We all experience days where we feel down, as if nothing can go right in our lives. During these moments, we often don't know what we can do to make ourselves feel happy. (Because yes, happiness does depend on ourselves, no matter how much we want it to depend on someone else to accomplish it for us.) For me personally, I learned that the littlest things can bring joy. Especially the everyday things that people wouldn't really think twice about.
Deep Breathing
Believe it or not, your breathing can control relaxation in the body. Steadying your breathing patterns can help to relax the muscles in your body and lower blood pressure. By taking deep breaths, you will help to destress yourself. Focusing your breathing will help you to put your concentration on something other than your thoughts and will put you in a better mood.
Nature
I personally am a huge nature lover. Whether it's the rain, the moon on a starry night, or just sitting outside on a nice day- I always find joy in wherever I am. Nature helps you see that the little things that surround us everyday are beautiful, and this sense of appreciation will give you a small knot of happiness in your stomach. So take a second to stop and look around on a sunny day to watch the birds chirp from tree to tree. Or even, on a rainy day, to watch the raindrops race down the window and see which disappears first like you did when you were little. (You can't say that you've never done that one before!)
Tea & Comfy Clothes
Easy as it sounds! Put on some water to boil or plug in your Keurig and make a nice, steamy hot cup of tea. Not only is it good for you, but it's nice and warm during the cold winter months (who doesn't like a nice soothing beverage running through their body?!). Along with this, grab your baggiest articles of clothing and throw them on. Treat yourself to comfort.
Read/Write/Photograph
Everybody has a different niche in what they like to do. Reading, writing, and photographing are all different ways to capture and express how you are feeling. By ranting about the terrible day you had and how you failed all your tests, or reading a story about something so wonderful to take your mind off of things for awhile, or driving to the beach and photographing the amazing sunset that is lighting up the world. These are ways to healthfully destress and find happiness.
Talk To Strangers
I know, I know... This is the number one rule mommy and daddy told us never to do. But I don't mean voluntarily put yourself in a dangerous situation. I mean strike up convo with your Dunkin' Donuts cashier about their day, or go help the little old man reach that soup on the top shelf that he is desperately trying so hard to get. You will learn so much more about people, and who knows, maybe these strangers you are talking to needed that random act of kindness. A little bit goes a whole long way. Not only are you gaining happiness, but so are they.
So try it out yourself. Take a look at the little things in life that you do that bring you joy, and whenever you are feeling down about something, remember there is always a way to feel good again. Happiness starts with ourselves!
