Sometimes it can feel hard to keep up and be in a happy state of mind. This emotion just like all the others isn’t always permanent or even long-lasting. But there are many ways to keep happiness up or give it a boost when you need it. You are lucky, they’re simpler than you think. Here are ways to make you happier.
Spend Time With You Furry Friends
Play fetch with your dog or sneak in a few cuddles with your kitten. Interacting with your pets can release oxytocin in the brain ― you know, the “warm and fuzzy” hormone, This results in that joyous and happy feeling to make you happier.
Count your blessings.
There’s nothing like a little thankfulness to boost your mood. Research shows expressing gratitude can make you happier. Try writing down five things you’re thankful for at the end of each night.I am sure you can easily come up with even more if you thought about it.
Meditate
The list of meditation benefits seems absolutely endless, but then perhaps one of the more positive perks is what the practice can do for your mood. Research shows that allowing yourself a few moments of zen-like escape each day may make you happier.
Listen to music.
There’s nothing quite like spending time with music, and apparently science research agrees. Research shows that trying to give a boost your mood while listening to music actually can help lift you to a more positive state and make you happier,
Give back.
We all did not get to where we are without a little help, so why would we not extend that same generosity to others? Not only will your kindness influence and be good to others, studies show it’ll also make you happier, too.
Make up a great meal.
Are you feeling down and blue? Researchers say people who employ their creativnes even in small ways― like coming up with a new dessert recipe for dinner will make you feel happier overall.
Get in a good exercise workout.
Not only is it good for your body, but it’s equally as beneficial to your brain. When you work up a sweat, you release endorphins, immediately upping your happiness levels. Ever hear of the “Runners High”?
Go outside.
Take advantage of your yard or take a walk in a park that you’ve never been to before and you will thank yourself for it. One study found that going for a brief walk in nature can help improve your mood and alleviate your stress and anxiety.
Make some new friends.
Research shows making friends increases our happiness and well-being. Join a club, talk to your coworker or strike up a conversation in the grocery line — you never know what kinds of new connections you can make.
Get enough sleep.
More sleep will make you happier. Too little sleep slows down our thought and cognitive processes and it increases our risk of depression. Try going to bed 30 minutes earlier each night or taking a power nap in the middle of the day.
Have a good cry.
It sounds weird and counterintuitive, but it may actually really work. Research has found that crying can lead to a positive increase in mood following the tears. Those in the study reported feeling better than they did before they had a reason to cry.
Lower your expectations.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a lacking New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day. It’s no secret that expectation can lead to disappointment if the bar is set too high (in fact, research backs this up). We’re not implying that you should set the bar low, but sometimes realistic ideas make you happier in the long run.
Look on the bright side.
There are perks to seeing life through a glass half full. Try looking for a silver lining in any situation. Optimists are not only more joyful, they also may live longer. That’s a lot of extra time to be happy.
Try some of these ideas and you will give yourself a boost in your happiness. There are many ways to make you happier and if you try 1 or you try all 13, you will definitely be a happier person!