PERSIST WITH GRIT

Finding and pursuing your passions is an important part of happiness. After all, they are what make the daily grind worth it! And it requires grit. If you’re being “gritty,” you’re always trying to reflect and improve; you use routines and intentional practices to figure out what matters most to you, and how to get it. When you’re feeling unsure of your path, grit also helps you stay the course until you figure out what you need to be happy.

Think of grit like a muscle: You need to exercise it on a regular basis. So how do you exercise grit, exactly? Start by looking at the big picture of whatever you’re trying to accomplish, rather than the steps to getting there. For example, instead of “I’m doing ten push-ups today,” maybe it’s “I’m building strength.” On the days when you don’t really feel like doing those push-ups, or a lack of results so far has you unmotivated, grit reminds you of what you will gain if you keep going. Use grit to fuel your fire and help you to continue working toward the things that will make you happy.

SEE A MOVIE BY YOURSELF

Why see a movie on the big screen by yourself? For starters, you can choose whatever seat you want, stuff your face with popcorn without worrying about sharing the bag, and pick the movie you see. Besides, you get to watch the previews in peace and don’t have to talk to a soul!

TAKE A PROBIOTIC

Probiotics, microorganisms found in fermented foods, help balance the good kind of bacteria in your gut and promote digestive health. Research also points to the helpfulness of probiotics in your mental health too. Add foods like yogurt and cottage cheese to your breakfast, or incorporate things like pickles, miso, or sauerkraut to your snacks for a tasty mood boost.

VOLUNTEER AT A SHELTER

Giving your time to a homeless shelter is a great way to help people in your community, as well as appreciate your own blessings. You can volunteer by serving food, organizing donated clothing, or getting trained to help with counseling or other programs.

PLAN A TRIP

Research indicates the happiest part of travel involves the planning process. It’s because of all the anticipation: contemplating how much fun you’re going to have in a new location, looking forward to the different activities on your itinerary, counting down the hours until you can enjoy quality time with your travel partners (or yourself). Give yourself a boost by planning your next adventure! Where will you go? Who do you want to bring with you? What things should you pack or get done before jetting off? Relish the excitement of what lies ahead.

TRY A SOUND BATH

Rooted in cultures that have long used music and vibration as a form of healing, sound baths are now backed by studies that show they can help manage the parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates stress and anxiety. How does a sound bath work, exactly? First, you sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Then, the instructor (or sound therapist) uses repetitive notes created by gongs, cymbals, or crystal bowls to guide you into a meditative state. As you focus on the music around you, you’ll feel any negative thoughts or feelings start to drift away in favor of peace and relaxation. Look online for a yoga studio or sound therapist near you that offers sound bath classes.

TRY ST. JOHN’S WORT

This herbal supplement is a natural, long-term way of improving your mood by aiding sleep and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. St. John’s wort can be found in most grocery and health food stores.

GO TO GROUP THERAPY

Participating in group therapy, which usually involves five to fifteen people, isn’t just for people in immediate crisis. The sessions are also a great opportunity to get support from others going through similar issues as you—stress, anxiety, and whatever else may be getting between you and happiness. Fellow participants can offer an unbiased ear and provide insights.

BREAK A BAD HABIT

Good habits lead to a happy you; likewise, bad habits lead to building feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, and even declining health. Set a goal to break a habit that isn’t benefiting you. For example, maybe you have been biting your nails. Grab a piece of hard candy every time you feel the urge, and eventually you won’t default to nail-biting anymore.