Some days it can seem like happiness is in short supply. Between work and responsibilities at home, it can be difficult to find time for yourself. This crazy pace can leave you feeling worn down and fed up with life. With a few tricks, you can make your own happiness. Check out the list below to get started.
1. Learn to say no
It’s exhausting trying to give everything your all. The super mom, the dutiful child, the “never-gets-tired” employee who works on their days off — all of these identities weigh on us and can steal our happiness. You don’t have to say yes to everything. Next time your boss tries to call you in on your day off, you can say no. You’re human just like the rest of us, and no one is a constant source of energy. Give yourself a break.
2. Treat yourself
Self care is incredibly important. One important thing to remember is self care looks different for everyone. We all have different ideas of what taking care of ourselves means. Giving yourself a treat can really lift your mood. So what are some good treats for days when life is wearing you down? Here are a few examples:
- A good nap
- Laying in bed with your favorite book
- Taking a nice shower or bath — bonus points for candles and smell-good additions to your bath
- A new outfit
- Your favorite food
3. Exercise
Exercise doesn’t seem like a happy activity for a lot of people. There’s sweating, the gym can be noisy, and it’s so hard to just get up and get moving. But it works. Exercising releases serotonin and helps raise your levels. What do low serotonin levels lead to? Depression. Which means a boost from a quick workout might be just what you need to inject a little happiness into your life.
4. Get away from negativity
Nothing brings your mood down quicker than a bunch of negativity. Stay away from anyone who repeatedly brings negativity to your life. Your social circle can have a huge impact on your mood. Situations that force you into a negative mindset are unhealthy for you. If you find every time you go somewhere or do a certain activity you’re overwhelmed with bad thoughts, it’s probably time to move along.
5. Try something new
New experiences can be exciting and so much fun. The rush of a new activity can get your heart pumping and remind you what it’s like to really feel alive. New experiences don’t even have to be extreme. You can try the new burger place down the street or go see a movie outside your usual genre. Anything that feels new can push you out of your comfort zone and help you feel like a whole new person.
6. Be kind
A small act of kindness can boost the spirits an incredible amount. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you do it freely. Giving loses the impact when you do it with expectations. Give with an open heart, and the happiness will start flowing in.
7. Throw things away
Clutter can be really stressful. You’d be amazed at how cathartic it can be to just throw some things out. Sort through your clothes and other items, and get rid of anything that isn’t necessary. Any clothes you haven’t worn in a year? Gone. Anything that doesn’t fit right anymore? Say goodbye! Don’t keep it in the hopes you’ll fit into it again. You need clothes for the body and life you have right now. You can donate things that are in good condition and circle right back around to happiness trick No. 6, be kind.
8. Start a gratitude journal
Keeping track of the things you’re grateful for can be a perfect way to boost your happiness. Anytime you’re glad about something, just write it down. When you’re feeling low, you can flip through your journal and remember all the reasons you have to be happy. It doesn’t have to be something big. Anything that brings you the tiniest bit of joy is worthy of the journal. Day 1: I’m grateful for stuffed cheesy bread.
9. Cry it out
You can try to fight your sadness all you want, but sometimes you just need to give into it. Let yourself cry. Allow yourself to feel your emotions and process them. It’s okay to be upset. It’s part of being human. There’s nothing shameful about crying. Cry it out, wash your face and start your day over with a new outlook.
10. Shake it off
When life is getting you down, it’s easy to get in a slump. Instead of trying to feel better, you just sit around in your bad feelings, and your bad mood increases with every moment. Dancing around to some upbeat music is a great way to shake away the ugly emotions. Turn on your favorite pop hit or jam out to some classic rock. A little headbanging might chase away your blues.
However you decide to chase your happiness, remember that no one is happy 100% of the time. When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself that these feelings are just part of the human condition. Tomorrow is a new day and another chance to find happiness.
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Author: Savannah Hemmings
Savannah Hemmings graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She is a Philadelphia-based personal stylist and writes about style, fashion and fitness on her lifestyle blog, Sincerely Savannah. Her work has been featured on Hello Giggles, Bustle, Self Magazine and TIME. She has a passion for fitness and you can almost always find her training for her next marathon.
