Everybody has their down days from time to time. Sometimes I just burst into tears for seemingly no reason other than just being bummed at life—or because I’ve dropped my chocolate. Either way, there are things you can do to combat this and they’re all within your own power!
Most people don’t know these simple ways they can trick their own mind into being happy. It’s true! Your mind is the most powerful medicine when it comes to being regularly unhappy. You don’t need medication and you definitely don’t need anything other than you and your mind.
1. Smile.
Your brain reflects what your body is doing. So, even if you’re in the middle of a tear-filled afternoon, all you have to do is smile.
Now, this isn’t a recipe for instant joy. You have to keep smiling for a little while, no matter how fake it feels, in order to reap the benefits of your powerful brain. Just pretend you won the lottery and that smile will put you in a great mood!
2. Workout!
In the wise words of Elle Woods, “Endorphins make people happy. And happy people don’t shoot their husbands.” Although the last part was irrelevant (I just love Legally Blonde), the first sentence is 100% true.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that basically work as a mood-booster. Not only will that fun little chemical make you feel good, you’ll also be happier that you spent some time getting your body into fantastic shape.
3. Get rid of negative people.
Your friends and the people you surround yourself with have a LOT to do with the way you feel. When you’re always around someone who is negative, crabby or just bringing down the mood, you will feel that way, too. Get rid of these people in your life and only leave room for the people who make you smile.
4. Do something fun!
What’s the one thing that, no matter what mood you’re in, you leave being happier than you were when you started? Do that! When you do something that you truly enjoy, your brain releases endorphins—just like exercise—and it really lifts your mood.
If you can’t think of something to do, try some of these uplifting activities as a start. You can even start a new hobby that you’ve always wanted to try. It will help you to focus on something other than your unhappiness.
5. Crank up the jukebox.
Listening to uplifting music has been proven to increase your mood. The happy beats and fun lyrics are enough to make your brain happy. Better yet, sing along! Singing, like exercising, releases endorphins. So, grab your hairbrush and have a personal concert.
6. Do something to help others.
Doing kind things for others actually makes you feel better about yourself. In order to control your own happiness, you should make others feel happy. Volunteer at a local senior living center or food pantry, or donate to your favorite charity. It’ll make your mood skyrocket.
7. Eat something delicious, but healthy.
Some junk foods can actually make you feel unhappy and even depressed. Food that is lacking in nutrition does this. If you really want to make yourself happy, eat something that not only tastes amazing, but is also filled with nutrients. A hearty meal always makes me feel better!
8. Watch a happy movie.
Visually seeing happy people always makes me a lot happier. I can’t help but smile when I see people having the time of their lives on TV. Even though it’s not always real because they’re actors, it’s still contagious.
If you’re struggling to find the best movies to uplift your mood, these are perfect for making you feel good, grateful and happy. Plug them in, relax and watch your mood get better and better.
9. Surround yourself with happy people.
Just as you should remove negative people from your life when you’re trying to find your own happiness, you should surround yourself with happy people! That happiness is definitely contagious and you’ll find yourself slipping into their joy.
10. Practice being happy.
I know it sounds silly telling you to practice feeling something, but as with everything, practice makes perfect! It’s actually been proven that the more you put yourself in a certain mind set, the more your brain thinks that way.
So, what really happens is that if you’re happy all the time, your mind will continue being happy. It’s sort of like how your body craves the foods you eat the most. If you’re constantly downing chocolate, you’ll constantly want chocolate. This also happens with your mood!
Only you can control your own happiness. These are the best ways to kick the blues and get back to your natural, happy self in no time! Do you have any natural pick-me-ups we didn’t mention? Let us know below!
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