Simple Happiness Hacks
Feeling down? It happens to all of us, whether it's a bad day or a particularly stressful week. After all, life has a way of throwing not-so-pleasant things our way, and sometimes, we just need a little pick-me-up to get back on track. Looking for easy ways to boost your mood? Don't worry—we've got you. From taking a stroll to treating yourself to something small, here are 20 simple tips to bring some feel-good energy back into your day.
1. Go on a Walk
Even if it's just for 10 minutes, whenever you can find time in your day, go for a stroll outside. Research shows that even short walks out in nature can ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, so go ahead and take in the beauty of the outdoors.
2. Sing & Dance Along to Your Favorite Playlist
Shuffle your favorite playlist and blast some upbeat tunes. There's a reason music therapy works to boost mood and well-being while reducing anxiety, so don't be shy—sing along to your favorite songs and dance like nobody's watching.
3. Journal
Whether it's writing what you did in a day, writing a letter to your past self, or jotting down three things you're grateful for, journaling helps soothe the mind. Just recording your stresses and sources of anxiety can be a great way to process your emotions and work through them.
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4. Call a Friend
Whenever you have time on the weekend, call up a friend. Don't worry about what you're going to say—just ring them to catch up. It can be easy sometimes to let our fluctuating moods hole us up at home, but isolating ourselves this way only makes our mental health worse. So even if you're not ready to head outside, simply chat with a friend over the phone.
5. Do Some Yoga
Not feeling up for some intense exercise? No worries—stretching or yoga is just as great, too. Any form of physical activity that gets your heart pumping is a healthy way to boost your mood up, as a good sweat session releases "happy hormones"—dopamine and serotonin—in our bodies.
6. Declutter Your Space
Working or being in a cluttered space can intensify feelings of stress, so it may help to tidy up. Take it slow, though; tackling it all at once, such as cleaning your entire home, can feel overwhelming and increase anxiety levels. Focus on one corner or room at a time, or start with a space you frequently use, like your bedroom.
7. Cook or Bake a New Recipe
Cooking or baking zeroes your focus on the recipe in front of you and momentarily takes your mind off things that may be causing stress. Plus, seeing the finished product in front of you can instantly boost your mood, because you can be proud of the fact that you made it.
8. Try Something New
Whether it's a new sport or hobby, go try something new. Take up gardening, knitting, or painting. Go outdoors to go hiking, swimming, or cycling. Whatever it is, challenge yourself and don't worry about needing to be perfect. Just have fun doing it!
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9. Put Your Phone Down
In this digital era where we're constantly glued to our phones and screens, it can make our world feel more isolating and small, especially when scrolling through social media and other sites only brings our mood down. Instead of letting the online web consume you, break free from it by putting your phone down.
10. Turn on the Lights
Need an instant mood booster? Simply turn on the lights. If you've heard of seasonal depression, then it makes sense that letting more light in impacts our emotions and overall well-being. So instead of curling up in your bed in the dark, switch on your lamp and watch the light flood in.
11. Pet an Animal
It's no surprise that pet therapy works; after all, whose mood wouldn't go up after a good cuddle session with a fluffy friend? If you have a pet at home, curl up with them as you watch TV or do your other activities. Otherwise, it might help to volunteer at a shelter to spend more time with animals.
12. Plant Something
You don't need to be a full-time gardener to plant something small. Research shows that horticulture is a great way to boost mood and ease symptoms of depression. And that's no surprise: planting and watching something sprout with life can feel super rewarding.
13. Wake Up Earlier
If you're not a morning person, it might be time to change that. Studies have shown that those who wake up earlier, even an hour before their usual time, can reduce the risk of major depression and help reduce symptoms of it. An early start also gives you more time to enjoy the day and do the things you love.
14. Compliment a Stranger
This might sound unconventional, but complimenting strangers is a great way to boost your mood. Why? Because their appreciation and the interaction between you both can create positive feelings. You might even receive a compliment in return.
15. Look Back on Fun Memories
Whether it's by flipping through an old album or chatting with a friend about shared memories, looking back on the fun things you've done and experienced is an easy way to boost your mood. As you revisit these moments, you might even feel like you're reliving them through the stories behind each photo.
16. Treat Yourself to Something Small
Feeling down and need a pick-me-up? Treat yourself to something small, like going out to buy your favorite dish or drink, or rewarding yourself by buying an item on your wishlist. Even a bouquet of fresh flowers to place on your desk can be a mood-booster.
17. Reach Out to an Old Friend
Have a friend you haven't seen or chatted with in a while? Shoot them a text to see how they're doing. We might sometimes get so caught up in life that we forget to keep in touch with our loved ones, so instead of letting the friendship drift, take the initiative by reaching out to them.
18. Read a Story
Reading a book, short story, or poem can spark creativity and inspire you to create your own. And as we've mentioned, writing can be a great outlet to either let your inner creative loose or as a way of cathartic release. Plus, reading allows you to momentarily escape to another world, which may help take your mind off things that are currently causing you stress and anxiety.
19. Smile
A simple way to boost your mood? Smile more! When you smile, your brain releases endorphins, your body's natural painkillers that help fight off stress. You'll also get a rush of dopamine and serotonin, feel-good hormones that make us feel happy.
20. Open the Window & Breathe in Fresh Air
Even opening the window to let in fresh air can instantly boost your mood. Instead of holing yourself up indoors, crack the window open and take long, slow, deep breaths. While you're at it, do some light stretches!
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