When was the last time you felt happy? Not just a shadow of the pleasant feeling, but truly happy?
You could say that most of our actions are fueled by our motivation to feel good. Unfortunately, however, it’s not all the time that we feel happy. There are days when we just can’t resist feeling low.
If that is your case today, these simple happiness hacks can give you that extra shot of joy.
Let Your Inner Child Take the Lead
Children’s faces usually light up at the seemingly smallest things.
Take, for example, the silly faces their older sibling makes at them across the dinner table. The big hug they get when their dad arrives home from work and the feeling of flying in the air while they are on the playground’s swing set make them giggle with laughter, too.
If you want to put yourself in a happy place, try doing an activity that you enjoyed as a child. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this can spike your happy chemicals.
Enjoy Strange Interactions
The “stranger danger” warnings handed down to us during childhood can permanently hinder our interactions with people we don’t know.
However, if you make an effort to push through the discomfort and regularly interact with strangers, you’ll find yourself feeling happier during the day. A study conducted by behavioral scientists in Chicago found that individuals who made small talk with strangers during a ride on public transportation rated their experience as more positive than those who did not.
When we take the time to connect with other people, even when we don’t know them, it tends to increase our happiness.
Take A Risk On Something New
When was the last time you tried something that you’ve never done before?
If it’s been a while, then you may want to give this happiness hack a shot. Taking the time to try something you’ve always wanted to do, like getting a new hobby, is not only stimulating but can lead to increased happiness.
Feelings of accomplishment and boosted confidence can also contribute to the smile on your face. Whether you’ve always wanted to try alligator wrestling, knife throwing, or sewing Halloween costumes for your dog, now’s the time to do it.
See Also: How to Start a New Hobby Without Wasting Money
Hold Onto Those Pennies
Spending money when you feel bad can be an easy way to give yourself a quick high. However, once the initial high wears off, people tend to crash pretty hard, especially if they had a hard time earning it.
Rather than splurging on that new toy, try making a habit of regularly saving a part of your earnings. According to a recent survey, the more often people save money, the happier they tend to be. Saving money is also a good way to enhance feelings of self-control, security, and overall well being.
See Also: 10 Ways To Save Money Without Compromising Your Lifestyle
Celebrate Small Goals
By setting and achieving small goals on a regular basis, you will not only be more productive but feel happier as well.
Setting our sight on massive goals often results in feelings of failure and depression. So, rather than focusing on your end goals, try chopping them up into several small goals that you can easily achieve and celebrate. Keep in mind that the more specific you are with your goals, the better.
As you get started with these happiness hacks, try to keep your focus on the positive things in your life and use gratitude to your advantage. As you increase your own happiness, you will notice that the people around you will begin to smile and laugh more often as well.