What does a perfect day look like to you? Write down as many details about it as you can think of. Now, close your eyes and walk through that ideal day, visualizing all of those little details. How can you bring this day to life? Plan a time to make it happen! And even if you can’t create that day in the near future, you’ll feel happier just picturing it—and thinking about when you will have it.
One way to release tension and shake off any negativity is a method called “progressive muscle relaxation.” Lie down on your back, and, starting with your toes, practice tightening and then loosening each set of muscles in your body. (Work your way up so you end with your face muscles.)
Model Iskra Lawrence champions the “mirror challenge,” a self-love strategy to help cultivate happiness. In this strategy, you look directly at yourself in a mirror and list two to three things you like about yourself. The catch? They can’t be related to your appearance. The mirror challenge reminds you of how beautiful you are where it counts most: on the inside.
For all the people-pleasers worried about leaving a party before the lights come on, remember that it’s perfectly fine—and good for your mental health!—to head out when you’re actually ready to. One element of happiness is knowing your limits, so if you find that your social battery is nearing zero percent, or you’re just ready for some downtime at home, don’t feel bad. Give a gracious goodbye, note how fun the event was, and move along.
Certain essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and citrus help relax your body, increase your energy levels, and lift your mood. And when paired with a “carrier” oil like olive oil, almond oil, or coconut oil, these scents can be applied directly to your skin for gentle, effective aromatherapy. Pick up a small glass roller bottle (the kind with a metal roll-on insert) and use a dropper to put ten to twenty drops of an essential oil inside, along with six teaspoons of your carrier oil of choice. Seal and shake the bottle, then tap some of the mixture onto your inner wrists, forehead, or the back of your neck.
When you feel the impulse to moan and groan about something, try staying silent instead. You’d be surprised by how small complaints throughout the day can build up to a negative attitude. By practicing resisting that urge, you’ll notice how much happier you are when you don’t give extra attention to the things that can ruin a good mood.
Documentaries can be a fascinating way to learn about topics you’re unfamiliar with, or dig deeper into the history of a person or cultural moment you’ve wondered about. The next time you sit down to unwind with a movie, try a documentary—it’ll zap boredom and spark your curiosity. For an extra boost, pick a feel-good story guaranteed to warm your heart.
The apps on your phone or tablet take up digital real estate, and seeing that visual clutter can often make your mind feel cluttered too. Go through each one, and if you haven’t used it in the last month, delete it. It’s a little pick-me-up that leaves you feeling organized and capable of tackling any larger tasks ahead.
Shoveling food into your mouth while scrolling through Facebook can feel like a default, but it isn’t a very satisfying or enjoyable way to eat a meal. Put the joy back into eating by slowing things down so you can actually savor every bite. You’ll have the chance to mindfully notice the different parts of your meal—the smell of the roasted potatoes, the warmth of the steak—and also give your stomach time to digest your food properly.
Many people find themselves linking the number on the scale to how happy they feel. Weigh yourself a little less often (or not at all): Your self-esteem doesn’t need the trigger, and besides, science proves that number has little to do with how amazing (or healthy!) you are. By skipping the constant check-ins, you can redirect your attention to the things that are truly important.
A fulfilling sex life leads to better health and more happiness. Of course, intimacy comes in many different forms, whether that means a light kiss and hug or a trip to the bedroom. Prioritize intimacy that makes you—and your partner—feel good.