REBOOT YOUR “HAPPY” SET POINT

Happiness is a choice. The sales clerk with a giant smile and a bubbly voice, your brother who doesn’t get worked up about anything, your dog absolutely l-o-v-i-n-g his daily walk—they are decidedly happy about life! Being happy doesn’t happen overnight, though, and depending on who you are, it can require different levels of maintenance, commitment, and bravery. In fact, one theory is that everyone has a happiness “set point” that determines their well-being. When good or bad things happen, you trend upward or downward, but generally you stay around the same level. However, you always have the opportunity to reboot that set point and choose to intentionally seek more happiness.

To refresh your attitude toward happiness, start by thinking about your baseline moods. How do you feel on a typical day? Then, think about what things make you feel happy. Now, lay out some small choices you can make on a daily basis to prioritize those types of activities. These frequent boosts add up over time, raising your happiness set point so you default to a better mood more often.

COLOR IN A COLORING BOOK

Adult coloring books are an excellent option for creative escape. Consider it art meditation: By focusing on coloring, your brain is forced to let go of any worries, frustrations, etc., and concentrate on the task at hand. It’s a fun way to relax and show negativity the door. So grab a set of colored pencils and chill out.

LEARN CALLIGRAPHY

Writing in calligraphy is a meditative experience that fosters creativity and draws your attention away from negative thoughts or feelings—toward the relaxing, satisfying act of drawing beautiful letters. You can find pre-assembled kits, or purchase individual beginner-level supplies at your local craft store. Check out a class at your local art center or look up an online tutorial and print off a few worksheets to try at home. Then, get in the zone and script away with a little music in the background.

MAKE A DECISION

There’s power in being decisive about what you want, even when you don’t totally know how the outcome will play out. You can’t help but feel good when you conquer self-doubt, cut through hesitations like “What if?” and “Well, maybe,” and say, “This is what I choose.” And with every decision you make, it gets easier to continue trusting yourself. You’ve got this!