I've got a spirit booster for you; The International Day of Happiness is on March 20th! So, as we patiently wait for spring to arrive, let's join in on the festivities of the day of happiness so we can fill our hearts until they overflow, spreading the happiness to the people that we're surrounded by on a regular basis. Here are 8 things you can do right now to help you become a happier you!
1. Express Gratitude
"The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now. And the more grateful you are, the more you get." -Oprah
Start by noticing three things you are grateful for and recognizing why you feel that way. If you would like, keep a gratitude journal. It helps you look back and reflect on all you have to be grateful for.
If you are grateful for a person or something someone has done for you, tell them! It will help them add a little happiness to their day while you add some to yours.
2. Find Something to Think Positively About
Think about a situation that you have comping up and only think about the potential positive outcomes of that situation. If you expect the best out of life, you will receive the best.
3. Avoid the Comparison Game
This is really hard right now with access to social media. We think we can see into everyone's lives and how amazing everyone seems to be doing, while you may be struggling to just get through the day. Instead of comparing your life to someone else's, look for ways to be a better you. The small accomplishments that you make towards bettering yourself might just be a whole lot more rewarding.
4. Practice Random Acts of Kindness
Do something nice for a family member, friend, or stranger. Your kind gesture will boost your happiness, but it may also influence theirs.
5. Be Social
Call or text someone in your life you haven't talked to in a while. Go out and meet with friends or family. Or, if you are really feeling ambitious, go out and meet new people!
6. Learn to Forgive
By learning to forgive yourself first, and then learning to forgive the people that might have hurt you in the past, you might free yourself up from pain you have been holding onto.
7. Take Care of Your Body
You only get one body, be nice to it! Get moving. Being active is not only good for our physical health, but it also makes us happier. It instantly improves your mood. IT doesn't matter what it is, as long as you increase your heart rate and move your body, you will feel the positive effects.
Eat as healthy as possible. Your brain likes it when you fuel your body with real food.
8. Commit to Achieving a Goal
Pick something that you are really motivated to change about yourself. You have to really want it. Break the goal down into small, doable, "mini" goals that you know you can achieve. Commit to it, own it, do it! Once you accomplish it, the feeling is remarkable!
Sometime this week, try one of these things. When you are ready, try incorporating at least one of them into your normal daily routine. By doing so, you can make yourself happier. Then you can spread your happy to the rest of the world around you!