Instead of immediately throwing out that mail catalogue, take a look to see if anything inspires you. You can even check out e-versions for your favorite companies. Looking for inspiration provides a jolt of happiness as you explore new possibilities for your home, wardrobe, career, and more. It’s like window shopping, but in the comfort of your own home!
Walking during sunset or against a backdrop of moonlight offers a unique experience: The world is quieter. It’s a nice way to decompress after a long day as you reflect on the things you feel grateful for or excited about. The fresh air and exercise can also aid digestion and help you sleep better, making your evening even more relaxing.
There’s something invigorating about having crisp notebooks, fresh highlighters and pens, and color-coded folders—whether you are in a class or a workspace. You get to envision a successful future and create a sense of order in the present. It’s also a way to express your personality with a flashy gold stapler or sticky notes in your favorite color.
Paying forward acts of kindness makes you feel good inside and releases a hormone called oxytocin that lowers blood pressure and stress levels. It also encourages a sense of connection to the world around you. You don’t need a ton of time or money, either: Keep the good vibes going by covering the coffee order or toll fee of the person behind you, or finishing a chore for your significant other.
Knowing what revs you up—what makes you feel empowered and excited about life—helps you focus your energy toward the opportunities and activities that make you happy. Spend some time thinking about what these things are, and create a list. Start by considering what you could talk about for hours on end, or what motivates you to get out of bed in the morning. These can be things that are simple, like healthy eating, or more in-depth, like animal rights.
The next time you read a story that brings a smile to your face, send it to your inbox with the subject line “Happy Story!” and save it for a later date. It could be an adorable tale of kids doing cute things, a donation that had a huge impact, or a lost pet reuniting with its owner. Reread the stories whenever you need a lift. (Pro tip: Some publications do weekly roundups of the best human interest stories!)
Think about how much quiet time exists in your day-to-day—when there’s no music playing, no TV show in the background, no ongoing hum of cars speeding down the street. It’s important to carve out dedicated moments of pure quiet, where you can ditch the devices and distractions in favor of silence. Consider it a happy pause for your brain to chill out and refocus. If you’re feeling a little scattered, try to find a peaceful moment all to yourself: Skip the podcast on your commute home in favor of some natural downtime.
Did you know that it is scientifically proven that a funny video can make you significantly happier? It’s true! Whether you’re bored, stressed, or just looking for a little lift, humor (along with anything that makes you go “aww”) will make you feel better. How? Anytime you experience positive emotions, your brain produces dopamine—that feel-good hormone that keeps the positive vibes going. So go ahead: You have full permission (from science!) to scour the Internet for hilarious memes, cute clips, and comedy specials.
Getting enough shut-eye matters: When you’re overtired, you tend to feel moody and unfocused. And while experts recommend six to eight hours each night, sometimes it can be hard to squeeze them in consistently. Luckily, you can still catch up on your Zs by sleeping in on the weekend. After a long week of 6 a.m. wake-up calls, shut off your Saturday and/or Sunday morning alarm in favor of an extra hour (or three) of sleep. Be sure to keep your phone away from the bed as well, so you’re not tempted to start scrolling early and count it as “sleeping in.” You’ll feel refreshed and ready for another busy week ahead.
There’s something appealing about hearing the crunch of leaves under your feet as you concentrate on stepping over loose rocks and muddy sticks. Hiking offers a fun chance to be out in nature, surrounded by trees and fresh air instead of endless emails and text notifications. It helps you stay in the present moment as you focus on your environment, reducing stress and giving a lift to your mental health. You can go full-blown hiker mode with utility boots, a backpack full of extra water and snacks, and a mountain to conquer—or just check out a nearby trail or local state park for shorter, casual options closer to home.