16 Psychologist-Recommended Ways To Smile
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

16 Psychologist-Recommended Ways To Smile

Be happier this quarantine season.

26
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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57450
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

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

37015
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

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

958753
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190945
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments