During these stressful and less than ideal circumstances, mental health must be a priority. Being trapped at home all day and avoiding social interaction is more harmful to the human mind than anticipated.
If you're finding it hard to motivate yourself or even get out of bed, here are some things psychologists recommend to make you happier :)
1. Take Yale's free online class "How To Be Happy"
Want to literally learn how to be happier by a professional? Take Yale's FREE class while in quarantine.
2. Plan your next post-quarantine vacation
https://www.pexels.com/photo/beach-calm-clouds-idyllic-457882/
It's impossible not to get excited about a tropical getaway (once we're eventually allowed to leave our homes).
3. Wake up 15-30 minutes earlier than you normally would
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-holding-alarm-clock-1028741/
Even though getting a little bit less sleep seems negative, gaining those extra minutes in the morning will help you start your day positively because you'll have extra time to accomplish what you need to get done.
4. Exercise
https://www.pexels.com/photo/an-on-treadmill-1954524/
Exercise is not only beneficial to your physical health, but it can also do wonders for your mental health. Physical activity has been found to be directly linked to people's better moods.
5. Go Outside
https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-and-green-grass-field-during-sunset-1237119/
If you're trapped inside all day with no sunshine or fresh air, you're obviously going to be in a bad mood.
6. Say Hi to a stranger
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-white-high-top-shoes-1021145/
This isn't something many of us are used to doing, but you'd be surprised how much better it can make you feel.
7. Call family/friends
https://www.pexels.com/photo/closeup-portrait-of-young-lady-talking-on-mobile-phone-6386/
This may seem obvious, but studies literally show a link between talking to loved ones and reduced stress levels.
8. Listen to sad music
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-black-sleeveless-dress-holding-white-headphone-at-daytime-1001850/
I know this sounds weird, but studies actually do show that playing melencholy music can provoke your own positive and happy feelings.
9. Look at old pictures/an old year book
https://www.pexels.com/photo/old-photos-in-the-wooden-box-5842/
Because it's impossible not to smile when looking at an awkward picture of you in Middle School.
10. Spoil yourself a little (go online shopping!!)
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-holding-card-while-operating-silver-laptop-919436/
Spending money actually can buy happiness sometimes. This doesn't mean go max out your credit card, but if you've had your eye on something for awhile, it's okay to treat yourself.
11. Play with a dog
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-hugging-her-siberian-husky-3671246/
Playing with pets releases oxytocin, so go hug a puppy when you're feeling down.
12. Don't search for happiness
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-stands-on-mountain-over-field-under-cloudy-sky-at-sunrise-847483/
The more obsessed we become, the less likely we are to achieve it. Focus on building relationships and pursuing your interests and happiness will follow.
13. Write down things you're grateful for
https://www.pexels.com/photo/fashion-woman-notebook-pen-34072/
Remind yourself of all of the amazing things in your life.
14.Give someone a compliment
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-jacket-smiling-3928937/
Making someone else smile will always make you happier.
15. Give yourself a compliment
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-looking-at-the-mirror-774866/
You'll never achieve true happiness if you aren't nice to yourself.
16. Meditate
https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-man-at-daytime-1051838/
Meditation allows you to escape the anxieties of reality by just focusing on your breath.
