In a world where people seem to constantly be depressed, it is ever more important to be happy. Here are a few helpful tips to make your day brighter!
1. Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins that help improve your mood. Sure, working out can suck sometimes and it can be hard to find the motivation to get your butt to the gym, but there’s no denying that high you feel after completing a killer workout.
2. Surround yourself with good people
Find people who genuinely care about you and have your best interest at heart. Sometimes it is necessary to separate yourself from certain negative people in order to grow and find happiness. Trust me when I say, there is a difference between being alone and being lonely. It is much better to be alone for a little while and content with yourself rather than trying to fit into a group that isn’t good for you. Stay true to yourself and your goals and you will attract the right kind of people.
3. Communicate
Don’t hold your problems in and refuse to talk about them. Open discussion fosters trust and can prevent more serious issues from developing, which makes relationships much stronger and happier.
4. Do at least one thing you enjoy every day
This sounds simple and silly, but sometimes it can be hard to remember to take time for yourself. Between work, school, appointments, and any other activities you have going on, sometimes the day flies by in a gray blur. Take a few minutes to squeeze in a chapter of a book, strum a guitar, or bake some cupcakes. It’s the little things that count.
5. Watch the sunset or sunrise
They are beautiful and help put the world in perspective. It is nice to have a quiet moment of reflection every now and then to help you remember what’s important in life.
6. Be kind to others
Attitudes spread, so always be kind to others. It will make you feel good inside and your positivity could make someone else’s day.
7. Work hard and challenge yourself
I have found that when I do not have a goal I am working towards or something in my life that is challenging me, I become sad. I feel complacent, unmotivated, uninspired, and completely unlike myself. However, when I work towards something that pushes me, I am far happier. Constantly strive to better yourself and don’t be lazy. Laziness leads to sadness. That’s science.
8. Volunteer
Giving back to others always makes you feel good inside. Volunteering is a great way to help others while helping yourself because it gives you purpose, a sense of perspective, and is a great way to meet new people.
9. Don’t make excuses
Take responsibility for your own mistakes and misgivings and stop blaming others. If someone does you wrong, forgive that person and move on. Don’t hold grudges and don’t blame others for everything that goes wrong in your life. If you make a mistake, own it, apologize, and grow from it.
10. Don’t speak poorly of others
Remember the saying, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” we were taught as kids? Well, it holds true today. Always, always, always speak well of others and experiences. Poor words spoken about people have a way of getting back to them and can cause more problems than they’re worth. I’ve learned this the hard way. If you don’t like someone, don’t talk about them. Simple as that.
11. Go for a walk
Sometimes it’s nice to take a little stroll in the park. It calms you down and also serves as a nice time to reflect.
12. Don’t take yourself too seriously
Humor is a great way to handle the more awkward or painful situations in life. Once you learn to laugh at yourself, certain comments or judgments won’t carry as much weight.
13. Do things for yourself and not for others
Don’t do things just to try and fit in or please other people. Instead, follow your own heart and do things for yourself, even if other people think it’s weird.
14. Wake up early
Mornings are full of hope and the promise that a new day brings. Don’t miss them. Wake up early and take some time for yourself or get some work done. My day is always better when I have a productive morning.
15. Realize happiness is a choice
Realize happiness is a choice and then choose to be happy everyday. It’s seriously as simple as that. There are a million ways to make yourself happy, but that’s exactly it, you have to do it. Some people wallow in their sadness until it becomes their identity and they end up losing sight of the wonderfulness of life. Of course there will be bad days, but even in the darker times choose to focus on the light.
