Simple ways to feel happier every day

Happiness can sometimes feel elusive, especially when life becomes busy, stressful or overwhelming. Yet often it is the small daily habits, choices and moments that have the biggest impact on how we feel. Taking time to look after your wellbeing, focus on positive experiences and make space for the things you enjoy can gradually help improve your mood, confidence and overall outlook on life.

The following ideas are simple but effective ways to help boost happiness and create a more balanced, fulfilling and positive life.
 
 

Enjoy the present moment

Enjoy the moment

Try to forget worrying about things that have happened in the past or are on tomorrow’s agenda. Focus on the good things in the here and now.

Smile

It is true- a smile is contagious. Try it a few times a day and see the positive effect it has on others and your sense of well-being.

Get some fresh air

Just getting out can lift your mood- have a look at the things around you and appreciate nature. Going for a walk gives energy too.

Make time for things you enjoy

Do things you enjoy

Yes, focus on you. Think about what you like to do and do it regularly, daily if you can: meeting friends, going for a jog, eating a bar of chocolate, drawing, writing or listening to the radio. Whatever it is, ensure you do it!

Go and do something

Yes, don’t sit there and mope. Too much self-analysis and thought can be damaging if not focused constructively. Do something- anything! Get up and about, go outside, meet people, take a walk- just ensure you do something if you are feeling low.

Arrange something special

If you enjoy a nice meal out, a trip to the cinema or theatre, a visit to an Art Gallery or whatever it is that you gain enjoyment from, ensure you have something planned and to look forward to. Try to make this happen at least once a month.

Do something different

Be brave! Go and do something completely new and something you feel excited about. Join an evening class, a supper club, visit somewhere you’ve never been before, ask someone out, or to come with you, or if you are a busy person, enjoy being alone and catching up with yourself.

Take up a new hobby or concentrate on an existing one

Review the thing that you would really like to focus on, that gives you energy and happiness and that you enjoy and make plans to do it!

Support your physical wellbeing

Look after yourself

Good health and well-being are essential for happiness. Focus on the foundations of eating nutritiously, drinking enough water and taking some form of exercise daily. Your mood will be uplifted on an ongoing basis.

Exercise

Find something you enjoy doing and do it regularly. Plan it into your week and stick to it.

Get enough sleep

Seven hours is good for most people to recharge.

Spend time with positive people

Meet up with your ‘buzz’ people

Set aside time - it doesn’t have to be much-to spend with the people who make you feel good, the people whose company you enjoy and make the effort to see them regularly.

Compliment, praise and appreciate others

Make an effort to recognise something about someone every single day.

Appreciate the people who are special to you

Tell them what they mean to you, and why.

Create a calmer and more organised life

Tidy up

If your office, desk or areas at home need a tidy up and clear out, review how good you feel once this is done. Make space to think and be.

Make a ‘To Do’ list

Write down everything that needs to be done, personally and professionally. Enjoy the success in being able to cross off each thing, one by one. Continually update and monitor your list and recognise the progress you are making.

Switch off the laptop or the television

A change from doing the same old thing can improve your mood.

Be calm

Recognise your signs of stress and minimise the situations in which you feel like this.

Look after your financial affairs

Get your paperwork and finances in order. Pay bills on time and understand your level of income and expenditure. Seek professional help if you are in financial difficulty. Debt gets people down.

Build confidence and self-worth

Use your talents

If you have a gift or a talent, use it. Find pleasure in doing so and in sharing your skills with others.

Review your achievements

Don’t forget your successes and strengths, the things you are good at and that other people appreciate about you. Write them down and read them regularly out loud to yourself.

Learn to love yourself

If that’s too difficult to start with, then learn to like yourself. Appreciate who you are and what you bring to others. Understand your strengths, your skills, your values and your successes. Know what makes you different and unique. This is also a great starting point to increased confidence.

Creating a happier life

Many people wish to be happier. It is important to understand in what particular area of their life they want to feel this. Life coaching explores this and works to set goals and take action to achieve a happier life. Change is vital.

Go on, ....try it! An exciting, happy journey lies ahead!