Sometimes, it’s easy to fall prey to believing that we’ll only be happier and more fulfilled when our circumstances change. But the truth is, those of us who live in first world counties have the ability to make choices that will affect how we feel.
If you ever wake up in a funk or you just wish you could spend a day at the spa but time and money aren’t at your disposal to do so, here are 27 Ways to Feel Happier — for free!
1. Hug someone.
2. Make a warm drink (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or Decaf Chai Latte) and savor it.
3. Create a playlist of music that makes you happy.
4. Go outside and look up at the sky.
5. Write a note to encourage someone else.
6. Sing like no one can hear you. 😉
7. Take a walk.
9. Turn on some music and dance.
10. Write out three blessings.
11. Watch a comedy clip on YouTube.
12. Dress in something that makes you feel great.
13. Find a quick workout on YouTube and do it.
14. Organize something.
15. Send a text to tell a friend you’re thinking of her.
16. Tell someone thank you for something they’ve done for you.
17. Light a candle.
18. Bake something.
19. Smile at people today and see how many people you can get to smile back at you.
20. Find a joke or funny clip online and email it to a friend.
21. Listen to a podcast that inspires you. (This is one of my current favorite podcasts.)
22. Reach out and offer to help someone.
23. Make someone else laugh.
24. Create something beautiful.
25. Sign up for some freebies. (Free makes me happy!)
26. Invite a friend over for tea or coffee.
27. Open up your windows in the morning and let the fresh breeze in.
What other ideas would you add to my list? I’d love to hear! Share them in the comments.
P.S. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of The Happiness Dare if you need encouragement and inspiration to add more “shots of happy” into your life.
LeAnne Martin says
Experiencing beauty–whether it’s in nature, the arts, or the unexpected–makes me happy. I like to write about it on my blog to encourage others to look for the beauty around us and be uplifted by it.
Meg says
I totally agree! Thanks for sharing that thought! -Meg, MSM Team
Amy says
I really needed to hear this today. Been very down lately. Thanks for all you do!
Crystal Paine says
You’re so welcome! Thank you for your encouragement!
Carole says
Thank you crystal
Today I have to go for my annual CT scan to check my cancer has not returned.
So as you can imagine I’m scared but reading your list above and thinking
I’m thankful that I’m still here to be able to go for a scan !
So thank you for helping me out things in perspective today
Love your posts
Carole
X
Katie says
Hi Carole,
I never post anything but your comment moved me. You seem such a lovely lady who has been through a lot. Wishing the very best for you.
Praying for you and sending hugs xxx
Carole says
Hi Katie
A year on and scans still clear
Alive and thankful for each and everyday I get to spend with family
We are moving back to nz on 21 st feb
Carole x
Melissa says
Jump on the trampoline by yourself or with your kids. Haven’t done it for awhile, but it made me feel happy like a kid.
Crystal Paine says
Oh! Fun idea!
Francisca says
Having my kids around me makes me happy
Traveling/planning Travel makes me happy as well
Cherry says
This would make a great printable!!!!
Crystal Paine says
Oh! That’s a great idea! Thank you!
Sally says
I can’t find number 27.
Crystal Paine says
Whoops! That would be because it wasn’t there! I just added it! 🙂
Tina says
27. Open up your windows in the morning and let the fresh breeze in.
Cathy @ tips4livingbetter.com says
What a great list you have compiled.
I would like to add writing letters to your future self-explaining how you see yourself in the future.
Write your goals
Write your dreams
Put the letter in an envelope close it and address it to yourself.
Set an alarm on when you are going to open this letter.
Time frame can be 1 year or 3 years or 5 – 10 years it’s all up to you
Crystal Paine says
What a great idea!
Lorrie says
When I was trying to be more spontaneous and joyful years ago I found two ways to lift my spirits. Both you can get at the dollar store and they last a long time. I felt they were well worth the $2 investment!!
1) drink something through a crazy straw. My kids thought I was funny and it made me smile.
2) I got a bottle of bubbles and went outside and blew bubbles. It’s really hard to stay down and blow bubbles. Bubbles always make me smile.
I’ve given both of them to friends who were down or struggling through hard times. They may look at me funny sometimes but if they give it a try they love it.
Crystal Paine says
I love these ideas! Thank you for sharing!
Sharon@DiscoverExploreLearn says
Oh, I love this list! Many of these suggestions are things I already do when I need a mood-booster, but now I have some new ideas as well. Thanks!
I would add hang out with kids to the list. I swear, no matter how bad my day is, spending time playing games, reading, or just talking with my kids makes everything better.
Crystal Paine says
Yes! That is so true!
Molly says
Cute animal pictures.
Crystal Paine says
Love it!
MommaL says
My grandchildren live far away, so I made a screensaver slide show of their photos. It makes me happy, and people smile when they’re in my office if they see them too.
Crystal Paine says
What a great idea!