Three Simple Ways to Lighten the Load (and Invite More Happiness In)

I was listening to a podcast recently that explored the topic of happiness — not the glossy, perfect kind of happiness, but the deeper kind. The kind that often comes when life feels a little lighter, when our shoulders aren’t carrying everything, and when we feel less alone in the world.

The guest on the podcast shared something that really stuck with me. A simple, three-part strategy for feeling happier, more supported, and less overwhelmed. And I wanted to share it here with you — because if it resonated with me, I’m willing to bet it might land with you too.

1.

Talk it through with someone you trust

The first point they made was this: Happiness increases when we can talk through our life — the good, the boring, and the tough stuff — with someone we trust.

It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. Whether it’s a partner, friend, mentor, or family member… having someone you can open up to makes such a difference. Not just for the big life events, but for the little daily niggles too. Talking it out — ideally face-to-face, but even over the phone — helps ease loneliness, reduce anxiety, and keep things in perspective.

If you’ve got someone in your life like that, treasure them. If you don’t, maybe this is your invitation to find or nurture that kind of connection.

2.

Write it down in a private space

The second idea was something I’ve done on and off over the years, but this podcast reminded me of just how impactful it can be: writing things down.

A private journal. A notebook. Even the notes app on your phone. Just somewhere safe where you can pour it all out — the celebrations, the irritations, the questions, the things you’re too tired or too unsure to say out loud.

Writing helps clear mental clutter. It helps us process. It creates space between us and the thoughts swirling around in our minds. And in that space, sometimes, solutions quietly appear.

It doesn’t have to be pretty. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be honest.

3.

Share your story — even just a little

And then came the third suggestion — and this one really lit something up in me:

Share your story. Publicly. Gently. In a way that feels right for you.

Whether you blog, post on social media, speak in a group, or share in a forum — putting parts of your journey out into the world can be healing in a whole new way.

It’s not about overexposing yourself or turning your life into content. It’s about connection. It’s about letting someone else know they’re not the only one who feels that way. And it’s about creating ripples — offering a perspective, an idea, or a little hope to someone who might really need it.

You don’t have to tell the whole story. You don’t have to name names or go into every detail. But sharing your experience with the wider world can be a powerful act of healing — for you and for the person on the other side of the screen who suddenly feels less alone.

So there you have it.

Three simple tools to hold onto:

• Talk.

• Write.

• Share.

You don’t need to do all three every day. Even one is enough. But when life feels heavy, or happiness feels far away, these practices can help you find your footing again — and maybe, just maybe, help someone else find theirs too.

Love x Elena