Happiness is often spoken about as something we will feel once everything else is in place — when life is calmer, when goals are reached, when there is more time. Yet true wellbeing rarely works that way. Feeling better often begins with small, intentional moments that gently shape our experience of each day.
At Brightham House, we believe happiness and health grow from simple, sustainable practices. Looking after your mental wellbeing is not about perfection or dramatic change, but about noticing how you feel, choosing kindness towards yourself, and creating space for joy — whether you are at home or away on holiday.
Understanding Stress Before It Takes Hold
Many people experience stress before they even leave their bed. A quick glance at a phone can introduce news, messages, or expectations that subtly affect mood and mindset. These “micro stress doses” may seem harmless, but over time, they shape how the nervous system responds to the day.
Becoming aware of this pattern is the first step towards change. Choosing to pause before reaching for your phone, breathing deeply for a moment, or setting an intention for the day can help you feel more grounded and in control.
This gentle awareness is explored further in our Health and Wellbeing blog, which looks at how recognising stress early can make a meaningful difference to overall wellbeing.
👉 Read more in our Health and Wellbeing blog
Retreat to Devon – New Life for Your Health and Wellbeing
Work on Happiness First
Happiness is not something to earn after everything else is done. When happiness is prioritised, other areas of life often begin to improve naturally. Energy levels increase, motivation becomes clearer, and healthier choices feel easier.
This idea aligns closely with the hunter-gatherer mindset — humans evolved to live with rhythm, rest, movement, and connection. Modern life can pull us away from this, but small daily habits can help us reconnect.
Creating happiness first might mean:
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Starting the day slowly
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Spending time outdoors
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Moving the body gently
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Eating mindfully
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Allowing time for rest without guilt
These principles are woven throughout our wellbeing content, including our blog on Meditation and Mental Wellbeing, which explores how stillness and awareness support emotional balance.
👉 Explore our Meditation & Wellbeing blog
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Take Time for Yourself Every Day
One of the most powerful acts of self-care is consistency. Taking time for yourself each day — whether it’s five minutes or thirty — sends a clear message to the mind and body that your wellbeing matters.
This time does not need to be structured or productive. It may be a quiet cup of tea, a walk in fresh air, stretching, journalling, or simply sitting in silence. The key is choosing something that brings a sense of ease or joy.
Guests staying at Brightham House often comment on how naturally this time appears once they slow down. The calm surroundings, connection to nature, and absence of pressure create space to rediscover simple pleasures.
Gratitude as a Daily Practice
Gratitude is one of the most accessible wellbeing tools available. Each day, taking a moment to acknowledge three things you are grateful for can gently shift perspective and emotional state.
These do not need to be significant events. A comfortable bed, a warm conversation, a good meal, or a moment of sunshine all count. Over time, gratitude trains the mind to notice what is supporting you rather than what is missing.
This simple practice pairs beautifully with mindful movement, such as yoga, which we explore in our Yoga & Wellnessblog.
👉 Read our Yoga & Wellness blog
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Feel Better in Five Minutes
Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s book Feel Better in 5: Your Daily Plan to Feel Great for Life offers a refreshing approach to wellbeing. Rather than overwhelming routines, it focuses on short, achievable actions that can be integrated into everyday life.
The idea is simple: small changes, done consistently, lead to lasting results. Five minutes of breathing, movement, reflection, or connection can significantly improve how you feel — mentally and physically.
This philosophy mirrors the experiences many guests have at Brightham House. A short walk, a quiet moment in the garden, or an unhurried breakfast can become the highlight of the day.
Values as a Foundation for Wellbeing
Understanding your core values helps guide choices and reduce internal conflict. When actions align with values such as integrity, kindness, or balance, life tends to feel more coherent and satisfying.
Taking time to reflect on what truly matters can be deeply grounding. Holidays and retreats often provide the space needed for this reflection, away from routine distractions.
A Holistic Approach to Feeling Better
Wellbeing is rarely about one single practice. It is the gentle layering of awareness, self-care, gratitude, movement, and rest. At Brightham House, these elements come together naturally, creating an environment where guests can reconnect with themselves at their own pace.
For those seeking inspiration beyond wellbeing practices, our Food, Wine & Experiences blog explores how sensory pleasure, connection, and enjoyment also play a role in happiness.
👉 Discover our Food & Wine Experiences blog
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Round-Up: Small Steps, Lasting Change
Happiness does not require a complete life overhaul. It begins with awareness, intention, and compassion towards yourself. By noticing stress early, taking daily moments of self-care, practising gratitude, and aligning with your values, wellbeing becomes more accessible and sustainable.
At Brightham House, guests are encouraged to slow down, reflect, and prioritise mental health in a gentle, supportive way. Whether you are inspired by meditation, mindful movement, or the simple joy of rest, these moments can create lasting positive change.
Sometimes, feeling better truly can begin in just five minutes.
By booking a three-night stay at Brightham House Boutique Bed & Breakfast, you can experience the best of South Devon while enjoying the comfort and hospitality of this charming boutique accommodation. So, pack your bags and get ready for a memorable weekend getaway in the heart of England’s countryside.
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