When life gets hard, it’s easy to
dwell on the negative and feel sorry for yourself. While it takes a lot
more effort to be positive and grateful for what we have, it is so much
more worth it, trust me. It’s all about putting things into perspective and
choosing happiness. Let’s be real, you can’t be happy all the time and it’s OK to have bad days and let it all out –
we all have those days once in a while – but there are plenty of small ways to be happier.
20 Small Ways To Be Happier
1. Go to sleep when you’re tired.
After a good night of sleep, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready
-ish to face a new day. Plus, you will appreciate going to bed earlier when your alarm goes off in the morning.
2. Make someone happy.
Spreading happiness will not only cheer someone up but it will also
make you feel better, too. Make your mom a cup of tea, call your best
friend, or compliment someone on their outfit. Good energy is
contagious.
3. Celebrate your small victories.
What if instead of wasting so much time putting ourselves down for
not being good enough at something, we celebrated our small victories?
It can be something like getting complimented at school or
work, learning a new recipe, or making that phone call you were
dreading. Be your own cheerleader!
4. Practice gratitude.
Think about something you’re grateful every day
before going to bed and write it down. When you take the time to count
your blessings, you realize that your life is actually full of things to
be grateful for. Your mind is simply too clouded and too busy to see
it.
5. Put down your electronics for an hour every day.
The Internet is pretty amazing, we all know that. But it’s also addicting and that is
why it’s important to switch off. Read a book, go for a walk outside, and spend more time with your loved ones.
6. Stop snoozing your alarm.
It will only make you feel more tired.
7. Start journaling.
Writing is a therapy, it helps you put things into perspective. But
don’t try to be a creative writer – that’s not the point, just let your
thoughts out on the paper. Let it be messy and honest, straight from the
heart. I tend to do it when I’m feeling anxious or sad and it always
makes me feel a better.
8. Learn something new.
Whether it is a new language, how to play the ukulele, or coding a
website, learning something new will make you feel accomplished.
9. Spend more time with yourself.
It can be a bit scary at first but
it’s important to learn to enjoy your own company.
Curl up on the couch with a good book or go shopping by yourself. You
can also try meditation for 10 minutes every morning, it’s a good way to
start your day and listen to your own thoughts and needs.
10. Cry if you need to.
It’s okay to allow yourself to be sad sometimes, it doesn’t mean your
weak. Having a cry and letting it all out will make you feel better but
don’t dwell on the negative things for too long.
11. Spend more time outside.
It’s scientifically proven that vitamin D boosts your mood and the
fresh air will give you an energy boost. It also helps to clear your
head when you’re feeling anxious.
12. Sweat it out.
I feel like a hypocrite trying to encourage you to exercise but I
can’t deny it makes you feel good. And you don’t need to run a marathon,
start by taking a walk every day or the stairs instead of the elevator.
Baby steps.
13. Spend more time with your loved ones.
Make more time to hang out with your closest family and friends, the
people who are there for you no matter what and avoid people that put
you down.
14. Make plans.
Having something to look forward to will not only make you happier
but also help you overcome challenges.
15. Buy a planner and organize your life.
If you love stationery and planning as much as I do, organizing your
life with the help of a pretty planner will make you feel accomplished
and prepared to tackle your to-do list.
16. Stretch out your body in the morning.
Stretching improves your posture and gives you the energy to face a
new day. All you need to do is put your hands above your head and
stretch as far as you can for a few seconds. Super easy!
17. Step out of your comfort zone.
I’m the first to admit this isn’t easy but it’s so empowering to take
a step out of your bubble and overcome a fear. Don’t let fear hold you
back.
18. Learn to let go.
You are wasting your energy by worrying about things that happened in
the past. Been there, done that. You can’t go back and change them so
focus on the present, instead.
19. Smile to your reflection in the mirror.
Yes, do it. I do this every time I’m feeling a bit
blah, is
that weird? I promise it actually works. Of
course, it really depends on the situation but smiling, even when it’s
fake, activates a little something in your brain that makes you feel
happier.
20. Remember: you’re the one in charge of your happiness.
You can’t control what happens to
you, you can only control how you react to it. You can’t also rely on
other people to bring you happiness, it must come from within, so focus
on creating a positive mindset!
What are your favorite small ways to be happier?
