15 Activities That Can Make You Instantly Happy
I only ever need a good book, a cup of coffee, and a warm bed to feel happy. Seriously, there are times I wish I had more aggression in me. Having said that, there are days when no matter how much I meditate, life manages to drag me down.
It could be a failed project, a fight with my mom, or just the hormones acting up!
On those days, it pays to have some surefire solutions to help me improve my mood. In this post, I am sharing all of those solutions with you. These tricks may not work in a situation of extreme emotional turmoil or trauma, but they’re good enough to fix random bursts of irritability, hopelessness, or anger.
If you ever find yourself feeling drained of all joy, try one of these super simple solutions-
1. Count your blessings
Honestly, an expression of gratitude can never fail to give you a happy high.
CONSCIOUSLY give thanks for EVERYTHING in your life.
Be grateful for every single person that cares about you, the house you live in, the clothes on your back and, If somehow you’ve managed to convince yourself that you’ve nothing to be grateful for then, be grateful that you’re still here.
You have the gift of time! This is not the end of your story. Every second is an opportunity to make a difference.
Related: 15 Life Lessons I Have Learned From Experience & Experts
So, take deep breaths till you feel a shift in your body. Now, make a list of every single thing in your life that you’re grateful for. A few minutes spent giving thanks can keep you riding a happy high for several hours.
Research shows that people who actually make gratitude lists are 15% happier than those who don’t
If done every day, this exercise will make you a happier person. More importantly, it will cleanse your energy and bring more good things into your life.
2. Get moving!
I challenge you to find a single person who doesn’t feel good after a workout. It is biologically impossible unless you’ve found a way to block those pesky endorphins.
Related: Easy indoor no-sweat workouts for better health
So, whenever you’re down in the doldrums, just get up and move!
Elevate your mood and feel good about yourself with an hour of exercise or funky dance moves. Even a few jumping jacks can have you grinning in no time.
Related: How to use happy chemicals to create a happier life?
3. Just crack a smile
Smiling can trick your brain into believing that you’re happy which can then trigger actual feelings of happiness and a sense of well-being.
It’s a simple little trick. Next time, your mood takes a dive, just hold a pencil in your mouth. It will engage the muscles used for smiling and you’ll find yourself feeling better.
4. A quick getaway
Planning a trip at a moment’s notice may not be possible, but a long drive to your favourite spot in the city is an easy option.
Related: 15 Things you must do when you travel abroad
Next time you find yourself feeling dejected, step out of the house and drive to the nearest park with a picnic. You may also visit a tourist attraction. Acting the tourist in your own city can sometimes be great fun.
This allows you to get some fresh air, a change of scenery, and in no time, you’ll be feeling better.
5. Some TLC
Fix your bad mood with a soak in the tub or a nice massage. Maybe lounge around the pool with a new book munching on your favorite snack.
Sometimes we feel frazzled and drained simply because we are overworked. Our body and mind signal their exhaustion through the sense of dissatisfaction coursing within you. The best thing to do in such a scenario is to simply step away for a little while. Allow your mind and body to recover and recuperate and you’ll find yourself back to enjoying your work.
6. Reconnect with old pals
Grab your phone and call some old friends for a nice, long catch-up.
In no time, you’ll find yourself laughing away at the latest gossip.
7. Laugh it off with a sitcom
During my first year abroad, I handled my homesickness by putting F.R.I.E.N.D.S on in the background as I went about my work. It took my mind off the grim situations and gave me a little relief.
Sitcoms always work for me. After an argument with my mom, they are my preferred way of disconnecting. Also, they keep me from making rash moves when I am not thinking straight. It’s like turning a raging fire into a smouldering flame. I am still angry but after a couple episodes, I am able to see my part in the fiasco.
Seriously, get yourself a list of go-to sitcoms for the next tough situation.
8. Music to the rescue
There is no problem that can’t be solved by the right song. If movies are to be believed, songs can change lives, turn-over kingdoms, and banish tyrants into exile.
Bursting into a song is always a great idea.
Another option is putting on the right playlist for your mood. I have a playlist for EVERY SINGLE mood, seriously! There is a playlist for when I am feeling dull and one for when I am way too energetic. Basically, I trust music to always come to my rescue, no matter the mood.
9. Get creative
I write like a person possessed when I am hurt and confused.
When I am scared, I make or add to my vision board. It is absolutely necessary for all of us to have a creative outlet.
It isn’t just a quick fix for your bad mood, it’s actually a way to maintain good mental health. In fact, painting, writing, sketching are often recommended as therapeutic exercises for those suffering from anxiety and depression.
There is a reason why adult colouring books are so famous. Invest a little time and pick yourself a creative activity that you enjoy and can do for long periods. As you integrate it into your lifestyle, you’ll see and feel the benefits for yourself.
10. Cuddles and snuggles
Okay, who doesn’t like cuddles and/or snuggles!?
On a cold day, nothing makes me happier than snuggling down in a blanket with my favorite music playing in the background. Also, if you don’t already have your favorite ‘snuggle spot’ in your home, you should get one!
Then, there are the spontaneous hugs. Nothing can improve my mood faster than a nice, long hug. I like the surprise hugs the best!
11. Shift your focus
When your own life sucks, shift the focus to someone else.
Go out and spread some love. Do some volunteer work. Help someone else in need.
This will help you snap out of the pity mode or the guilt spiral, and it will make you happy to know that you’ve actually made a difference.
12. Take a shower
I do hate to waste water but sometimes, only a long shower can make me feel better.
Shower meditation has also become quite famous. As you stand under the shower, you can visualise the water washing away all your stress and anxiety. Feel every individual muscle relaxing. Massage the soap in a long, lingering fashion, and you’ll feel a shift in your energy.
Related: Creative Visualization – Intent, Benefits, and Technique
A cold shower in the morning can quickly get me to a happy, energetic mood and a warm one at night make for a really nice, deep sleep.
13. The wonders of napping
A 20-minute nap in the midst of a stressful day can really help!
Next time, you feel like crying because of the never-ending to-do list, take a nap. It may seem counterproductive, but you’ll come back energized with new, better ideas and a mood that will help you get things done a lot faster.
14. Perish the clutter
Sometimes, it helps to take your mind off a difficult situation and focus on something constructive but that’s entirely unconnected to your current problem.
Think junk drawers, messy cupboards, and overflowing boxes.
There’s always some part of your house that needs sorting but while it isn’t important enough to be prioritized, it does nag away at us and somehow, always make its way to the list of unfinished tasks.
So, when things aren’t going your way, elevate your mood by de-cluttering, sorting, and organizing. It will give you the necessary break and you won’t feel like you wasted your time.
15. Throw some compliments around
The best and easiest solution of them all!
Just take a walk and toss around compliments like confetti.
It will improve your mood in no time. You’ll collect about a few hundred smiles and make a ton of new friends.
Next time you find yourself battling a bad mood, take your pick from the list and turn your day around in no time!
The Brain Behind The Blog
Hi! I'm Krati Mehra
I know what it’s like to fall apart and gradually put your pieces back together to build something better than what you had before and I share all my lessons in this space hoping that you will share my learnings without the struggle.
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