10 Things to Make you Happy and Uplift your Mood
Whether it’s a rough day at work or you are feeling low. We all have that time when you need a boost to your mood. In this post, I am sharing 10 Things to Make you Happy and Uplift your Mood. Use these to make your mood happy and positive. These are simple pleasures that will make you feel brighter and find happiness in small things. The things to do to uplift the mood shared in this post are backed by science so you understand the depth of action simple things in life can have on your emotional wellbeing and help you make the right choice for yourself.
Let’s have a look at the list of things that you can try to instantly uplift your mood.
Why try activities to make you happy
- Enhanced Well-being: Engaging in activities that promote happiness can significantly enhance your overall well-being.
- Immediate Mood Boost: Many of these activities provide instant gratification by lifting your mood and promoting positive emotions.
- Stress Reduction: Trying small things that make you feel happy reduces stress.
- Improves Resilience: Regularly practicing activities that make you happy can enhance your resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
- Create Positive Ripple Effect: When you prioritize your happiness, you’re likely to positively impact those around you as well.
Small Things To Make You Happy
Here are 10 activities that can help you instantly feel happier
1. Listen to Upbeat Music
Listening to upbeat music has been shown to have a direct impact on mood regulation and emotional well-being. Research suggests that music activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, reward, and emotion, leading to the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which are linked to feelings of happiness and pleasure. So next time if you are feeling low, listen to your favorite upbeat song to help release dopamine, instantly boosting your mood and promoting positive feelings.
I suggest making a playlist of songs that uplift your mood and make you feel better. I love to listen to Taylor Swift and Sia. Who is your favorite?
2. Engage in Physical Activity
Physical activity, even in short bursts, has been shown to have immediate effects on mood and emotional well-being. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators, leading to feelings of happiness and euphoria. Additionally, physical activity can reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol, leading to a decrease in feelings of anxiety and tension. So next time you are feeling low try a quick session of jumping jacks or a brisk walk can instantly improve your mood and promote positive feelings.
3. Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing or paced breathing, have been shown to activate the body’s relaxation response, leading to immediate reductions in stress and anxiety levels. Deep breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
So don’t underestimate deep breathing and next time you need immediate relaxation try taking a few minutes to practice deep breathing can instantly calm your mind, improve your mood, and promote a sense of well-being.
4. Watch a Funny Video or Comedy Show
This is one of my favorite ways to relax and take my mind off things that bother me. Laughter has been widely recognized for its immediate mood-enhancing effects. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and pleasure. Additionally, laughter reduces levels of stress hormones like cortisol, leading to a decrease in feelings of anxiety and tension. So next time when you are feeling blue watch a funny video or comedy show that can instantly lift your spirits, improve your mood, and foster a positive outlook.
Every day after work I like to watch light-hearted shows even if I am not feeling low. I find it a good way to relax and get out of the thinking and hustling mode. I love to watch shows like FRIENDS for the 100th time. But on days I am feeling low, I need something more strong and watch stand-up comedy show. I like Taylor Tomlinson stand-up show.
5. Express Gratitude
Practicing gratitude has been linked to numerous psychological benefits, including increased happiness, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being. When you express gratitude, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin to regulate mood and promote positive emotions. Additionally, gratitude helps shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones, leading to a greater sense of contentment and satisfaction.
Keep a gratitude journal and take a moment to express gratitude for something in your life, whether it’s a supportive friend, a beautiful sunset, or a delicious meal. This can instantly improve your mood, cultivate a sense of happiness, and help you build a happiness habit.
6. Do Something Kind for Someone Else
Engaging in acts of kindness towards others has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and well-being. The best part is both the giver and the receiver feel good and it nurtures better relations too. Have you ever felt good about being excited and happy when you organize a surprise for someone? It’s because when you perform acts of kindness, your brain releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone.” Oxytocin is associated with feelings of trust, empathy, and connection, leading to an increase in positive emotions and a decrease in stress.
Additionally, acts of kindness can boost self-esteem and foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Try offering a compliment, lending a helping hand, simply listening attentively to someone in need, or making a favorite meal for your loved ones. This can instantly uplift your mood and create a ripple effect of positivity.
7. Savor a Treat
Taking the time to savor a small treat or indulgence can provide an immediate mood boost and enhance feelings of happiness and pleasure. When you indulge in something you enjoy, such as a piece of chocolate, a favorite snack, or a cup of tea, your brain releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure.
Be mindful of what you eat, I think it is ok to occasionally indulge in cheat meals to feel better but it should not become your dependency on such food to feel happy. Also, many times we feel low and sad because of energy drop and hunger. Try to eat healthy options like fruits, nuts, and smoothies. But once in a while taking a few moments to savor the rich flavor and texture of a piece of dark chocolate can instantly elevate your mood and bring a sense of joy and satisfaction.
8. Connect with Nature
Spend time outdoors, connecting with nature It has numerous benefits for mental health and well-being. Research suggests that exposure to nature can reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and rumination. And increase feelings of happiness, relaxation, and vitality. Nature exposure is also associated with improvements in mood, attention, and cognitive function.
So next time you are feeling low take a walk in the park, sit by a river, or simply spend time in your backyard, this can instantly uplift your mood and promote a sense of peace and well-being. If you do not have a natural full space around you. Add some indoor plants to your house or work desk to bring nature close to you.
9. Practice Visualization
Try visualization, this involves imagining positive scenarios or outcomes in vivid detail. This has a powerful impact on mood and emotional well-being. Visualization results same activity in the brain as actual experiences, leading to similar physiological responses. By visualizing a desired outcome or a peaceful, happy scene, you can evoke positive emotions and sensations, such as joy, relaxation, and contentment.
Sit calmly and close your eyes to visualize yourself achieving a goal, spending time in your favorite peaceful setting, or surrounded by loved ones. This can instantly improve your mood and promote feelings of positivity and optimism.
10. Engage in a Creative Activity
Try a creative hobby or activity. This can provide an immediate mood boost and enhance overall well-being. Engaging in creative activity stimulates the brain’s reward system, leading to the release of dopamine and other neurotransmitters associated with pleasure and satisfaction. Also spending time doing some creative activity allows self-expression, and mindfulness. This in turn makes you feel happy, fulfilled, and intrinsically motivated.
You can participate in an activity or hobby you like or learn some new ones like painting, writing, playing music, or crafting. These will instantly elevate your mood and make you feel a sense of joy and accomplishment.
Conclusion
These are the 10 things to make you happy backed by scientific evidence that you must try to uplift your mood. You can try to use them on the days when you are feeling low or try to incorporate them into your daily routine to build a happy lifestyle. By integrating these practices into your life, you can cultivate a greater sense of happiness, resilience, and positivity, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying existence.
Related posts you may like
How to Live Happily -10 Ways for Happy Lifestyle
