9 Simple Tricks to Increase Your Happiness

By Dominique Michelle Astorino
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio
POPSUGAR Photography | Maria del Rio

Sometimes there are days when you just don't feel like your normal self. Whether it's stress, anxiety, sadness, anger, or you're just "off," feeling bad can be a vicious cycle! First you feel bad, then you feel bad that you feel bad, only leading you to feel worse . . . see where this is going?

Fortunately, there are some really simple ways to turn your day around — and many of them are free! Try some quick fixes to bring yourself a burst of sunshine and a little extra happiness.

  1. Work it out. Yay endorphins! Feeling some anxiety? Anger? There are workouts for that. Even if you're just feeling "meh" for no particular reason, a nice, heart-pounding, supersweaty workout can help you feel normal again. Not into intense exercise? Go for a gentle yoga class to restore your body and brain.
  2. Connect with people you love. If you're feeling off, sometimes all you need is a little human connection to spark joy again. If you're stressed, vent to a family member or friend. Feeling sad? Maybe you need a hug from a significant other or time playing with your kids.
  3. Go for a walk. If you just can't bring yourself to do a workout, oftentimes a low-intensity walk can do the trick, too. Get your legs moving, change the scenery, take a break from technology and the stresses of the world, and give yourself a restart.
  4. Drink more water. Dehydration can actually lead to crankiness and moodiness and even trigger anxiety. Make sure you're hydrating — it might also be a good idea to avoid caffeine if you're feeling anxious.
  5. Gratitude journal. Take a few moments to journal and write down every single thing you're grateful for in your life. It may seem like a challenge at first, but dig deep to think of every teeny, tiny detail. Simply being grateful for being alive and being healthy is a wonderful place to start! It's been proven that practicing gratitude increases happiness and reduces stress.
  6. Get outside. A breath of fresh air and some nature does a body — and brain — a whole lot of good. Bonus points if you can walk barefoot or go into the woods (both of those reduce stress exponentially!).
  7. Meditate. Find a calm place where you can be undisturbed for a few minutes, and try meditation. It's a surefire way to clear your mind and get a nice reset.
  8. Treat yo' self. Self-care isn't just a buzz word, and it's definitely not selfish to make sure you're taking care of yourself when you're not feeling your normal self. Bring yourself joy by grabbing a smoothie from your favorite juice shop, buying flowers from the farmers market, or booking yourself a fancy workout that you wouldn't normally go to. Maybe a nice lunch with a friend or a shopping trip with your mom or a pedicure with your sister is what will give you a mood boost! Take a moment to turn off the stress and plan something nice for yourself, no matter how small.
  9. Laugh. Add some laughter to your life! Talk to your funny friend, scroll through some memes, binge-watch Friends, see a funny movie, or go to a comedy show. A little comedic relief can go a long way.