TAKE A REST

You’ve probably been taught to devote as much of your energy toward being productive as possible, but you aren’t a machine, you’re a person—who needs downtime. Think of a computer: If you open up every single program and application and never hit the off button, it’s going to crash at some point. People are the same way; we need periods of rest in order to reset our minds and avoid the burnouts that lead to forgetfulness, exhaustion, and feeling unhappy. Plus, giving your brain a chance to press pause will actually help you be more successful later. It’s like when you have a brilliant idea in the shower after feeling stuck the entire previous day. Sometimes that break is just what you needed to see the problem or task from a new angle.

So stop working: Put down your phone, shut that computer, and skip the chores. Avoid picking up a book or turning on the TV too. Yes—we are giving you full permission to do absolutely nothing. It’s up to you whether you take a break for a few minutes or a few hours; just listen to what your mind and body need. You’ll feel recharged, upbeat, and ready to take on anything that comes your way!

SEND A “YOU’RE AWESOME” NOTE

You’re familiar with sending thank-you cards or emails—when your grandma sent that sweater for your birthday, when your best friend planned all the travel for your summer trip. In those situations, people are often expecting, or at least aren’t super surprised, to get a “thank you” in some form. That’s why a “you’re awesome” note stands out! It’s less transactional, and more spontaneous and personal. Use your note to tell a close family member how much you cherish the time you went out to breakfast together. Or your friend how much their sense of humor means to you. When you make other people happy, it makes you happy too.

FOLLOW THE STORY IN YOUR HEAD

So much stress in life is related to stuff that hasn’t even happened. For example, when you’re worried about oversleeping tomorrow morning, or wondering if the sniffles you’ve been having will turn into a full-blown cold that keeps you home all weekend. You worry about “What if?” and what “could” and “should” happen in the future—which gets in the way of feeling truly happy in the here and now. Instead, play out the full story of whatever is making you stressed. If you do get sick, what will actually happen? “Well,” you think, “I’ll feel terrible, and I might have to stay in bed all day or take medicine…” Okay, then that’s what you’ll do! Worry about it if it actually happens; in the meantime, focus on the here and now to feel a little less stress, and a lot more happy.

EAT BREAKFAST

Eating a nutritious breakfast sets up your day—and your mood—for success. Not only does breakfast provide you with energy and boost your metabolism, it’s also an opportunity for some much-deserved self-care. Nurturing yourself in this way creates a ripple effect for your happiness and productivity levels. So eat up!

INTERVIEW A FAMILY MEMBER

Don’t let your history fade away forgotten; take the initiative to interview your loved ones to learn about different stories or significant events. Ask about their childhood, any relatives or ancestors from other countries, travels, educational experiences, etc. You’ll feel connected to your genealogy and the family members you interview—connections that will have a huge impact on your overall happiness. Plus, you may learn something surprising.

KISS SOMEONE

Kissing can make anyone feel good. It releases a whole bunch of chemicals that activate the parts of your brain that manage pleasure, and also lowers stress levels and blood pressure. So if you’re looking to lift your spirits in a matter of seconds, have a little make-out sesh.

KEEP A PROMISE

Keeping promises, both to yourself or other people, promotes self-esteem and makes you feel happy with your life, as you are living according to an important value. After all, being a person with integrity matters, and how you follow through on what you say you’re going to do impacts your relationships and the way you see yourself. The next time you vow to do something, do it! It’s a simple way to build trust and feel good about who you are.

SKIP THE SMALL TALK

We’ve all been stuck in one of those painful situations: The conversation feels awkward or even forced, and you turn to boring, meaningless topics just to avoid silence. It’s tiring! Instead, take the opportunity to either ask a deeper type of question and possibly open the door to a more meaningful interaction—or practice getting comfortable with silence. You’ll be happier for it, because you’ll either connect with someone new on a deeper level or you’ll give yourself a chance to relax without the pressure to fill a silent moment.

PRAY TO A HIGHER POWER

No matter what faith tradition or spiritual beliefs you follow, praying to a higher power can reduce stress and build resilience. It also makes you feel more connected to the world around you, which impacts your overall happiness.