Need a little more happiness in your life? Here are five things you can do right now to instantly make yourself happier.
1. Go outside.
You might not even realize it, but many of us spend most, if not all, of our days locked indoors. It’s amazing what a little fresh air and beautiful scenery can do for the mind and our mood. In fact, science can actually prove that fresh air increases your energy and boosts happiness. Research shows that the scent of pine, grass and numerous flower species can decrease stress and instantly up your mood. So take your five-minute coffee break outside on the patio, find a bench or opt for a scenic hike. Just go outside and take advantage of our world's natural beauties.
Stop and smell the roses – literally.
2. Go eat something unhealthy.
Fact: It’s impossible to be unhappy while eating In-N-Out. OK, maybe there’s no scientific evidence to back that fact up, but eating your favorite unhealthy food should instantly provoke a smile. Indulge. Eat that Ben and Jerry’s Ice cream, Chipotle Burrito and slice of pizza all in one night, and don’t you dare think twice about it. This is a quick, effective and delicious way to up your mood.
PS: Calories don’t count when you’re not happy. They just don’t.
3. Go pet a pet.
Do you realize that a dog’s main purpose in life is to be human pleasers? Pets rule! They practically die of happiness every time you come through a door, even if you just left for five short minutes. Pets don’t have bad days; they don’t get upset over difficult people or offended by something someone said. Instead, they are here on Earth alongside us humans, minding their own business, providing us with constant companionship and unconditional love. Go see a friend's pet, go to a shelter or hey, even better, adopt your own. I guarantee pets are a promising solution to boosting your happiness.
Just not a ferret. I don't trust those things.
4. Go on a drive and blast music.
I don’t know what is so empowering about being on an open road with some good tunes, but it certainly is. Your brain literally lights up with endorphins when you play your favorite music. So go ahead, scream "Sorry" by Justin Bieber at the top of your lungs, dance your heart out and see how you feel. I dare you.
And don’t worry about the people stupendously staring at you with awe at a red light. Embrace it, own it.
5. Go to sleep.
If all else fails, call it a day and avoid your emotions with some good, old fashioned sleep. Sometimes, our mood can truly only be mended by some needed ZZZ’s and a good night's rest. We all know sleep is important for allowing our bodies to recover from the day's work, but it also has an impact on our happiness level. Studies have shown sleep-deprived people have a hard time recalling pleasant memories but recall unsettling memories just fine. Another study showed less sleep increases sensitivity to negative emotions. So, maybe all you really need is some well-deserved sleep.
Go ahead. Sleep. Right now! I don’t care if its 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Sleep it off and wake up with a positive attitude.
What are you waiting for? Get happy!
