
20. Go out for an ice cream cone!
….enjoy!
by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor
We’re loving the simpler life today. Its all about slowing down, making life easier, and appreciating the little things.
Happy weekend!
5 Ways to Make Anything Easier // Be More With Less
Dream Every Day Journal // The Pajama Company
It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful // The Nester
A Manifesto for a Simple Life // The Smile Collective
10 Ways to Have a Spa Day at Home // Raining Hot Coupons
by Becky Boyd, The Pajama Company Editor
“Monday is great if I can spend it in bed. I’m a man of simple pleasures, really.”
– Arthur Darvill
Mondays can be well, let’s face it…tough.
Especially in the height of the summer, when the sun is shining and all you want to do is play hooky! Monday might even make you might think of this scene from Office Space.
So just in case you’re suffering from a case of the Mondays, here are some little things you can to do to beat out those blues…
1. Wear your favorite outfit. The one you feel awesome in!
2. Bring in breakfast for you’re co-workers. Doing something nice for others will feel good!
3. Take a dance break!
4. Another meeting? Declare it a walking one and get outside.
5. Meet a friend at a fancy restaurant for lunch.
6. Work somewhere different. Escape the cubicle and head to the coffee shop!
7. Plan a Monday night Happy Hour. Why not?!
8. Wear your PJs to work! Add some heels and makeup and you’ll look fabulous.
9. Sleep in and go into the office late. You deserve it!
10. Take a lunch time yoga class.
11. Treat yourself to a colorful bouquet of flowers.
12. Take a Pajama Day!
13. Sneak out early and go to the movies.
14. Turn on some fun and uplifting music. Pick something you don’t normally listen to.
15. Take a break and treat yourself to something sweet! A decadent truffle? Gourmet cupcake?
Do at least one of these things and we’re betting your day will turn around. Oh, and you should know that you’re not alone on this Monday thing. Here are 18 Dogs Who Have a Case of the Mondays!
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 Compfight cc
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!
It’s been another long, hard day. You fought your boss over an unreasonable deadline, fought the lines at the grocery store, and fought traffic to get back home. You’ve been fighting a headache all day, and now you have to fight to get the kids to do their homework, eat their veggies and get in the shower.
But then, finally, the kids are in bed. You pull your pajamas from the drawer and slip them on, savoring their soft, comfy feel. You finish the ensemble with a pair of fuzzy socks and then drop, exhausted, into the recliner in the living room. You curl up under a blanket to your favorite book or television show and feel the stresses of the day melting away.
Is there anything more blissful than slipping into your favorite pair of pajamas at the end of a trying day? Whatever your personal preferences – cool cotton, cozy flannels, pj pant with tee, footies or lounger sets; gentle, subdued tones or bright, vivid colors – there is just something about pajamas that makes you happy.
Perhaps it’s the feel of the pajamas, the fabric rubbing against your skin, cool in the summer and warm in the winter, arousing your senses. Maybe it’s the ritual: the predictable, routine winding down for bed at the end of the night counteracts the chaos of the day. Or it could be purely psychological – the very act of shedding the clothing of your hectic days and donning the attire of rejuvenating sleep puts your mind at ease, getting you ready for a gentle repose. More than likely, it’s a combination of all three.
Whatever the reasons, climbing into pajamas does indeed relax the tired muscles in your body and the slow competing thoughts racing through your brain. Pajamas wash away the realities of the day and replace them with your most favorite dreams, your stargazing fantasies.
In fact, when the pressures of life become overwhelming, have you ever spent an entire Saturday in your favorite pair of pajamas? It’s the ultimate defiance against the rest of the world, against everyone telling you what to do and how to do it. You decide how to live your life. You decide to enjoy an entire day curled up on the couch in the most comfortable fabric you can fathom. The stresses of the world fade away, and the day is yours to enjoy in your calming, happy pajamas!
