If you’re not living under a rock for many years now, then you’re fully acquainted to the reality that life as we all know it is not always happy and peachy. There will be those times that you’ll be feeling low, but then again, it doesn’t have to stay that way for long. So when you’re feeling blue and down in the dumps, learn to give yourself a dose of happiness. Here’s how:
- Deviate from your normal routine.
Get out from that rut by adding a bit of variation to your daily life dealings. Go to a park, or eat out at a restaurant on a random day. Discover a new route to and from your work, catch a cab instead of driving, ride a bike, or shop for an outfit that’s unlike what you are so used to wearing.
2. Get out, walk, breathe and be one with nature.
This sounds pretty obvious, but nature has a calming effect on people. So if you’re feeling particularly moody and in need of a quick pick-me up, head out and take a quick stroll. You can do this alone, with a friend, your spouse, and even with your dog. Walking is exercising, and this activity is something that helps people in stabilizing their moods. “Think walks” are great especially when there are a lot of things in your mind that’s bothering you and often gives you a fresher perspective on whatever it is you’re working on in life.
3. Try an outdoor adventure.
Ready for more intense outdoor activities? Then try hiking, biking, camping, kayaking and more! The choices are endless and most of these activities are free to do or won’t take up much of your resources.
4. Load up on fresh fruits and veggies.
Eating healthy won’t just provide you with a healthier body—it will also provide you with a happier disposition.
5. Tap on a drum (or whatever it is you have in your hand).
Studies have shown that the entire activity of drumming or tapping can help relax one’s entire body. One study conducted on a retirement facility have concluded that participants appeared to have become less depressed a few weeks after joining a drumming class than before they have started doing it. There’s a certain sense of camaraderie with being included in a drum circle, but if that’s not how you would like to roll, then just try pounding rhythmically on any object you can find sitting in your desk.
6. Give yourself time to rest.
Lack of sleep can burn you out and contribute to your stress levels. So, skip late night TV and hit the sack a bit early to reward yourself with extra snooze time. A fitful sleep in the night will leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle the world the next morning.
7. Smile more often.
The act of smiling itself is a form of facial exercise, plus smiling actually makes you happy. If grinning by yourself sounds too cheesy for your taste, then look for ways to make yourself smile like watching funny Youtube videos or reading a few funny comic jokes.
8. Learn to say Thank You.
Brighten your day as well as someone else’s by saying thank you as an acknowledgement to something good that was done to you. No need to be elaborate; a simple note or a small bouquet flowers are enough to warm a person’s heart.
9. Make time for a friend.
Everyone’s busy these days, so why not make time to play catch-up to a friend. Research has established that getting support from large social network can do big wonders to one’s well-being.
10. Soak up the sun.
This is especially true during the winter when it tends to be particularly bleak and dreary. Sunlight raises the body’s serotonin levels—the one’s responsible for your mood. The release of these “happy’ hormones can instantly lighten your mood and make your day a bit brighter, so head out and get your daily dose of the sun (oh and just make sure that you’re still protected by sunscreen while doing so).
