20 Ways to Be Happy

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Our lives are busier than ever! We have so much to do that sometimes we forget to take a minute, breath, and just be happy. However, it’s important for so many reasons to stay happy. Now I could quote all the different studies out there on happiness, but – let’s face it – none of us want to read those! You came here looking for ways to be happy, and I want to share as many as I can think of. So sit back, grab a beverage that makes you smile, and find out how you can start living a happier life today.

{A positive? If you’re happier, those around you are probably going to become happier as well! Do this for yourself, and for your friends, family, children, spouse, and everyone else you see on a regular basis!}

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1. Do something you love. For me this might be picking up an adult coloring book, reading, or spending time with horses. For my husband, it would be tinkering in a garden or spending time on the family farm. Whatever it is that you love, make time to do it regularly.
2. Show kindness to others. I don’t know about you, but I often get a little surge of energy and warmth when I help someone out. Sometimes it’s a random act where I can hold the door for another person, but other times it’s something bigger – donating an item to someone in need, cooking a meal for a new mom, or volunteering my time. These small acts of kindness are often free to me, but I love that my small act brings a smile to someone else’s face!
3. Be friendly! The town I grew up in was unique. When you were driving, you waved to everyone. It was just a simple, hand raising gesture (no, not that kind!) as you met another vehicle. I thought everyone did that, until I moved away. However, it’s still a practice I try to do on a regular basis. It’s just a small way to show kindness to others in a world that isn’t always very kind. Think of other ways you could be kind. Hold the door open for someone. Smile at a stranger. If it makes you feel great, keep doing it!
4. Sing. Almost every morning my husband starts his day by listening to some old music that he finds on YouTube. While I don’t always appreciate his musical tastes so early in the morning, I try not to complain because starting his day with music is one of the ways to be happy for him. Who am I to ruin that?
5. Get outside. Again I could give you link upon link of studies that show how good Vitamin D is for us, but you probably already know that. Just go outdoors. Even five minutes of standing out doing absolutely nothing but getting a change of scenery often brightens my mood!
6. Dance! Now this may sound a bit silly, but think about little kids for a moment. They are often happy, prancing around the living room for no reason at all. Why not dance with them? Home alone? Dance! There’s that old saying, “Dance like no one’s looking.” I firmly believe dancing can release pent up frustration and help us feel happier!
7. Laugh. Sometimes when I’m at my grumpiest, Andrew cracks a joke or makes a smart-aleck comment. That’s often all it takes to turn my frown upside down! Instantly I feel better and like things will be alright. I really need to laugh more!
8. Give yourself a brain break. Brain break is a term often used by teachers, but it can apply to anyone. Tell yourself it’s ok to spend five minutes unwinding. Maybe you’ll play your favorite song at work, perhaps you’ll get in two minutes of stretching, or maybe you’ll look at funny pictures like these to put a smile on your face.
9. Get enough sleep. Yea, yea, I know. You’re busy! We’re all busy. But getting enough sleep at night is one of the best ways to be happy! While I know I can function on five or six hours of sleep, I know that nine is the ultimate number my body likes. This can’t always happen for me, but I try to ensure it does at least a few nights a week.
10. Meditate or pray. Many people find great joy in saying a prayer each day or spending time in meditation. If it makes you happy, do it more often.
11. Exercise. Yes, I just said that dreaded “E” word. I know, I know… It’s hard to get motivated. Trust me, I know! But I find that after a workout I feel better! There really is something to be said about those endorphins making us happier!
12. Say no. Have you ever gotten stressed out because you find yourself taking on too much? Yep – me too! Let yourself say no. As a teen I told my mom to sit on her hands when they asked for volunteers because she was always volunteering. Now I realize I need to take my own advice. If it’s not something I’m going to truly enjoy doing, do I have to do it? (Yes, sometimes I have to, but other times I allow myself to say no.)
13. Be around animals. Those little (or big) piles of fur (or scales – if that’s your thing) can often help us unwind and de-stress more than we realize! Use your pet as one of the way to be happy. You won’t regret, and chances are that Fido will like that extra time with you as well.
14. Smell something you enjoy. Many people associate scents with various emotions. For me, smelling fresh cut grass or horses is going to make me smile. It just brings back great childhood memories. For you it might be the smell of an essential oil. Whatever that scent is, try to smell it at least once a day to bring you more happiness.
15. Surround yourself with good people. There have been friendships over the years that I’ve just simply had to end. Yes, it makes me sad at first, but many times I realize that it was the best for my happiness and health. While we all may need to vent from time to time, someone who is constantly negative is not going to help you on your path to happiness.
16. Give yourself something to look forward to. Again, we all enjoy different things, so this will look different to everyone. Maybe you’re looking forward to that concert this weekend? Or perhaps you’re working really hard to pay off a debt. Put a big reminder up to help you remember that what you are doing now (even if you don’t love it) IS helping you reach your goal – which will bring you happiness.
17. Be positive. Sometimes you just have to fake it until you make it.
18. Be thankful. Saying a simple thank you to someone is probably going to put a smile on their face. When they smile, chances are that you will to. That wasn’t so hard, now was it? 😉
19. Get rid of stress. Stress can be a good thing, but too much stress can be – well, stressful. Try to limit the amount of negative stressors in your life. It’s just one of many ways to be happy.
20. Cooperate with others. So much of life is a competition. Quit trying to compete with others and be happy where you are at. It’ll be less stressful and let you experience more joy.

Obviously everyone is going to have different ways that make them happy. The key is to find at least one or two and make time to do them each day! No one is in charge of your happiness but you, so it’s your responsibility to find ways to be happy.