This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hawaii chapter.
Every single human on this planet experiences intense emotions and goes through some
difficult experiences. Instead of providing advice on various topics, I would like to offer some
experiences of my own (all of which are ones which I believe everyone has, will or should
experience in their lifetime) that what I believe could be considered ācasual magicā ā a term
coined by Jade Bowler, everyoneās favourite studytuber and ray of sunshine. These are the little
bits of joy that I look forward to on a daily or weekly basis that remind me of why life is worth
living! This can also be seen as somewhat of a gratitude journal.
- Swimming in really cold ocean water when you feel anxious or overwhelmed. Or just
cold-water exposure. Scientists say that just 11 minutes of total cold-water exposure per
week can change your dopamine levels. Living in Hawaiāi cold ocean water is hard to
come by but being in the ocean definitely improves my mood, and taking cold showers
lowers my blood pressure. Being surrounded by a large body of water has also been
proven to decrease stress levels in humans, and anyone who spends time in or by the
ocean can definitely confirm this. I am a water baby, and I cherish any amount of time in
which I am submerged in ocean water. - Sharing a cup of tea or coffee with your siblings, parents, friends or anyone loved.
Putting your phone away is always a good way to ensure this is quality time. These
small, quiet moments of connection always make me feel more centered and loved.
Whether youāre sharing conversation about something light hearted or something
heavy, these moments can be really special. - Making or ordering your favourite meal. I always get excited at the thought of eating my
favourite foods and making them with precision and care always grants me a rewarding
feeling. Bonus points if Iām sharing with someone else or cooking for someone else! Just
knowing that Iām fueling my body and spending time doing or creating something that I
enjoy is a good feeling. - Meeting a friendly dog at a park or spending time with animals. Animals help me to
witness and experience the most pure form of love, and Iām never bored when someone
has their pet around. Iāve had banter with parrots, chased dogs on beaches, given catnip
to cats, hand fed ducklings and horses, and chatted nonsense to hamsters. 10/10
dopamine levels. - Gift giving! This one is the most rewarding. Whether youāve saved up a lot to buy your
friend a Christmas present or spent a chunk of time making a sentimental present for
your siblings, gift giving is always priceless for me. Seeing someoneās face light up,
feeling the warm pride in your chest, itās unbeatable.
Recently, Iāve had to search for the subtle bits of joy, pieces of casual magic in my days. I hope
these have inspired you to think of your own list of little bits of magic, to cling to the light in the
darkness, for, as Albus Dumbledore once said, āHappiness can be found even in the darkest of
times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.ā