What is Nine Favorite Things and how does it work?

Nine Favorite Things is a simple, creative journaling practice where you list nine items that you love or appreciate on a given day or week. It helps focus your attention on positive aspects of your life and encourages mindfulness. To start, choose a theme—such as people, places, foods, or moments—and write down your top nine favorites related to that theme. This practice can be done on paper or digitally and offers a quick, uplifting way to reflect and boost gratitude.

How can Nine Favorite Things improve mental well-being?

Regularly listing Nine Favorite Things can improve mental well-being by shifting your focus to positive experiences and sources of joy. This practice encourages gratitude, which has been shown to reduce stress and increase happiness. By consciously acknowledging what you value, you train your brain to recognize and appreciate the good in everyday life, helping to counterbalance negative thoughts and promote a more optimistic outlook.

Can Nine Favorite Things be used as a family activity?

Yes, Nine Favorite Things is a great activity for families to do together. It encourages sharing and conversation, allowing family members to learn about each other's joys and interests. You can set a routine where each member lists their nine favorites and then discuss them as a group. This fosters connection and empathy while creating a positive, supportive atmosphere at home.

How often should I do the Nine Favorite Things exercise?

The frequency of practicing Nine Favorite Things depends on personal preference, but many people find it helpful to do it daily or weekly. A daily practice takes only a few minutes and can quickly build a habit of noticing positives in your day. Weekly sessions allow for more reflection on broader experiences. Choose a schedule that feels manageable and enjoyable to help maintain consistency.

What are some creative themes to try with Nine Favorite Things?

To keep the Nine Favorite Things practice engaging, try varying your themes. Popular ideas include favorite books, meals, songs, moments from the past week, places you want to visit, personal strengths, or people who inspire you. Choosing different themes can renew your interest and give you fresh perspectives, making the exercise both fun and insightful.

Nine Favorite Things: 6-Ingredient Peach Cookies Made Easy

Name: Nine Favorite Things
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487557H9M42S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 ½ cups (approximately 150 g) shredded dried coconut; – 1 ½ cups (approximately 150 g) salted mini pretzel twists, roughly crushed; – 1 cup (approximately 150 g) chopped fresh peaches (or frozen, thawed); – 1 cup (approximately 90 g) old-fashioned rolled oats; – 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk; – 1/3 cup (approximately 80 ml) peach jam (optional, for topping)

Description

🍑 These peach‑infused cookies blend sweet fruit, salty pretzel crunch, and tropical coconut for a delightful summer treat.
🍪 With just six simple ingredients and a quick‑mix method, they’re perfect for effortless homemade indulgence.

Ingredients

– 1 ½ cups (approximately 150 g) shredded dried coconut

– 1 ½ cups (approximately 150 g) salted mini pretzel twists, roughly crushed

– 1 cup (approximately 150 g) chopped fresh peaches (or frozen, thawed)

– 1 cup (approximately 90 g) old-fashioned rolled oats

– 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk

– 1/3 cup (approximately 80 ml) peach jam (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2-Second Step: In a large bowl, mix shredded coconut, crushed pretzel twists, chopped peaches, rolled oats, and sweetened condensed milk until everything is sticky and well combined.

3-Third Step: Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, about 3 tablespoons or a scant ¼ cup per cookie, and press lightly to hold shape.

4-Fourth Step: Add about 1 teaspoon of peach jam on top of each scoop; it will spread out during baking for a nice glaze.

5-Fifth Step: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown, keeping an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

6-Final Step: Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then move to a wire rack or serve warm for the best taste.

Notes

🤏 Crush pretzel twists in a zip‑top bag with a rolling pin for a mix of small chunks and fine crumbs to improve texture.
🖐️ If the dough seems loose, gently press the scoops together before baking for better shape.
🍯 After baking, press a whole pretzel twist into the top of each cookie while the jam is still tacky for extra visual appeal and crunch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 142

Keywords: peach cookies, easy treats, six ingredient dessert, summer cookies