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In my post on How To Become a Happier Person, I discussed some simple, long term strategies to help you live a happier life. But what if you’re feeling kind of down and want to be happier right now?
I know exactly how you feel, so if you’re feeling down and desperate for something to make you feel better, this post is for you. Not all of them will be right for you, but hopefully you find an option that will make you feel a little lighter today.
These are 10 things you can do right now to make you a happier person.
1. Talk to someone
Loneliness is a leading cause of depression and other mental illnesses. and maybe all you need right now is to talk to a friend. You can talk about how you’re feeling, but if that’s too much then a long chat about anything and everything is a great option too.
People are often ashamed to be lonely, when in reality it’s so, so common. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone – they may be feeling just like you.
2. Take a walk in nature
I don’t know about you but sometimes I just feel a bit off. Sometimes it’s anger, sometimes it’s anxiety, sometimes it’s restlessness. Whatever it is, there’s rarely a time when taking a long walk in nature doesn’t make me feel better.
It’s well known that exercise can be a powerful mood booster, but you don’t need to do a high intensity workout to get these results – sometimes a short walk is enough.
3. Listen to music you love
Music is a powerful tool that can have a profound effect on your mood, and you can use that to your advantage when you’re in need of a little pick-me-up.
Try creating a playlist full of upbeat and inspiring songs that you can put on whenever you’re feeling sad. Or alternatively, you could go through your old playlists and find one from a time you associate with better memories.
4. Smile
Here’s a challenge: fake a smile right now. A proper, big, goofy smile.
Studies have claimed that physically forcing yourself to smile can actually make you happier.
Is this true? Who knows. But you have nothing to lose.
5. Recall good memories
We’re more likely to remember times that we associate with intense feelings, and these tend to be negative experiences.
You can counteract this by recalling the good memories that may otherwise slip your mind. Take some time to recall some happier times in as much detail as possible. Write them down, if you can.
The more you revisit these old memories, the stronger they’ll be, and the happier you’ll become.
6. Be creative
Being creative can be a calming escape from any negative feelings you may be feeling. I love to draw when I’m feeling down, but you can also paint, sing, play an instrument, try out a new makeup look – the possibilities are endless.
I often turn to adult colouring when I want to do something completely mindless. I can get lost in it for hours, and often forget about everything that was on my mind before. You can find printable colouring sheets that are completely free, but if you have some money to spend then I absolutely love Johanna Basford’s books.
7. Unfollow anyone who doesn’t make you feel good about yourself on social media
I appreciate social media for everything it does, but it can also be a stressful environment. It can be easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to other people, or in reading hateful comments.
You can make the experience better by unfollowing or muting anyone who makes you feel less than great about yourself.
Your social media accounts are your own space, and one that you likely spend a lot of time in. Just like you would tailor your living environment to suit your style, you can also tailor your social media accounts to your liking. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for that.
8. Read a book or watch a TV series/movie
Sometimes life just becomes too much and all you need to feel better is to escape from reality for a while. Avoiding your feelings may not be the best long term strategy, but don’t let yourself feel guilty for putting on your favourite show and relaxing for a while.
9. Play a video game
Like with reading a book or watching a film, playing a video game is a brilliant distraction for when you feel a little down. For a while, you can forget about reality and completely lose yourself in another world.
10. Journal
Letting your feelings out is a brilliant practice, particularly if you’re feeling down. But sometimes talking to someone is too much.
That’s where journaling comes in. Journaling is a powerful tool that’s helped me through some of the toughest times of my life, and it’s something I would recommend to anyone.
If you’ve never tried journaling before, then give it a shot. Find a random piece of paper and start writing down how you feel – you never know, you might enjoy it.
For more on journaling, check out my post on How To Start a Journal and Stick To It.
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These are 10 of my favourite things you can do right now to become happier, but it’s by no means a conclusive list. Let me know in the comments if there’s anything you like to do that always makes you feel better when you’re down.
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29 comments
I totally agree that talking is the most important. Being lonely is such an awful feeling, but you can’t wait for people to come to you, as it only makes you feel worse. Great post xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
You’re right about this. I’ve been guilty of waiting for people to come to me in the past, but that’s not fair on them, either.
I totally agree with all these things to make you happy. Anytime I do one of those things, I instantly feel better. Especially going out in nature and taking a walk!
A great list of reminders! It’s so important that we are able to recognise what brings us joy.
Some fab suggestions here. Sometimes it doesn’t take much to cheer us up!
These are great ways to be happier, sometimes the simplest things can make you very happy.
This is such an awesome list of ideas! I can relate to so many. I love going on walks, journaling, drawing, working out, and listening to music when I’m feeling down. Also, I 100% believe in “faking a smile” to cheer yourself up. I don’t know why but it does work.
Something that I’ve never done + want to try is an adult coloring book! I love coloring and haven’t in a while. So, I think I’ll be buying myself an adult coloring book on my next amazon purchase!
Much love always,
GABBY
I’m also a big believer in faking a smile! I feel like it gives me a little confidence boost whenever I need it.
I like a lot of these ideas! Recalling those good memories is one I had not thought of 🙂 I have also suggested some other ways to feel great on my own blog, but reading yours is super helpful. Thank you!
These are some great suggestions – especially in the current world climate! Thanks for sharing; it shows that these little small changes can make the world of difference.
Paige // Paige Eades
I love that you included limiting social media negativity. I think that is so important that is often taken for granted.
Thanks for the comment! Social media can either have such a positive or negative effect on my mental health depending on what pops up on my feed, so I try my best to remove negativity whenever I see it.
These are all great ideas. I do appreciate the way the pandemic has forced us to slow down, and think about what makes us happy – including appreciating nature…I’ve been taking a lot of slow walks outside!
I completely agree! It’s been so easy for me to stay inside all day during the pandemic, but I always feel so much better on the days I get myself out of the house and into nature.
All of these tips are really good — a nice reminder that a lot of us often need — I definitely need to get out in nature more as that really de-stresses me. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks! Being in nature always really helps me – I think it’s because I grew up in the countryside and used to go for a walk every time I was upset.
Being creative and walking in nature are my favorite ways to make myself happy. I’ll be having the worst day and then when I do this, I get really pumped and excited right after. I really have to get into adult coloring sometime, I’ve always been curious to try it out!
Adult colouring is one of my favourites! It’s strange because I absolutely hated colouring as a child, but now I use it as a way to slow down for a while.
These are great suggestions! Sometimes you have to fake it till you make it with the smile! I love talking it out when I get upset. I usually find I haven’t reached out in a while and that’s contributing to my funk.
I completely agree! And same – I’ve always found it so difficult to reach out when I need it, but I have some very understanding friends and I always feel better whenever I do.
Music always cheers me up because my favorite songs always inspire me to dance!
I especially loved your tip on smiling! It helps so much! It’s like magic haha
That’s an adorable way of putting it – it really is like magic!
These are all great things, Rhi! For me, music is the big motivator. I have been building up a rotation of “Jams” for years for those times I’m feeling off and just can’t get centered. Interesingly, when I read the title of this post, I immediately thought of “Happier” by Marshmello and Bastille. I really like that song 😀 What jams do you suggest?
Thanks for the comment, Richard! I always like to listen to music I liked while I was at school when I’m in need of a mood boost – it just takes me back to a slightly simpler time. So for me that’s a lot of upbeat rock and pop punk.
This is really lovely! Thanks for sharing this!
Great points, this is so well written! I love that all the things are easy to do too, like be creative or talk a walk 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Thanks so much, Anika!
Great post! I found those tips to be really helpful! Especially numbers 1 and 2. I think talking to someone is always a great step towards happiness and a better you.