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Health and Wellness

16 Psychologist-Recommended Ways To Smile

Be happier this quarantine season.

Julia Licursi

May 07, 2020

UCLA

16 Psychologist-Recommended Ways To Smile

https://www.pexels.com/photo/smiling-woman-looking-upright-standing-against-yellow-wall-1536619/

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.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

16 Psychologist-Recommended Ways To Smile

Be happier this quarantine season.

1. Take Yale's free online class "How To Be Happy"

2. Plan your next post-quarantine vacation

3. Wake up 15-30 minutes earlier than you normally would

4. Exercise

5. Go Outside

6. Say Hi to a stranger

7. Call family/friends

8. Listen to sad music

9. Look at old pictures/an old year book

10. Spoil yourself a little (go online shopping!!)

11. Play with a dog

12. Don't search for happiness

13. Write down things you're grateful for

14.Give someone a compliment

15. Give yourself a compliment

16. Meditate

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I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

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18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

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Having unexpected problems with your boat.

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There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

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