Recommended for you

Eating Yellow Paint Won't Make You Happy, But These 15 Things Just Might

Happiness is found in the little things.

Mar 30, 2019

upload.wikimedia.org

If you're familiar with history, and art history in particular, then you're most likely familiar with Vincent Van Gogh. Supposedly, he once ingested yellow paint in order to make himself happier. While in recent years historians have argued that he actually ate the paint in order to poison himself due to severe depression, it still remains true that eating yellow paint didn't cure him.

Van Gogh went looking for a solution to his problem in the wrong place. Whether you suffer from depression or you're just having a bad day, I think the same thing is true for a lot of us. We look for happiness in big events, when really, happiness is found in the little things. So if you're feeling down today, here are 15 things that are better (and safer) for bringing you closer to happiness than eating yellow paint.

1. Watching the sun rise/set

Sometimes it's nice to just take a step back and relax with nature, and seeing the sun rise or set it a cool way to do that.

2. Doing something creative

Whether you're someone who enjoys writing, drawing, playing an instrument, or something else that engages your creative side, doing something creative is a great way to get back to doing things that bring you joy.

3. Going to your favorite restaurant or eating your favorite meal

Never underestimate the power of food to change your mood for the better.

4. Working out

Whether you do an intense full body workout or a chill yoga session, working out has been known to put people in a good mood.

5. Reading

There's nothing that brings me joy quite like settling down with a good book, whether it be an old favorite or a new read.

6. Calling or talking to your mom

Whether you still live with or near your mom, or you've moved far away from home, there's nothing a talk with her can't cure.

7. Taking a relaxing bath

I'm not talking about an everyday bath just for hygiene purposes. I'm talking candles, music, fancy soap, bath bombs, the whole nine yards. Not only with this kind of bath relax you, but it will make you feel bougee too.

8. Going shopping

I know that going shopping isn't always financially practical, but if a small spree is something you can afford, it's definitely a good way to treat yourself and put yourself in a better mood.

9. Watching your favorite television show or movie

Spending time with your favorite fictional characters is always a good way to boost your happiness.

10. Cleaning your room

It may not necessarily be fun while you're doing it (unless you're one of those people that genuinely enjoys cleaning) but it will make you feel better after you do it to be in a cleaner, more organized environment.

11. Going hiking

Whether you're a person that already loves being outdoors or not, hiking can definitely have a positive effect on your mood. Spending time in nature has a way of doing that.

12. Doing a face mask

You can buy a face mask at the drug store, or make on of your own! There are tons of recipes and tutorials out there! This is a super cliché self-care tip, but it always puts me in a good mood.

13. Spending time with a friend

Find a friend (or friends) that you trust and that understand what you're going through, and spend some quality time with them. You'd be surprised how much better it can make you feel.

14. Going on a social media detox

Whether it's only for a day or two, or long term, distancing yourself from social media can work wonders for not only your happiness, but your self-esteem.

15. Taking an intentional nap

Sometimes your body just needs a little more rest than normal, and that's okay.

If you are truly feeling lost, hopeless, or depressed, I urge to contact Mental Healthline at 1-877-912-3241.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Both of these numbers operate 24/7, and their services are free.

Report this Content

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

Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

31790

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

95451

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

waitlisted

Recommended for you

Eating Yellow Paint Won't Make You Happy, But These 15 Things Just Might

Happiness is found in the little things.

1. Watching the sun rise/set

2. Doing something creative

3. Going to your favorite restaurant or eating your favorite meal

4. Working out

5. Reading

6. Calling or talking to your mom

7. Taking a relaxing bath

8. Going shopping

9. Watching your favorite television show or movie

10. Cleaning your room

11. Going hiking

12. Doing a face mask

13. Spending time with a friend

14. Going on a social media detox

15. Taking an intentional nap

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

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

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter