If you are like most people, you don’t know how to be happy. You either approach life like one of those Grumpy Cat memes, or wait impatiently for something great to happen. The good news is there are many steps you can take to make your life happier, and truly enjoy living.
01.Smile
One of the easiest ways to be happy when you are sad is to smile! You may not feel like putting a smile on your face when your day is going badly, but smiling has a surprising benefit. It actually affects the serotonin in your brain. It will not take long to start feeling better.
02.Workout
Exercise is good for your body, but it benefits your mood, too. As your heart beats faster and your lungs work harder, endorphins are increased in your brain. Whether you dance, run, or use workout videos, exercise relieves anxiety and stress. A good workout is an excellent way to make your day happier and more fun.
03.Have a decent night’s sleep
If there’s one thing everybody agrees on, it’s that lack of sleep sucks, and ongoing sleep deprivation is a real bummer. If you’ve been tossing and turning all night, you won’t leap out of bed ready to greet the morning. Whether you’re grouchy and want to bite everyone you see, or try to stay in bed til the day is over, it can take quite a toll on your mood.
A good night’s sleep is essential for health, and it increases your ability to be happy. Set a reasonable bedtime, and give yourself a few hours to prepare. When you fall asleep shortly after your head hits the pillow, you’ll be happy and refreshed in the morning.
04.Eat with enjoyment
If you spend your waking hours scarfing down junk food, eat nothing til you can’t stand it anymore and then go on a binge, or your local fast-food place is your definition of a meal, you can’t expect to feel good. Instead, choose nutritious foods and eat in a relaxing environment. It will benefit your physical health, and this new habit will help you live happier life, too.
05.Be humble and thankful
Your life may not be the way you want it to be, but gratitude is not impossible. There is surely something for which you are grateful. Approach a person in your life, and express your appreciation.
06.Give a compliment
When you make someone else feel good, you’ll feel good about yourself. Choose at least one person each day, and give them a sincere compliment.
07.Practice deep breathing
Deep breathing affects your entire body as well as your mind. When you take a few minutes for this exercise, your stress, worry, and negative thoughts will drift away.
08.Keep a journal
Journaling is an excellent way to get in touch with yourself. When you do it on a regular basis, you’ll start to see patterns. This can help you make changes in your life so you can be happier.
09.Face the tensions
Problems won’t go away by themselves. Even little irritations can build up and make you miserable. When you realize a problem exists, deal with it as quickly as possible.
10.Declutter
From your home to your office to your car, a cluttered environment is harmful to your mood. Take time to dispose of unnecessary junk, and put items you need to keep in their proper place.
11.Meet your mates
When you have a good time with your friends, you will definitely be happier. Meet for coffee, or plan an activity together.
12.Organize your day
A busy life doesn’t need to mean a hurried, stressful life. Start each day with a plan.
13.Come into nature
Depending on where you live, take a walk in the woods or a local park. Schedule time to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the outdoors.
14.Meditate
There are many ways to meditate, so you can find one that works for you. It’s an easy way to gain a sense of calmness.
15.Practice a self-care ritual
No matter how busy you are, you need to take time to be good to yourself. You can soak in a long bubble-bath, try a new skincare routine, or take a nap at a certain time of the day.
16.Stay mindful
Mindfulness can help you get in touch with yourself. Be aware of your experiences in each moment.
17.Understand your feelings
Whether your emotions were shut down when you were a child, or you’re simply too busy to pay attention, it’s a pattern you need to break. When you understand your emotions, you’ll be able to express them in an appropriate manner.
18.Take care of your body
From personal grooming to nutrition and exercise, your physical condition is important.
19.Don’t try to stop negative thoughts
Whether you’re angry, sad, confused, or anxious, there’s usually a good reason for your thoughts. When you avoid the temptation to brush them aside, you can deal with the cause.
20.Treat yourself like a friend
If you’re unhappy much of the time, you may not like yourself. Perhaps you beat yourself up over every mistake, or put yourself down because you’re not perfect. When you notice yourself doing this, pretend you are somebody else. You’ll be happier when you feel supported and accepted exactly as you are.
21.Practice optimism
A pessimistic attitude is harmful to your mood, your health, and your life. Look for the good in every situation. With a positive attitude, you can be happier and healthier.
22.Be proactive
Instead of waiting for something to happen and reacting to it afterward, take charge of situations that are within your control.
23.Work and money
Nearly everyone needs to work, and everyone needs money to survive. A happier life comes from achieving a balance. Decide how much money you need for your everyday life and your future goals, and look for a job or career you truly enjoy.
24.Find purpose at work
Regardless of what you do for a living, there should be more to your work days than earning money. Whether you do something that benefits your workplace, or find someone that you can help, make a positive difference in your workplace every day.
25.Volunteer
Check around your city to find volunteer opportunities. You can help children, homeless persons, seniors, or pets. When you make someone else’s life happier, you’ll be happier, too.
26.Give yourself a break
No person is perfect, and no person’s life is perfect. You’ll have less stress when you acknowledge these points every day.
27.Stop comparing yourself to other people
There will always be people who are wealthier, more attractive, and more talented than you. If you dwell on these thoughts, you’ll be resentful and bitter. Instead, focus on your own positive attributes, and be the best possible you!
28.Identify your strengths
There are many things about yourself that you can focus on and build upon. Take time to identify your strengths, and decide how to put them to good use.
29.Spend your money on experiences
Material items are nice, but they can’t replace experiences. Instead, read good books, visit museums, attend local events, and travel. Include your friends and family members in relaxing or exciting experiences.
30.Take breaks from social media
Technology is great, but you shouldn’t live your life on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Take time away from your electronics. Interact with people in your everyday life, and be an active part of your community.
31.Drink coffee
Your morning cup of coffee can prepare you for the day ahead. You may want another cup or two later in the day. It’ll help you feel energized, alert, and focused.
32.Develop healthy habits
A nutritious diet, plenty of rest and sleep, and a daily exercise routine is the path to health and happiness. You also need time to relax, and time to have fun. These habits will go a long way in creating a happier life.
33.Make positive memories
When you are old, you’ll want to look back on good memories. When you’re making memories, though, experience them in the moment. Whether it’s something as elaborate as a vacation, or simple as helping your child create some artwork, give yourself the chance to experience joy today. You’ll appreciate it in the future.
34.Stay mindful
Mindfulness can keep you in the present moment. If your everyday life is so busy that you can’t keep track of what you’re doing, it can lead to unnecessary stress. Whether you’re eating a meal, having a conversation with a friend, or working on an assignment, give every activity your full attention.
35.Find your purpose
Nobody wants to reach the end of life and look back with regret. This can occur if you miss opportunities that give life meaning. No matter who you are, there’s something special you can contribute to other people or your community.
36.Choose a happy community
If you spend your time with people who do nothing but complain, it can drag you down. Look for companions that have a positive attitude and positive outlook. When the people you associate with have these attributes, it can be contagious!
37.Observe happiness in others
Start by looking around at the people in your everyday life. It can include loved ones, coworkers, and people at businesses you visit on a regular basis. Notice which people often have a smile on their faces, or often have something positive to say. While these characteristics can be contagious, there’s much you can learn from these individuals.
38.Change your perspective
When you develop an optimistic perspective, it can change your life. Look at mistakes as an opportunity to learn, rather than as setbacks or failures. Consider your shortcomings and weaknesses to be opportunities to improve. Look for the good in every situation, and as an opportunity to grow.
39.Pick a skill; Master it
Too many people go through their adult lives focusing on work and other responsibilities. However, everybody has a special skill or talent that’s been left undeveloped. You may not have thought about this til now.
There’s something you can do. If you practice, you can do it well. Perhaps you can learn a new language, do something creative, or rediscover a hobby you left behind. When you work on it, give it your full attention. After you master it, you’ll feel a wonderful sense of pride and accomplishment.
40.Focus on your strengths
If you frequently beat yourself up because you’re not good at something, it can have worse consequences than failing. You’ll start to feel down on yourself, and come to believe there’s nothing you can do well.
A better approach is to focus on your positive attributes. This includes everything you’re good at, but it also includes the person you are. Your strengths are not only what you can accomplish, but your personal characteristics, too.
Every day, remind yourself that you’re a super human being! There’s no one else exactly like you in the entire world. This means even your personality is unique. Take some time to reflect on everything that makes you who you are. It should not take long to start feeling a sense of pride and delight! When you know you’re unique and special, you’ll be a happier person!
41.Allow yourself to daydream
Daydreaming has a bad reputation. Perhaps when you were a child, your teachers and parents told you to stop daydreaming and do your schoolwork and chores. You were led to believe it meant you were lazy, unmotivated, and unfocused. Now you’re no longer a child, you can benefit from daydreaming.
Let your mind be filled with thoughts and ideas that appeal to you. It doesn’t matter whether they’re realistic or totally fanciful. When you redevelop the habit of daydreaming, it’ll be the nice little break you need during the day. You’ll feel a smile come onto your face when your daydreams are happy.
42.Believe that you have the power to change your life
Too often, people simply exist instead of living. One reason is the belief that life is the way it is, and nothing can really change. Perhaps you were pressured into a career or relationship, and now feel stuck in it. Perhaps you made some poor decisions in the past, and think you must live with the consequences.
Today is the day to take a different approach. There’s much in your life you can change if it doesn’t make you happy. Whether you want to end a relationship or start a new one, try a different job, or move to a different location, change is not impossible at all. It starts by making decisions, and learning what you must do to follow through. The power is within you to make your future better and happier than today!
43.Choose a well-balanced diet
You may really like all the junk food you’re eating, or you may lack time or knowledge about good nutrition. Not only does your diet affect your physical health, it affects your mind and mood, too. You can feel good and be happier when you improve your diet.
You don’t need to be an expert to plan healthy meals. Build your meals around the basic food groups. Every meal should have a serving of protein, dairy, vegetables and fruit, and grains or other high-fiber foods. You should also drink plenty of fresh water throughout the day.
When you eat good meals at mealtimes, it’ll reduce hunger and cravings. You won’t be as tempted to snack on unhealthy foods. It can help you lose weight, become physically fit, and improve your overall mood. You’ll see how all of those vitamins and minerals can make you a happier person.
44.Practice smiling
If you don’t smile very often, your entire attitude becomes negative. Perhaps you feel sad, worried, stressed-out, or depressed. You may not feel like smiling at the moment, but when you make it a habit you’ll see results.
Break out in a big smile. Tell yourself your smile is genuine. It may seem forced in the beginning, but do it a number of times each day. You’ll start to feel results in your body, and your eyes will begin to twinkle. Look in the mirror while you’re doing this, so you can share it with yourself.
Don’t limit your smiles to private locations. When you’re out in public, give smiles to everyone you meet. When you’re generous with your smiles, you’ll make other people feel special and happy, too.
45.Plan a trip
It’s always nice to take a trip, but planning one can also be exciting. Depending on your circumstances and budget, you can take the trip next month or next year. Much of the fun is in the planning.
Think of where you’d like to go, and who you want with you. Read websites or order material through the mail for destination ideas. Think about travel options, and what you’d like to do when you arrive. It could be as simple as a road trip to visit loved ones in a different location, or a trip to a different country.
Notice how your mood improves when you start planning. Let your mind be filled with the excitement! A trip is a way to take a break from your daily routine, and your familiar environment. Even if a trip isn’t realistic in the near future, take time to plan and dream!
46.Focus on the good
There’s so much negativity in today’s world that it’s easy to be overwhelmed. However, there’s also much that’s good in life. Whether you’re thinking of your own life or the world in general, focus on what’s positive.
You can start by browsing news sites for local, national, or world news. Your everyday life also includes experiences, opportunities, and loved ones. When you notice the good outweighs the bad, you’ll develop a happier outlook on life.
47.Read an adventure story
Most children like adventure stories. It’s time to bring that excitement back into your life. Treat yourself to a book that captures your interest. You’ll find yourself immersed in the story, and fascinated with the characters.
48.Have the right amount of sex
Sex releases hormones that make you feel good. You also feel good when you share yourself with a person you care about. When you create intimacy with a partner, you’ll have a happier relationship and a happier life.
49.Be patient
If you expect overnight changes, or have unrealistic expectations of other people, it’s a sure way to be miserable. In contrast, patience will give you a sense of calmness and satisfaction.
Whether you’re trying to lose weight or waiting for a friend who’s never on time, learn to look forward to results without becoming impatient. You’ll have a calmer attitude and less stress.
50.Use aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is more than a fad. It’s been used in various forms for centuries because it works. There’s at least one form you’ll thoroughly enjoy.
Instead of saving candles for special occasions, use them in your everyday life. Choose scented candles with delicious aromas and let the scent fill the rooms in your home. You can take the same approach with incense sticks or cones.
You can add essential oils or other scented products to your bath. You’ll be enveloped in a warm, luxurious feeling. If you prefer showers, you’ll find plenty of scented body washes and shampoos. It’s an easy way to be calm and happy.
You can also take aromatherapy with you when you go to work, or out on errands. Choose perfumes, colognes, and body sprays with scents that make you feel good. Every time you move, you’ll get a whiff of the delightful scent. A smile will be on your face, and you’ll definitely feel happy. Make a habit of treating yourself to this experience every day.
Happiness does not take a lot of effort. Many of these tips are inexpensive or free. Try some of these tips each day, and notice how your mood improves. You can truly enjoy your life when you’re truly happy!
