10 Ways To Feel Happy Instantly
We all get the blues sometimes, even when it feels like our lives are going great. Seasonal depression occurs for most people in winter. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and we sometimes just feel, blah. But as Abraham Lincoln once said, “people are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be”, meaning you can choose to be sad, or you can choose to be happy. If you’re feeling down in the dumps lately, turn that frown around by using these 10 ways to feel happy instantly:
1. Smile
Though it may feel forced, smiling, even when you’re not happy can make you instantly feel better. Try it, it’s hard to feel sad when you have a big goofy grin on your face.
2. Laugh
As with smiling, it’s hard to feel sad when you’re laughing. Think of a funny memory, watch a comedy show, or simply start laughing your butt off. Laughing will take your mind off whatever is making you sad and make you instantly feel better.
3. Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals in your body that release stress and make you feel good. Plus, working out will give you something to focus on rather than negative thoughts.
4. Play With Your Pet
Our pets are our loveable companions that offer unconditional love. It’s hard to feel sad when you’re cuddling with your fur baby. Also, petting your canine or feline friend actually releases serotonin in your brain, which helps put you in a better mood.
5. Call a Friend
Sometimes all we need to feel better is a little pep talk from a friend. Humans are social creatures and need to interact with others to function normally. If you’re feeling blue, check in with a friend.
6. Blast Your Favorite Song
Music has the power to shift our emotions at a moment's notice. There is power in words and melodies. Blasting a happy or upbeat song may be just the thing you need to get you out of your slump.
7. Clean Your House
When you’re feeling sad, sometimes you need to jump into action to shake away the blues. Pick up the broom and start cleaning and organizing your house. It will give you something to do other than dwell on your sadness. Plus, a clean house always feels better than a messy one, right?
8. Get Outside
Being cooped up inside for a long time will put anyone in a bad mood. Though the cold weather may make you want to stay inside, bundle up and get outside. Breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sun on your face will instantly lift your mood.
9. Have a Cup of Coffee
Coffee is considered by many to be the elixir of life. The caffeine in coffee will boost your energy levels and make you feel more motivated to do something. Keep a bag of coffee in your kitchen for when you need a little pick-me-up.
10. Buy Something for Yourself
When all else fails, retail therapy can be enough to brighten anyone's mood. If you’re feeling particularly down in the dumps, buy yourself something new. Take a gander online and maybe purchase that dishware set you’ve been eyeing for weeks. It’s always fun to have something to look forward to coming in the mail. Shopping may be your cure-all for seasonal depression.
