1 Minute Habit for July 18

Type ':)' in an unused notes app

Creates a digital 'happy place' untouched by work or obligations—a tiny sanctuary in your device.

The act of typing a smiley triggers facial feedback, subtly improving mood through muscle memory.

Our devices often become associated with stress (emails, news). This reclaims them as sources of positivity.

Unlike social media smileys, this is private—no algorithms or performative pressure.

Claims space for joy online
Creates smiley time capsule
No pressure to write more
Balances digital negativity
Feels like a secret gift

📖 Supporting Research:

Computers in Human Behavior – Emoticons and Mood

💡 Actionable Tips

Open any notes app you rarely use (or create a new one).
Type just ':)' and close it immediately.
Optional: Add today's date or a one-word note ('Sunshine').
Repeat whenever you need a digital mood boost.

🔄 How to Adapt This Habit

💼 For Busy Professionals:Use a work-related app (e.g., Excel) for stealth smiles
👶 For Parents:Make it a family tradition—each member adds their own smiley
📚 For Students:Hide smileys in lecture notes for future-you to find

💬 Join the Challenge

💻 What hidden smile will future-you discover today?

The smallest light can brighten a dark screen.

🌱 Be part of the habit community — follow us on Instagram @1minutehabit and tag us to share your journey!

🎮 Love a Quick Challenge?

🧩 1 Minute Match Game

Group words into their correct categories as fast as you can! Sharpen your focus, race against others, and climb the leaderboard to become today’s word match champion.

Play Today’s Match →

How did leaving a hidden smiley help?

Send a kind message to someone

Put your phone down for 1 minute and observe surroundings

💬 Your Success Stories

I've been adding ':)' to a notes app for months. Recently stumbled on them all while cleaning my phone—it was like finding a trail of breadcrumbs left by happier past selves. Now I add context like ':)'—got the job!'

— Sophie

✨ Share Your Success Story

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