Everyone has their down days; it’s basically a fact of life that you’re not going to have 365 days of straight rainbows and butterflies year after year. Sometimes we can’t even identify what exactly it is that’s temporarily stolen our happiness! Rest assured that you’re not crazy for having an off day and nobody expects you to be the brightest ray of sunshine all the time. That being said, there are lots of simple ways to “get happy” and remember how much you actually like being that ray of sunshine!
1.) Remember what you’re grateful for.
Often times when we slow down and think about our lives as a whole, we’re humbled by how much we have to appreciate and be grateful for. Sometimes it’s important to reconsider how we view things in our lives. If something “bad” happens to you, be thankful that the situation isn’t worse and see it as an opportunity to grow. No matter what life situation or circumstances life tosses your way, train yourself to see the good in everything!
2.) “Be your own girl.”
This is hands-down the best piece of advice my mom has ever given me. It means doing what’s right for you, not what’s right for anybody else. It means listening to that little voice that says, “this is what you were meant to do.” It means being unapologetically 100% you, imperfections and all. It isn’t always easy, but it’s a good phrase to internalize (which I have done after years of hearing it!) and to remember when you’re doubting yourself and your decisions.
3.) Show a smile, give a hug.
If you’re a “people person,” this one may seem obvious, but it’s actually scientifically proven that both smiling and hugging make you feel happier. Smiling is a little way of reminding yourself not to “pout” and often times it simply makes you feel better, regardless of the day you’re having. Studies show that the physical act of smiling has direct effects on brain mechanisms associated with happiness. Most of us can appreciate a good hug and the way it makes us feel at ease, even just for a moment, but it’s been scientifically proven that embracing lowers cortisol (related to stress) levels and increases oxytocin levels, which makes people feel secure and trusting. Trust the science, even if you’re feeling less than superb; try putting a smile on your face or hugging a friend for an instant burst of happiness.
4.) Spend time with people you love.
Nothing can warm your heart like surrounding yourself with people that mean the world to you; laughing with an old friend over coffee, going to see a movie with your friends, or simply being near those who you care about can totally turn your mood around. Learning to embrace and be comfortable in silence around these people is also very helpful. Proximity often provides comfort, and sometimes it’s just about knowing that someone is there for you and truly understands what’s going on in your little corner of the world.
5.) Do something nice for someone else.
Sometimes when we use our time and energy to help others, we end up helping ourselves. Something about knowing that you’re making someone else’s day a little sunnier makes the rays a little brighter in your own day! Random acts of kindness are valuable tools for making yourself and others feel valued and connected to each other. Once again, research associates being kind with physiological benefits such as increased cognitive performance, lower heart rate and blood pressure, balanced cortisol levels and an overall feeling of satisfaction and joy.
Sometimes we can’t fight our feelings, and whether they’re positive or negative, we just have to accept them. Although it’s impossible to feel completely overcome by happiness every moment of your life, hopefully you can remember these simple steps if you ever find yourself in need of a mood booster!
http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/smiling-happy.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/01/05/touching.makes.you.healthier.health/