How to Be a Happier Person
Disclaimer: When you buy from links on our site, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.  Learn more
It’s no secret that happiness is a key to a successful and fulfilling life. But sometimes it can be hard to know how to be happy. Luckily, experts have been studying happiness for years, and they have some great tips to share! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to become a happier person. We’ll talk about socializing, volunteering, and other activities that can help improve your mood. So if you’re looking for ways to make 2017 your happiest year yet, read on!
Everyone at some point in their life, experiences a time when they feel down in the dumps, bummed out or slightly depressed. We have a lot of control over our state of mind and the way that we feel. Here are a few ideas that have been shown to make you a happier person.
Get Out And Socialize
When we are feeling blue, we tend to isolate ourselves and stop socializing with others. Call a friend and meet for coffee, go the movies, or take a walk. Just do something. Chances are good that it will have a positive effect on your mood.
Volunteer Your Time
One of the best ways to make yourself feel good is to help others. Volunteer for a local charity or organization, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel. Not only will you be making a difference in the lives of others, but you’ll also be improving your own mental health.
When we are focused on helping someone else, we stop dwelling on all our own problems. We realize that there are others that are in situations much worse than ourselves. It can be a humbling experience to walk through a cancer ward at the local children’s hospital. Every city has places that you can volunteer. Giving your time to others is an excellent way to lift your spirits.
Make Time for Friends and Family
One of the best ways to improve your mood is to socialize with loved ones. According to a study published in the journal Personal Relationships, participants who spent time with friends and family reported higher levels of happiness than those who did not. So make time for coffee dates, game nights, and other activities with the people you care about.
Be Thankful
It’s all about our attitude. There have been various studies that have shown that expressions of thankfulness improve our mood. Take time to journal, listing all the positive things in your life. It is helpful to write them on post-it notes and put them where you can read them throughout the day.
Pamper Yourself
Take some time just for you. Go get your hair done, have a manicure, or take a small trip to a favorite location. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or do something that you normally wouldn’t do. It may not solve the problem, however it can provide a different perspective.
Watch A Funny Movie
Laughter has always been a great medicinal remedy for sadness. When we take time to watch a funny movie, we stop thinking about all our problems. It is an inexpensive and fun way to feel better, and that feeling can last for hours or days.
Live In The Present
Everyone has been emotionally wounded to some degree in their life. When we hang on to old hurts, anger and unforgiveness, the only person that it hurts is ourselves. Research has shown that by dwelling on the past, it affects our overall health and well-being. Our body responds negatively, and we end up suffering from a wide range of illnesses. When we let go and focus on the present, we open ourselves up to experience a more positive way of life.
Get Moving
Exercise is not only good for our physical health, but it can also improve our mental well-being. A study published in the journal Health Psychology found that participants who exercised regularly reported higher levels of happiness than those who did not. So get out there and go for a walk, take a yoga class, or hit the gym. Just make sure to find an activity that you enjoy so that you’re more likely to stick with it!
Walking is a great way to help fight off the blues. It gets you outdoors, breathing fresh air, and gets your blood pumping sending oxygen to your brain. It enables us to clear our head and put perspective on our situation. Remember, life will get better, but one must make the choice and the effort to make it better.
Meditate
Meditation is an effective way to release the negative energy from your body, regardless of the cause. There are many good sources for relaxation music and self-affirmation techniques that can be found at most bookstores. You can also find a good selection on the internet, such as amazon.com. For a minimal cost you will reap great rewards.
Stop To Smell The Roses
In our busy lives, that are filled with long “to-do” lists, and our minds on information overload, we tend to forget to enjoy the small things in life. Take time to utilize your senses for something good. Buy some flowers or plants to have in your home or yard. Light a fragrant candle, or play your favorite music and enjoy relaxing or dancing the night away.
Do Something Creative
The ways to be creative are both fun and endless, and can uplift our spirits Buy a cookbook and create a new dish to share with your family, or make cookies and decorate them with candies and frosting. Play a musical instrument or take lessons and learn. Build with building blocks or Lego’s. Paint a picture, knit a blanket, or bead a necklace. Visit your local craft store for more ideas. Whatever you decide to create, it will change your mood in a positive direction.
Take Up A New Hobby
Have you always wanted to learn to play the guitar? Join a cooking class? How about taking up painting or photography? Doing something new can help us feel more engaged and excited about life. And who knows, you might just find a new passion!
So there you have it! These are just a few of the many ways you can become a happier person. Give some of them a try, and see how they work for you. We hope that 2017 is your best year yet!