Need a Happiness Boost? Try These Simple Yet Effective Tips

Having a tough day? Perhaps you overslept, received some bad news at work, or got into a silly argument with your partner. Whatever the cause of your low mood, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several simple tactics you can employ to help pull yourself out of it. Keep reading to find out more!

Do a random act of kindness

Believe it or not, being kind to others doesn’t only make them happier – it can also produce a significant boost in your own wellbeing. Research suggests that spending money on others can make you happier than spending it on yourself, and even remembering acts of kindness you’ve done in the past can improve your mood. Try these ideas to get that warm fuzzy feeling:

  • Hold open a door for someone
  • Leave a big tip
  • Give a genuine compliment
  • Volunteer at a charity event
  • Let someone go in front of you in line
  • Help someone carry their groceries
  • Pick up litter when out on a walk
  • Give up your seat on public transport
  • Leave money on a vending machine
  • Leave a positive book review for an author 

Show your loved ones how much you care

Doing random acts of kindness for strangers will boost your mood, but what will boost it even more is when you do it for your loved ones. There are lots of ways you can show them you care. You could bake cookies for a friend or neighbor, send a friend or family member an encouraging message, ship a care package or send flowers, or make a cup of coffee for a colleague.

This is just the beginning – the only limit is your imagination!

Treat yourself

Being kind to others doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be kind to yourself too! A little treat on a bad day can truly turn it around, so why not try one of the following to lift your mood:

  • Eat something sweet and delicious
  • Curl up on the sofa with a good book
  • Spend time on your favorite hobby
  • Go out for a meal or drinks with your best friends
  • Buy that new item of clothing you’ve had your eye on

There are other great ways to treat yourself that also leave you looking fabulous and feeling confident. For instance, you could book an appointment for a pampering treatment such as Botox in Frisco, TX, a manicure, or a salon haircut.

Employ some quick positive psychology tricks

Only have five minutes? Don’t worry – even that is enough time to raise your happiness levels. Don’t believe it? Try it for yourself with these suggestions:

  • Put on your favorite upbeat song, then sing and dance along to it
  • Put a pencil between your teeth. It sounds weird, but the ‘smile’ it produces can result in a genuinely happier mood!
  • Put on your favorite outfit
  • Declutter part of your house
  • Meditate or do a breathing exercise

Other great tips include going outside (sunlight and nature can both do wonders for your mental health), drinking a full glass of water (dehydration can have a negative impact on your mood, as well as your focus, memory, and other cognitive functions) and ticking something off of your to-do list. This could be something as simple as putting the laundry on or taking out the recycling for a quick sense of achievement.

Are you smiling yet?