A happy life is probably something each one of us strives for, because after all, isn’t happiness the ultimate goal?
Sadly, so many of us find achieving happiness almost impossible.
We chase after things that we think will make us happy, spend our money on stuff we don’t need; and yet, we never seem to find that pure bliss.
Don’t get me wrong, retail therapy is very much something I enjoy and indulge in on a probably-more-than-I-can-afford basis. Nothing makes you forget about your worries more than scrolling through shopping websites and adding loads of items to your cart.
But let’s face it, it’s not always healthy nor pocket-friendly.
And for this reason, I wanted to share with you some news: there are a lot of simple activities that you can practice that will bring a smile to your face without breaking the bank.
Well I mean it’s probably not really that new, but I find that we often forget how much of a difference the small things can make. For this reason, I’m here to remind you that a happy life is just a sum of happy days, and the basis of what makes those days joyful is simply how we spend them.
So here I bring you 21 habits, that although are both small and simple, will make your days a lot happier and your worries a lot more bearable.
1. Have social media-free mornings
I wanted to say phone-free mornings at first, but then I remembered how essential listening to music is for my mood.
Buuut… staying off of social media is essential too, if not more. There’s just something about scrolling in the morning that is enough to drain you of all your energy, motivation, and happiness.
I can really tell the difference between the days I start my mornings with mindfulness, a good stretch or a workout maybe, a good book; and the days where I spend an hour in bed checking every social media app downloaded on my phone.
Leave your phone alone in the morning, have a good sip of coffee and listen to the sounds of birds; and watch how much better your day goes on.
2. Take daily walks
In nature, that is. Well, if you only have access to a treadmill or if it’s too hot/cold to walk outside, of course make use of what you have.
But if the weather permits it, put on some comfy clothes, prepare your air pods, and go out for a walk. Listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook; or even call a friend while at it maybe.
Humans were not made to sit in small, closed spaces for a long period of time; and staying in way too often might be the reason behind your low moods.
So before saying that you don’t have any friends to go out with or you simply can’t afford to stay out, remember that strolls in nature are free and you can do it all on your own.
If you can’t fit a walk into your daily routine, try to park a bit farther when going any place and walking the remaining distance. Just smelling that fresh air and seeing the light can feel absolutely amazing.
3. Have a good stretch
Stretching feels absolutely amazing, especially if you’re feeling stiff and tight in the morning or after a long day.
Take just 5 to 10 minutes to stretch and lengthen your muscles every day and see how lighter and happier you will feel.
4. Get ready in the morning
I cannot tell you how much of a difference in my spirits dressing up every single day makes.
And you don’t even have to wear the fanciest outfit in your closet with the highest heels you can find; just take a shower, put on a comfy pair of jeans and a cute top with some sneakers, do your hair and maybe put on a bit of makeup.
- You will feel so much better about yourself than if you were to stay in your pajamas with your dirty hair up in a bun.
- Your productivity will skyrocket. Just changing out of your pjs signals to your brain that sleeping/relaxing time is officially over.
- If any plan comes up, or if you just happen to want to go out somewhere, all you have to do is grab your things and go. Nothing turns me more into an introvert than not being dressed up, because just the thought of having to get ready can be daunting sometimes.
- When you have to go out to grab something from the store, you will not risk anyone seeing you in a not-so-seeable state.
5. Keep a water bottle with you and drink at all times
If you don’t know it already, dehydration can really affect your mood, making you grumpy and tired.
For that reason, keep a water bottle/cup next to you at all times, so you don’t forget to drink that very important 2L of water every day.
Especially when you go out, take a bottle with you wherever you go. I know for me that I could go like 6 hours without a sip of water when I’m out, and I can really tell the effect it has on my body.
6. Move around every once in a while
A lot of us lead quite sedentary lifestyles. We work office jobs in which we are required to sit at our desks for almost the entirety of our shifts, then we get home and we are too tired to move or go anywhere. Even most of our plans consist of sitting at a restaurant or a bar.
So unless you’re lucky enough to have an active job (that doesn’t leave you exhausted at the end of each day of course), you need to make it a point to get up from your desk and move at least once every 2 hours.
Just leave your work and walk around the office for a few minutes to get your blood flowing and regain your energy.
And if you work from home like me, use those breaks to do some work around the house, which leads me to my next point:
7. Take 10-15 minutes to tidy your environment
The environment you live in has a direct impact on your mental health. If your home is in chaos, nothing is in its correct place, dust is accumulated on surfaces, you’re probably not going to be feeling your best either.
And I know, life can sometimes get in the way, and you probably have a lot on your plate that you can’t even take the time to think about the place you’re sitting in.
But with any project in life, taking small actions is always better than nothing. So when you feel like you need a quick mental break from work, instead of staying in your place and scrolling on your phone, get up and tidy up the space around you:
- Put anything you can see back in its place.
- Do some dishes quickly.
- Fold your clothes.
- Wipe tables or any surfaces.
If you’re not part of the work-from-home team, take 10-15 minutes in the morning or right after you come home, to keep your space as tidy as possible and make it easier for you to do the thorough cleaning afterward.
As for the office, just keeping your desk clean will do, for both your well-being and your image at work.
8. Soak up some vitamin D
Again, if you spend most of your time stuck indoors, your body is probably missing a lot of that much-needed sunshine.
A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to weak bones, constant fatigue, and even depression. No wonder sitting in the sun feels so good, especially after being stuck inside for a while.
So if you want to be an overall happier person, get as much sunshine as possible. Whenever the sun’s out, get out and stand outdoors for ten minutes.
Maybe make day plans in a nice open-air place to really soak up all the benefits of nature’s radiance. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen though; too much of a good thing is not always good.
9. Count three things you love about yourself
Feeling down about yourself can be one of the worst mood killers, and confident people tend to live much happier lives.
And while it’s normal for everybody to have days where they feel not-so-confident, I highly encourage you to integrate positive affirmations into your day-to-day life. More specifically affirmations about yourself and about what you love about who you are. It can be as simple as the color of your hair, your laugh, or your friendly personality.
10. Count three things you are grateful for
No matter how you’re feeling at the moment, you can always find three things to be grateful for.
I know for me that I’m definitely not currently living my happiest days, but I always try to focus on the good things to make myself feel better and happier. Here are 10 things I am grateful for:
- The feel of sunshine on my face (quick reminder for habit #7)
- The sounds of birds in the morning
- Books, and everything related. The smell and feel of the pages, the hours getting lost in a compelling storyline, and the satisfaction of finally finishing a book you wanted to read since forever.
- The smell and refreshing taste of coffee in the morning.
- Gilmore Girls (or any other heartwarming, soul-stirring TV show/movie)
- Wearing flowy dresses in the summer
- Cozying up at home while it’s raining/snowing outside
- Bananas (I eat like five bananas a day)
- Spending the day at the beach and going to dinner afterward
- Knowing that no matter what, God is always there to guide and help me
Feel free to pick three of mine, or think about your own, and remind yourself of them whenever you’re not feeling your best.
11. Play with kids/pets
There’s just something so pure about babies and furry friends that makes you forget about your worries.
No, I’m not exactly a kids’ fan, but I can definitely feel the good effect of spending time with the little ones. It also makes you forget about yourself and your worries while you’re busy playing with them and making sure they’re having a good time.
I’m still choosing a cat over a kid any day though, don’t hate me for that 🙂
12. Watch funny videos
If you’re still insisting on using your phone in your free time, go to YouTube and watch some funny clips.
A good laugh at any time of the day is always a good idea.
13. Smile on purpose
Here’s the thing: your body does not know the difference between a genuine smile and one done on purpose.
Yes, you might feel weird at first, but trust me when I say it works really well in making you happier. Slowly, smiling will become a normal habit for you, or even a part of your personality, thus making you a happier, more joyful person.
14. Listen to joyful music
My obsession with music is seriously way too real; I listen to music basically all the time, which might be a bit excessive if you ask me.
But some songs just bring me so much joy, and that’s why I’m putting an emphasis on the word “joyful”. Don’t go listening to sad, depressing songs if you actually want to be happy.
To each their own of course, but I doubt listening to ‘My Immortal’ by Evanescence on repeat will make you a much happier person. Instead, go play some upbeat songs like:
- ‘Problems’ by Petit Biscuit (my personal favorite)
- ‘Cheap Thrills’ by Sia
- ‘She looks so perfect by 5SOS
- ‘Essence’ by Justin Bieber
- ‘I gotta feeling’ by Black Eyed Peas
So collect your all-time favorite happy songs, put them in a playlist, and play it on repeat till you feel like the happiest person in the world.
15. Dedicate time to read a good book
If you’re not a reading fan, let me let you in on a little secret: you are missing out on sooo much fun.
Well, it’s not always that fun when the ending makes you bawl your eyes out, but you know what I mean.
Books are a whole world on their own, and while I think non-fiction books are great, they don’t really bring me near as much happiness as fiction books do.
There’s just something about getting lost in a good plotline that makes it almost impossible for you to detach your hands from that book.
16. Video call your friends randomly
Sometimes all you really need is a good conversation with a good friend, and since meeting in person is not always an option for everybody, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and video call them.
Ofc it would be better to ask first in case they are busy, but just keep in contact with the people you love regularly for a much happier life.
My own BFF lives abroad and I only get to see her like once per year, but honestly, I really look forward to the weekly video calls we make where we talk about everything crossing our minds.
Connecting with the people close to your heart reminds you of what it feels like to be alive.
17. Be mindful on purpose
In an age of overstimulation, grasping the power of mindfulness can work miracles for your happiness.
Start with a 5 or 10 minutes’ meditation in the morning, or in the mid of your day if you’re feeling stressed and overstimulated. Take deep breaths, focus on how your body is feeling, and try to concentrate your thoughts on a specific affirmation.
Other than meditation, focus on being present while doing your usual activities, whether it be work, reading a book, or having a conversation with people.
18. Journal/rent to a friend
If you know me, or if you read this blog, you’ll know how much of a journaling fan I am. More generally, I’m a fan of being aware of my feelings and thoughts, and letting them out in any way if they are bothering me.
Renting to someone you trust, or just renting to yourself in your personal diary, talking about anything that might be bothering you, or any emotion you are feeling whether good or bad, is essential to leading a truly happy and peaceful life.
Nothing feels worse than keeping all of your burdens to yourself, and letting them eat at you without anyone knowing.
19. Learn/try something new
Any routine can easily turn into a rut if we don’t integrate anything new for a long period of time. So make it a point to add some new exciting elements to your life by:
- Taking a course (could be in-person or online)
- Trying out a new activity (remember that hobby you’ve been wanting to start since forever? Well now’s the perfect time for it)
- Having a conversation with a stranger, or someone you don’t know very well
- Trying out a new restaurant/cuisine
- Reading a book by an author you haven’t read anything by
20. Volunteer/Help someone
“For it is in giving that we receive.” – St. Francis of Assisi
Giving is truly one of the bases of lasting happiness (as long as you’re not overdoing it to the point where you feel taken advantage of).
While I can argue that helping is not as selfless as it is thought to be, it can definitely make you forget about your worries and focus on helping others deal with their own.
A goal of mine is to volunteer at an animal shelter, and while sadly there are none near where I live, I know that one day I will make it happen. I also know that it will add greatly to my personal happiness, as it would yours.
So go volunteer at a local shelter, give out clothes/items you no longer use to someone who needs them, or help a friend overcome some difficulty.
21. Focus on the good things
And last but not least, don’t forget to always look at the glass as half full.
I know that this is easier said than done, and sometimes it can seem like there’s no good in a specific situation at all. But I’m a strong believer that there’s always something good to gain from any situation, and if it’s not exactly obvious, it’s your job to search for it and turn a bad situation into a not-so-bad one.
As much as we try our best to be happy, bad days are inevitable, and you never know what’s going to happen. The best thing you can do though, is to teach your mind to look for the good in everything.
Final thoughts
If you reached the end of this post, I’m hoping that by now you’re convinced that happiness is often something we create.
I needed that reminder myself, and I got it from a conversation with a friend, which led me to write this blog post.
Save it and come back to it every time you need that reminder, as I plan to do.
