This blog post will give you 15 simple things that you can do to make you happy! Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference.
Make Time for Yourself
Making time for yourself sounds such a simple thing, but many people struggle to do this. Particularly if you are a people pleaser and spend all of your time giving to others. It’s imperative though to make time for yourself so you have your own life alongside your life helping others. You need to keep yourself happy and contented – you are important too. Make time for things you enjoy, whether it’s reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones.
Help Others
Although I’ve just said above to make time for yourself, it can be really fulfilling to help others through volunteering or simply being there for a friend in need. You just need to make sure you try and find a balance so that you are also looking after yourself.
Exercise
Try incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters produced by the body to reduce pain perception and create feelings of euphoria or happiness. When released during physical activity, endorphins interact with receptors in the brain, reducing discomfort and generating a sense of well-being and pleasure. This process contributes to the “runner’s high” or feelings of exhilaration and positivity commonly associated with exercise.
Tidy Your Living Space
A tidy living space can have a significant impact on your mood and overall well-being. A clean environment reduces stress by eliminating visual clutter and chaos. It promotes a sense of control and accomplishment, leading to feelings of calmness and relaxation. Additionally, an organized space can enhance productivity, improve focus, and create a more inviting atmosphere, ultimately contributing to a happier state of mind. I have a 7 day decluttering course here if you are interested in taking a look.
Take a Media Break
Taking a break from media can positively impact your happiness in several ways. Constant exposure to media, especially social media and news, can lead to information overload, comparison, and even feelings of inadequacy or anxiety due to unrealistic standards or negative news articles. Stepping away can give you a mental rest, reduce stress and improve sleep quality. It also gives you time to focus on activities that bring happiness, and encourages mindfulness, which can give you a more balanced and contented state of mind.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Getting enough sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help make you happy in a few ways. Sufficient sleep allows the body to undergo essential restorative processes, which are crucial for overall well-being. Adequate rest supports cognitive functions like decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, leading to a more positive outlook and improved mood stability.
Consistency in sleep patterns helps regulate the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. When this rhythm is stable, it promotes better sleep quality, enhances energy levels during the day, and contributes to a more optimistic and resilient mindset. Moreover, a well-rested individual is often better equipped to handle stress and emotional challenges, leading to an increased sense of happiness and contentment in daily life.
Practice Meditation or Yoga
Meditation and yoga can promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
Meditation cultivates mindfulness, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment, which can help reduce anxiety, overthinking, and negative thought patterns. This practice encourages a sense of calmness, clarity, and inner peace, fostering a more positive and contented state of mind.
Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve both physical and mental health. The practice of yoga promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and increases body awareness. It also helps release tension stored in the body, leading to physical comfort and a sense of ease. As a result, regular yoga practice can contribute to a more balanced emotional state and increased happiness by fostering a harmonious connection between the body and mind.
Practice Gratitude
I recently wrote two blog posts about gratitude. You can read these for more detail on the benefits of gratitude and how to practice it.
The Power of Gratitude – Bringing Positivity to your Life
If you don’t have time to read those right now, a simple practise could be writing down three things you’re thankful for each day which can help encourage positive thoughts.
Plan a Trip
Plan a trip or vacation, or make a bucket list of things you want to do in the future. Anticipation of an upcoming trip can create excitement and a sense of adventure, boosting mood and overall happiness. The planning process itself involves researching destinations, activities, and accommodations, which can be enjoyable and mentally stimulating.
Looking forward to a trip can also provide a break from routine, offering something to anticipate and look forward to, which can positively impact mood and motivation.
Listen to Music
Listen to music that makes you feel good. Music can stimulate the brain and influence emotions. It triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, which can instantly elevate mood and create feelings of happiness and enjoyment.
Also, music has the power to evoke memories, emotions, and nostalgia, leading to positive associations and an uplifted mood. It can also serve as a form of self-expression or a way to connect with others, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional connection, ultimately contributing to a happier state of mind.
Start a New Hobby
Engaging in a hobby introduces novelty and excitement into your life, creating a sense of adventure and curiosity. It allows you to explore new interests, discover talents, and challenge yourself, fostering a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
Hobbies often provide an outlet for self-expression and creativity, promoting a positive mindset and reducing stress by allowing you to focus on enjoyable and fulfilling activities. Moreover, participating in a hobby can lead to a sense of community and social connection if it involves group activities or shared interests, enhancing happiness through social interaction and a sense of belonging.
Surround Yourself With Positive People
Surrounding yourself with positive people can significantly impact your happiness. Positive individuals tend to influence others by creating a supportive and uplifting environment. Their optimistic outlook, encouragement, and support can inspire and motivate you, giving you a more positive attitude and mindset.
Moreover, positive people often exhibit qualities like empathy, kindness, and resilience, which can be contagious. Being around individuals who radiate positivity can improve your own mood, increase feelings of happiness, and even provide valuable perspectives during challenging times.
Practice Self-Care
Practice self-care, whether that’s getting a massage or simply taking a relaxing bath. Activities like this can recharge and rejuvenate you, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Engaging in self-care routines helps to reduce feelings of burnout and overwhelm. It also allows you to prioritise your own needs and recharge your energy.
Set Goals
Set goals for yourself and work towards achieving them.
Goals provide direction, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment when achieved. They give you something to strive for, promoting a sense of motivation and progress.
When you set achievable goals, you create a roadmap for personal growth and development. As you make progress toward these goals, you experience a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
Having clear goals can also help you to focus your energy and time, reducing feelings of aimlessness or uncertainty. When you accomplish milestones or reach your objectives, it generates a sense of pride and happiness, leading to a more fulfilling and contented life.
Practice Mindfulness
Lastly, try to focus on the present moment and appreciate the little things in life. I have lots of resources on mindfulness. You can grab my free e-book here, or you could sign up for my free course which introduces you to mindfulness.
It’s important to remember that happiness looks different for everyone, and what makes one person happy may not work for another. These are just a few ideas to get you started on your own journey to a happier life. It’s also important to consult with a professional if you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.