How to Be Happier In Everyday Life: 10 Easy Ways

This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.

We all want to be happy and improve our quality of life, but many of us aren’t sure exactly how to get there! In this article, we’ll be going over ten easy ways to increase your happiness in everyday life. Let’s get started!

1.  Find a fun way to exercise.

We often forget that exercise isn’t just healthy for your body, it’s also healthy for your mind! When you exercise regularly, you can decrease stress and anxiety, plus boost your self-esteem and feel happier in general. Look for a form of exercise that you enjoy, such as dancing, swimming, hula hooping, or walking while listening to a podcast. Even if you’re not sure how to exercise, simply moving your body is enough to make a difference. (For more “how-to” articles, click here.)

2.  Improve your sleep environment.

The sleep we get at night has a massive impact on the quality of the next day! Consider taking some time (and maybe spending some money) to improve your sleep environment. Ideally, it should be cool, dark, quiet, and comfortable. A new mattress or pillow, a weighted blanket, or blackout curtains can make a huge difference. And be sure to leave sufficient time in your schedule to get seven to nine hours of sleep–you’ll thank yourself the next day!

3.  Diversify your diet.

Just like exercise, your diet plays a huge role in both your physical and mental health. Mix up your diet by trying new fruits and vegetables, experimenting with recipes, and opting for foods that nourish your body rather than reaching for simple carbs and sugars. Remember to “eat the rainbow” by filling your plate with foods of all different colours to get plenty of nutrients.

4.  Take deep breaths.

Do you ever notice that you seem to forget to breathe when you’re stressed out? Try making deep breathing a habit! Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, and then open your mouth and let all of the air go. Visualize any negative emotions leaving your body as you breathe out. Repeat anytime you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

5.  Try journaling.

You don’t have to start with the classic “Dear Diary” or write in any way that doesn’t feel comfortable to you. But journaling, in whatever way you’d like to do it, helps to clear your mind and get your thoughts out of your head. If you’re nervous about someone finding your journal, just shred your writing when you’re done!

6.  Clean and declutter your space.

A clear space often means a clear mind, so it’s absolutely worth it to set aside a few minutes daily or weekly to keep everything nice and tidy. Plus, the act of cleaning can boost your mood and feel extremely rewarding. If you ever feel out of control, set a timer to clean for 15 minutes and notice how much better you feel afterwards!

7.  Create a plan.

If you feel lost and overwhelmed, creating a plan can help. You can write it on a scrap of paper, a fancy planner, or your phone–whatever works for you! Even writing a simple to-do list can be effective. Knowing the tasks you need to complete and when you need to do them can release stress and make room for happiness.

8.  Put your phone in another room.

Many of us are truly addicted to our smartphones and social media. We forget just how nice it feels to be unplugged! Give it a try–put your phone in another room for an hour or so, and dedicate your time to a hobby or activity you enjoy. Maybe after a few weeks of this, you’ll be able to say goodbye to your phone for longer periods of time, and you’ll find it easier to enjoy the world around you and the moment at hand.

9.  Go outside.

Nature has an unbelievably calming effect, and spending time outdoors can reduce stress. If the weather’s nice outside, maybe you can even sit in your backyard to enjoy your morning tea or coffee! Finding a few minutes each day to be outside and soak up some Vitamin D can improve your health and your mood.

10.  Schedule time with loved ones.

Humans are extremely social creatures, and liking each other’s statuses on social media just isn’t enough. Be sure to schedule some face-to-face time with the people you care about! Connection with others is a terrific way to improve your mood and experience more happiness. Even spending time with a pet or volunteering at an animal shelter can help!

Conclusion

We hope these ten ways to be happier in everyday life have inspired you to take up some new mood-boosting habits! Whether you’re planning to spend more time outdoors, a journal for a few minutes every day, or try some new healthy foods, your daily level of happiness is sure to increase.