What really makes you happy and satisfied with life? Although happiness and life satisfaction are relatively new research areas in psychology, studies suggest that it’s not material possessions—like cars, luxury homes, or the latest gadgets—that bring happiness, but rather internal factors like good health and an optimistic outlook.
No matter your age, bank account balance, marital status, or job, everyone desires more happiness in their life. So, what does it take for you to feel content and thriving? Exploring these questions can help you discover how to lead a happier life. To find happiness and possibly extend your life, try thinking positively. Choosing happy thoughts over negative ones can help you develop a more optimistic view of life.
Here are 29 simple tips to lift your spirits. Save this list and refer to it whenever you need a boost.
1. Change the Way You Think: To find happiness and extend your life, focus on happy thoughts.
2. Smile, Even if You’re Not in the Mood: Force a smile, hold it for ten seconds, and deepen it.
3. Relax Before Starting Your Day: Spend ten minutes in bed doing a mental check-in with deep breaths and body awareness.
4. Create Your Own Space: Make a sanctuary at home for yoga, meditation, journaling, or relaxation.
5. Write Your Own Mission Statement: Craft a statement outlining your vision and values for a happy, meaningful life.
6. Start New Family Traditions: Plan new family traditions with your kids and spouse.
7. Write a Love Note: Leave a simple “I love you” note for your partner to find.
8. Set Clear Boundaries: Sometimes, a simple no is needed to maintain personal boundaries.
9. Be the Friend You Want: Cultivate and demonstrate loyalty and trust in relationships.
10. Share Cooking Duties: Let each family member prepare a meal weekly, even if it’s simple.
11. Schedule One-on-One Time: Spend quality time with loved ones to show you care.
12. Spice Things Up: Try new experiences in the bedroom to enhance intimacy and enjoyment.
13. Practice Deep Breathing: Take deep breaths throughout the day to calm your mind.
14. Daydream for 20 Minutes: Use your imagination to reduce stress and spark creativity.
15. Enjoy a Spa Day: Treat yourself to a day at the spa or try DIY spa treatments at home.
16. Use the Law of Attraction: Visualize achieving recognition for your work accomplishments.
17. Improve Your Job: Think of three ways to make your job more enjoyable and boost your mood.
18. Relax Before Bed: Release stress through meditation or breathing exercises for better sleep.
19. Scream it Out: Release pent-up feelings by screaming into a pillow to relieve stress.
20. Unwind with Wine: Enjoy a glass of wine in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
21. Spend Time on Your Passion: Dedicate five minutes daily to pursue your dream.
22. Leave with a Clean Desk: Keep your workspace organized for increased efficiency.
23. De-Stress at Work: Take breaks during the day to relax and recharge.
24. Dance While Brewing Coffee: Start the day dancing to your favorite tunes while making coffee.
25. Bake for Your Pet: Make healthy homemade treats for your pet instead of buying them.
26. Donate Loose Change: Collect spare change and donate it to a good cause for a happiness boost.
27. Be Nice or Be Quiet: Replace negative speech with positive, thoughtful language.
28. Perform Helpful Actions: Think of three cost-free ways to make a positive impact in the world.
29. Share Virtual Cheer: Add an uplifting quote to your email signature to spread positivity.
