Sometimes we sweat the small stuff, but we forget that the small things can make a big difference on our happiness. I've been realizing this lately as I've been making some small, but important, changes in my own life that have helped me feel calmer and happier. Let's jump right in with seven small changes that have had a big impact on how I feel.

1. Wake Up Call. I've been a night owl for most of my life, staying up until 3 A.M. writing or binge-watching a new show on Netflix more times than I can count. But staying up that late also meant (usually) sleeping late. I would feel like my day was over before it began. Thanks to the new Bedtime feature in iOS 10, though, I have been waking up a little earlier each week and now I wake before the sun rises. Waking up earlier makes me feel more productive and organized. And watching the sunrise is an added bonus!

2. Social Media Detox. As you may know, I work in social media. Spending so much time on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram has helped me realize how important it is to step away from it for a while. That is why I 'detox' for one day each week. I leave my computer turned off and my phone hidden away, then spend the day doing something fun like hiking or reading. For those of you who can't break free just yet––it's hard!––I recommend a detox of a different kind. Go through the people and businesses you follow and cull through them. If you cringe every time that girl from high school posts, unfriend or unfollow her. Following an old band you're not that into anymore? Get rid of them. Make sure that the stuff you see on social media interests you or makes you happy.

3. Bedtime Stories. I used to be glued to either my phone or my computer right up until bedtime. All part of being a night owl, I guess. It also used to take me an hour or more to fall asleep––usually falling closer to the more end of things. Staring at those blue-based lights was not good for me for a lot of reasons, so I started laying my phone down about fifteen minutes before bed and picking up a book instead. Not only has it helped me fall asleep faster, it's also helped me read through some of the books on my to-read shelf.

4. Unplug. You might be thinking, Isn't this the same thing as the detox? Not really. I'm talking about literally unplugging––you know, all of those little things you leave plugged in even when you're not using them. I used to leave my phone charger plugged into the wall all of the time. Same with my laptop cord and lamp cords and basically all of the cords. The thing is, this all uses power even though we aren't using them. And sometimes it can even be dangerous, with reports of chargers starting fires popping up more frequently. Then there is the cost. Even though these 'zombie' power sucks may be negligible on their own, they add up. Unplugging just makes me feel better.

5. Zero Waste. When I say zero waste, I don't literally mean zero waste. It is difficult in our culture to actually live a totally zero waste lifestyle. But zero waste, to me, is something to take steps toward––and every little step helps. I've started by using reusable grocery and produce bags and I'm building a compost bin so that I can recycle some of my waste into usable soil. The recycling situation where I live is abysmal but I'm researching where I can take at least some of my trash to be recycled and reused. Knowing that I am doing things more in alignment with my values helps me feel good, and so does doing something that helps the environment.

6. DIY-deas. I've always been a DIY-er, but most of my stuff was on a small scale: a shirt, perhaps, or a coffee mug design. But I've recently realized that DIY projects can help me on my minimalism and zero waste journeys, as well. I've started small by creating my own face cleanser and toner, but soon I'll be making my own laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dishwashing liquid and eventually I want to try to make my own toothpaste. Creating your own products give you a sense of pride––you're helping the environment, getting back to basics, and it's just a lot of fun to do.

7. What's That Smell? This tip is the simplest but also my favorite: surround yourself with scents you love. Light candles, burn incense, plug in a Bath and Body Works room freshener... Just make sure you love it. Smells can trigger emotions, so surround yourself with calming or cozy scents like lavender or vanilla or, my personal favorite, nutmeg and spice. You can even mix and match some of my tips on here and start creating your own candles or mixing your own perfumes!

What small things help you feel happier?

I am big on aspirational goal setting. Whether I truly feel like I'll accomplish the goal or not, setting the intention always helps me feel like I'm moving forward. That is why I always set goals for myself when a new year rolls around and why, since we only have a couple of months left in 2016, I've been 'saving' my goals for the new year.

There have been so many ideas floating around in my head of things I want to accomplish: taking an archery course, becoming more fluent in french, travelling, and learning how to box are just a few. I've been saving them for the new year, feeling my excitement grow as I think about how awesome 2017 will be as I strive towards them. And then, in a moment of striking clarity, I realized how silly that was! These are things that I want to do, that I am excited about doing. Why should I wait for some abstract time or day to begin doing stuff that makes me happy?

I think this is a rut we all fall into occasionally. Even though we may tell ourselves to live each day as though it is our last, we put things off and make excuses. We tell ourselves that we don't have the time, we don't have the money, we don't have the support... And, sometimes, that is true. But if we don't have the time, money or support now, will it magically appear in our lives on January 1st? Doubtful.

The thing about setting goals and striving to accomplish them is that it doesn't have to be done all at once. Start small. For me, that means browsing the web for local archery and boxing classes and practicing French every day. It means setting aside some money for those purposes when and where I can. And it means being flexible. You may eventually decide that the goal you set no longer serves you or that it is becoming stressful. If you find yourself in that position, reassess what you want and need and rework your goals accordingly. There is no shame in not accomplishing your goals––sometimes you learn more that way.

I can't believe it is already autumn. By the time summer is over, I'm ready for the crisp, cool air of fall––until it hits. Then I'm begging for a few more days of summer. It has been pretty nice wearing my baggy sweaters and motorcycle boots, though, and my coffee habit has definitely tripled since it cooled down. This year has absolutely flown by––we're basically in the home stretch now and, so far, this year hasn't been too bad. Now, to set some goals that will keep the trend continuing.

What are Soul Goals?

I sit down at the beginning of each month–– or, at least, I try to–– and write out three goals that I have for the month ahead that I think will enrich my life and make me a better, happier person. Interested in coming up with your own Soul Goals? They can be simple or crazy ambitious goals. The important part is assessing what needs to change in your own life and figuring out what direction you want to go in. We're just taking it month by month, day by day, minute by minute here.

My Previous Soul Goals Recap

My first goal was to drink 120 oz. of water every day, which I did for a good part of the month. As the weather got cooler, though, my nightly waters turned into nightly coffees and I wasn't hitting my goal. I did hit my next goal of reading three books: Women Who Run With the Wolves; Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.; and Bad Feminist. If I keep this up, I have a shot of reaching my annual reading goal of 26 books. My final goal was to sell some stuff, which I didn't do a lot of. I did sell my television, though, which was kind of a big deal for me. It made me a decent amount of money, but the bigger victory was ridding myself of something I didn't need. My room feels so much calmer now that the television is gone. Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.

My Soul Goals for October

1. Get rid of old items that no longer serve me. This one kind of goes hand-in-hand with last month's goal of selling stuff. I want to continue on that journey by selling what can be sold, donating what can't, and getting rid of the rest. I'm twenty-seven... How have I accumulated so much stuff? It's time to start taking a more mindful approach to what I bring into my life.

2. Experience more locally. I'll admit, I can be kind of a hermit. It's not that I don't enjoy local events, I just don't enjoy big crowds and (usually) rude people. It's overwhelming, so I tend to avoid those kinds of things. My dad just retired, though, and he's trying to reacclimate to society. Part of that is enjoying what my city has to offer and I'm going to try to help him out. In fact, I think I'm going to a car show this weekend. That should be interesting.

3. Master a regular sleep schedule. I've tried before, and I've failed, but now that iOS 10 has added a Bedtime feature I'm hoping I can start falling asleep and waking up at a decent time. Working from home, my sleep schedule can be a little erratic. When I wake up later than I feel I should, it makes me feel like I've wasted the day and I feel less productive. I may add in a short meditation, too, in order to really start my day on the right foot.

If I actually accomplish my second goal, I will be sure to feature some of my outings on the blog.

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Spotify is my best friend.

I used to (totally legally) download every single song I wanted to listen to––and I had dial-up for most of my internet years, so you can imagine what a pain in the ass that was. I have high-speed internet now (thank god) and a Spotify subscription. Both of those things have widened my musical tastes substantially. That is why I like sharing some of my music finds with you on here: because I think broadening our musical horizons is important.

Fall is starting which means it's time for a new Music I've Been Loving playlist. That will be crafted as the next few months roll on but, obviously, I'm not leaving you high and dry. That would make this post incredibly frustrating, wouldn't it? Nope, it's time that I share my summer playlist with you. Even though I'm starting to phase it out, I still listen to these songs on the regular.

Open up your Spotify app and enjoy.