7 quick ways to feel happier

Sometimes life can be tough, especially during unpresented times. If you’ve been struggling with your mood, then here are seven ways to quickly boost your happiness.

When we get stuck in our own emotional dumps and forget how easy it is to feel happier, so here are seven simple ways to lift your mood. Others have found them useful and some of them may surprise you, because the solution could literally be say under your nose.

So here are our top seven picks:

1) Go for a walk

Most people know that going for a short daily walk is one of the best forms of exercise. When you are feeling down it is even more beneficial. If you can, go into a natural environment with plants and birds.

During your walk, take note of what you notice first. The different shades of greenery, the fresh smell of country air, the sounds of birds, or the sunlight shining through the trees. You may find that moment of connecting with your surroundings makes you feel better.

2) Listen to things that make you feel good

Music can shift a listener’s state within moments. It’s effect can be nearly magical. So have a think about those tunes that haven’t listened to in ages, or tune in your radio to something you’ve never listened to before. Enjoy the moment, with the music.

Or alternatively, listen to some positive affirmations, as this will also boost your mood.

3) Open yourself to discovering something new

Read something (printed, not online) that’s different to what you’d normally watch. There are a ton of different types of magazines can you get these days. Or, you could give something new a try, like using essential oils.

Visit your local library, or browse through a magazine rack. Pick up or buy a magazine you wouldn’t normally buy. You may discover something wonderful.

4) Find something to laugh at

Laughter is one of the best ways to lift your spirits. Contact a friend that makes you laugh, read a humorous book, or watch a comedy. Even better, try to learn a few new jokes and tell them to others.

5) Simple breathing meditation.

Breathing meditation is a great exercise that you can do anywhere. Simply allow yourself to sit comfortably with your back straight. Now close your eyes and become aware of the flow of air into and out of your nostrils. That’s all there is to it. Do this for 10-15 minutes. Notice how pleasantly surprised you can be at how you feel afterward. You may also find that this helps you to get a better night’s sleep.

6) Doodling for the fun of it

Most people can remember when they were young and used to doodle for hours. Kids love drawing silly little pictures. Drawing is not just for kids or artists. Whoever you are get some pens, pencils, crayons or whatever you have and just draw for the fun of it. Notice how your state of mind shifts.

7) Think of others less fortunate

The fact that you are reading this article suggests that you are probably much better off than most people on this planet. At times this may be hard to believe, but if you can read and have access to the internet, just those two things alone means you are better off than most people in the world. There are many human beings that barely have access to the basics of survival. There are people in lots of pain. Allow your compassion for them to grow.

A final note

These are all pretty simple. There’s nothing profound or life changing, but when all you need is a quick pick me up these may be just the thing you need. Putting simple ideas, methods, tools and techniques into action will help you achieve change quicker. It’s also very important to take a look at what you do have and to be grateful for those things.