There are plenty of ways to make yourself feel happier quickly. You
don’t need a trip to Spain, a new car, or a life makeover. Small
actions and items can give a swift boost to your outlook and put a smile on
your face.
Try these activities to feel better and enjoy
the rest of your day:
1. Go for a brisk walk. A little exercise can lift your mood in a big way.
Avoid being too leisurely if you want to brighten your outlook.
Consider bringing a good friend along.
2. Make a gratitude list. Think you don’t have anything to be grateful
for? Think again. Make a list of everything in your life that you can
view in a positive light.
3. Volunteer. Do something for a stranger in need. Your perspective
regarding your own situation will shift, and you’ll feel good about
yourself, too.
4. Declutter your house or office. If that’s too ambitious, just clean a
closet or your desk. Having a clean, tidy space brings a sigh of
relief.
5. Share a meal with someone you love. Get on the phone and find
someone to share a meal with you. Have a nice chat and reminisce
about the good old days.
6. Take a nap. Sometimes, a nap is the best medicine when your
mood is in the dumps. Give yourself a well-deserved break and
sleep for 20 minutes.
7. Try meditation or yoga. Get control of your mind by engaging in a
session of meditation or yoga. With practice, you’ll be amazed by
how much better you feel after just a few minutes.
8. Listen to music that makes you feel good. Have you ever noticed
how some songs just make you want to get up and dance? It’s just
what the doctor ordered.
9. Watch a movie that makes you feel good. Some movies can have
the same effect as the right song.
10. Do something nice for a friend, coworker, or loved one. This idea
is similar to volunteering, but do something nice for someone you
know. You might even do it anonymously.
11. Spend time with kids. Spending time with children can brighten
your mood and perspective.
12. Plan your dream vacation. Maybe you can’t pack your bags and
head to Rome just yet, but you can investigate the best time of year
to travel to your dream destination, look at the price of flights,
peruse hotels, and make a tentative itinerary. Not only is it bound to
lift your mood, but the planning process is free.
13. Spend time with animals. Play with your pet. Research shows that
even petting your cat can lower your blood pressure. The local
petting zoo is another option.
14. Remove a stressor from your life. Sometimes, the best thing you
can do is remove one negative thing from your life. It might be a
person, a bad tire on your car, a recurring bill, or an obligation.
15. Buy yourself something small. Buying things isn’t the way to
happiness, but it can be a great boost to your mood in the shortterm.
A good magazine and a trip to Starbucks rarely fails to bring a
smile.
The next time you’re feeling down, try a quick pick-me-up. There are
plenty of simple steps you can take to feel back on top of the world.
Take control of your mood and have a great day!