International day of happiness is upon us and here are 5 simple steps to a happier you.
I like to think that it is fairly easy to be happy. I know in reality it is not as straightforward as just slapping a smile on your face and thinking happy thoughts.
There is so much more to it than that. But I do believe there are lots of things that we can do to make us feel happy, even if just in the moment. And in time those moments will become longer and longer, building foundations to a happier life.
Dalai Lama XIV
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
5 simple steps to a happier you
Here are my favourite things to do to lift the spirits and put a smile on my face.
Get outside for a walk
I won’t lie, it is not always easy to motivate yourself to do any form of exercise. I am guilty of this, terrible in fact.
But I need to remember just how good I feel afterwards. For example yesterday I had a 20 minute walk, ditched the car and walked to collect F from school. It was just what I needed. I got home feeling lighter, with a huge smile on my face and a whole heap of motivation.
Rather than sitting down and doing very little, I cleaned our bedroom, sorted the washing and stripped the bed before putting clean sheets on. I then cooked a really lovely dinner that is probably one of my favourites rather than just throwing something together. I sat and watched Chicago Fire with F while preparing some blog notes and then later spent time with Rob while watching GOT and finishing a post. The whole time I felt happy, almost elated.
Do something for someone else.
A simple act of kindness can be enough to lift the spirits of both parties. It doesn’t need to be something huge or something with monetary cost involved but the act of doing something good for someone else offers a sense of happiness that feels so good.
Whether it be a stranger or you best friend or loved one, I guarantee you, a small gesture will mean the world to them and leave you feeling great as well.
Pick up the phone
Call a friend, ring your Mum, tell someone you love them. You’ll feel better for reaching out and catching up with someone special. And you never know, it might have perked up their day as well. You could combine your chat with a walk as I did this evening.
It doesn’t have to be a call, a text or a message to someone can have the same effect.
Do something you love
Marthe Troly-Curtin
Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
This could be anything, but it is about making time for you. Be it chilling in front of the tv or listen to your favourite album, maybe reading a book or writing in a diary.
Its really important to stop and leave the mundane activities that will still be there in an hour’s time. These tasks can really effect our mood if we are not feeling up to doing them. By taking some time to do something you really want to do, you’ll feel better prepared to tackle your to-do list.
Take some time to reflect
This is so important, for me it is an essential part of my day. It is so easy to feel bogged down by a bad day, this means a lot of the time we are forgetting that there is actually good moments in every day. They may be so small that it is easy to overlook but quite often you’ll find something so positive.
For example, today the sun has been shining, I have had a nice walk, I have ticked off some of my to-do list, done something nice for a colleague and had a real giggle with the girls at work. And its only 6pm. Today my #happydays could be a number of things, but I think I may choose F’s passport arriving. Small win, but it means I no longer have to stress about it arriving in time for Disney next month and its the final part of the planning done. No stress is definitely a happy win.
Charles Dickens
Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.
Whatever you decide to do today, be kind to yourself and allow the sun to shine and the feeling of happiness wash over you.
What are your top tips to a happier life?
I like these steps! I think the “do something for yourself” one might be the most important!
I totally agree, sometimes we have to stop and take care of us x
It is so important to take care of your own happiness as well ❤️ great ideas and served as a reminder on a day where I’ve catered to everyone’s needs but my own 🤷♀️
I hope you’ve made some time for you x
Great post, Claire. We don’t value this enough – we often forget such tings when simply striving for success or whatever else material. And yes, not doing anything ‘valuable’ can be super important (aka pottering…)
You can’t beat a good potter x
Walking or any sort of exercise always make me happy. My dog recently passed and I’m really looking forward to this weekend when I’m dog-sitting for my sister – lots of walks!
Sorry to hear about your dog, enjoy your weekend x x
These are great tips. All simple yet could have a big impact on your day. Definitely gonna try to implement some of these.
I hope it leads to a happy day for you x
I especially love the “do something for someone else” tip. Oftentimes when I’m having a bad day, this is the best way to make myself feel better. It’s a great way to spread kindness!
It’s an instant boost, for you and them x
Some really good ideas here, we’ve recently started the get outside for a walk one, and it’s doing wonders for our mental health. Just 30 mins walk in fresh air, to be in the moment is perfect x
I’m going to make a real effort to keep up the walking each day x
Doing something for someone else is such a big one!!! Often times when we’re struggling we only think of ourselves and what we are struggling with- when thinking of what someone else may be struggling with and doing something small to help them can lift us all up!!
It gives such a good feeling, you can’t help but feel happy x x
It’s always to step back and really concentrate on the basics of happiness. Thanks for this reminder. Saving this one for those time when I forget what is really important. The first two are my favorites.
I definitely think it’s the smaller things in life that make us happy. I do many of these things personally, but one of my favourites you mentioned is reflecting on things. It’s something I do regularly, and it really helps me to process things and be grateful for the good things in my life instead of focusing on the negatives.
I do it an awful lot. I have done the happy days thing now for so long. I keep a log in a diary, but tend to leave it a month so I can go back through all those small moments I might have forgotten about. It’s perfect when you’re feeling bogged down with life stuff x
Do something for yourself is SO important! Love these tips
Thank you 😊
We tend to forget how important we are x
Great post, it’s always worth reflecting on how we can be happier and improve our daily wellbeing! I always feel better after going outside for a walk 🙂
Jenny in Neverland
Me too, although today’s walk was a killer but think I’ve got that almost Friday feeling, the week kills me off!
I could not agree more about doing something kind for someone else. That always makes me feel a little happier 🙂
We have a secret buddy scheme at work and it’s so lovely to do something nice for someone else, especially when they have no idea who did it x
Thanks for listing the simple and doable steps to be more happier in our lives. Taking time to reflect and practicing gratitude can definitely turn a bad day definitely better! I recently started a blog where I write about gratitude and simple ways to be happier even at difficult times. Visit my blog when you get time. I will be happy receive your comments – https://simpleblissfullife.com/
-Anu
These are great tips, I definitely agree with going out for a walk, when I’ve had a bad day at work, walking home afterwards makes me feel a lot happier – may be because I’ve finished work for the day haha, but even walking to work in the morning or going out for a lunch time walk, it makes me very happy.
Chloe xx
Hahaha yes I feel elated at home time but I’m sure I’d feel even better if I was then walking home but I drive as it’s too far.
I’ve started dropping the car though and walking to collect my boy from school x
I LOVE these tips. Especially doing something for someone else. I think we all need to do more of that in this world! 🙂
If we all did just one thing we’d live in a much happier world x
“Do something for someone else.” Is my favorite idea. I had never thought about doing something for someone else and it’s such a great idea. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for reading.
Enjoy sharing the love x
Aw these are some lovely tips – thank you!! I always find going for a walk puts you in a better mood (and a productive one!)
I miss being able to just go out for a walk and clear away the cobwebs. Instead, I pamper myself. Like do my nails, long skincare routine, face mask etc. I tend to put a feelgood movie on too. My mood is always lifted afterwards. Music is another of my favourites. A lot of my playlists are ‘moods’ lol I even have one when I feel I need a good cathartic cry. 😀
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip
Oh a good cry is amazing for the soul. I miss doing that, since losing mum if I cry about anything it becomes about her and it’s too heartbreaking.
I love a pamper, we are having an at home spa date tonight 💕
Thank you for the reminders and new ideas! I try to exercise at least a few times a week. I love to run, but sometimes just don’t feel like I have the energy. On those days I try to at least go walk to get the endorphins flowing and often I end up running a little. It can make a huge difference in my mood!
It’s so lifting, the ultimate in self care x
you’re absolutely right about going for a walk. it’s been raining a lot here and i have been on oxygen since october with little ability to do much walking but now that i’m free of the oxyen machine i went for a SHORT walk the other day and it was so refreshing.
joy at http://www.thejoyousliving.com
So glad you’re able to get out now x x
Great ideas and love the quotes.
Thank you Amanda x
We all need self care and it’s finding the balance I think is hard. Really good tips. Xx
Thank you, we really do need to take care of ourselves x
Great tips – wise words! Taking care of yourself is so important and it’s crazy how easily we fan forget to do that! X
So very important, everything else will fall in to place if we are truly happy x
I come from Finland and we were just named consecutively again the happiest country in the world by the UN. If you look at Finns from the outside, it seems controversial. We’re generally not a loud country walking around with huge grins on our face and blasting around how content we are with our lives. But it’s the other things that make the difference. I feel very safe in my daily life, we have a great education system, social networks and social security are there for you. So perhaps for us, it’s the bigger picture surrounding us and complemented by the little things that are key to being happy.
I have heard so many wonderful things about Finland and their happiness. It’s been bumped to top of my bucket list because of it x x
So simple yet so often overlooked… Thanks for reminding us!
We are all very guilty of overlooking our own happiness x x
Great tips! My biggest one lately is taking time to reflect 🙂 On what I’m grateful for, what my dreams are, and how lucky I am. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading. Enjoy your reflection time x x
You hit the nail on the head with each tip you gave. Spending time outside is my ultimate favourite thing to do and now that it’s getting a bit warmer, I am going to make the most out of it 🙂
I love the spring and autumn more than any other season because we are surrounded with such beauty.
Great tips! It is so important to take control of your happiness and simple things can get you off on the right path. Going outdoors is definitely my favourite.
It’s so important to look after ourselves x
This is a really lovely post. It’s so easy to get swept up in the day-to-day mayhem of busy lives that we forget to take those few moments to do something a little different, something we enjoy and something that keeps us motivated and happy. Going for a walk is definitely a great choice!
I love being outside, and the sunshine is so good for the soul x
This is a great post. I’ll do all of these today. You’ve inspired me and I’m not working so I have no excuse.
Oh perfect! I hope you enjoyed your day off x x
I definitely agree about going for a walk. I feel much better for having a walk along the beach if I’m feeling a bit down. I also find a swim really helps.
Oh a walk on the beach 😍 I love swimming but I never go. Should really make the time x
I agree with getting out and taking a walk! Fresh air does everyone wonders. Thanks for the tips!
It really does make a huge difference x
I have a group of friends who walk in the neighborhood. Our walks increase in frequency with increased stressors in our lives. It is so therapeutic to walk and chat and just relax with friends.
Hugely important to get out but to do it with friends is a total bonus!
This is such a powerful post! I feel happiness is a habit we create every single day. I incorporate your steps into my day as well. I love to walk to my nearest park and just be in nature. I also do try and do a bit of yoga at the start of my day. It really calms me and puts me in the right frame of mind for the day.
In modern society, it’s so easy to feel less than content and be unhappy. Some people even slip into depression. I also wrote an article about that which might be helpful.
I’ll check it out, thank you x
Great reminders to be present and mindful in our busy lives
I love this! So important to be happy, no matter where you are in life ♥
All heart, this post! ❤
Loved it, Claire! xx
Aditi
http://www.aditispen.com
Some great ideas here! Doing some form of exercise and doing something nice for someone else are 2 of my favorites. Thank you for sharing!
I love them all but they are definitely my top 2!
I love all these ideas and I practice most of them for happiness! This post is such an inspiration! 🙂 Keep it up ❤
-Jennifer
http://www.herstyledpassport.com
Thank you Jennifer x x
Lots of lovely and helpful ideas here! I find getting out and going for a walk helps with being happier, especially in the sunshine 🙂
Yes the bad weather has spoilt it recently but we went walking in wales in the rain and it was just as therapeutic x
Going for a walk is my preferred thing to do to treat myself, probably helped by the fact I live in such a wonderful location in Normandy (and have 2 dogs!!). I am very lucky!
Oh I bet there are many beautiful places to walk in Normandy x
I need to work on finding time to reflect more. It is easy to get swept up in life and taking a step back makes such a difference when I do it
It can make such a difference, but it is hard to make time for ourselves regularly. Life can be so busy x
Love this – when I am feeling out of kilter and need to find my happy I love to go for a walk and spend time in nature. If I leave it too long inbetween doing this I can go a bit crazy!
Hahaha yep! I hear you! The weather has really hampered my walking recently x
Getting outside for some fresh air always helps me, even if it’s just a walk to the shop or something.
Yes it makes a huge difference. I find I’m much more productive after a walk as well x
These are great. I always feel better when I go for a walk in the fresh air. I also think it’s teally important to do the things you love.
It really lifts my spirits x
I totally agree, we feel so much better for it x
I adore posts like this. As they really show how much we really need to appreciate ourselves. Taking time out for myself is very important and something I try to do regularly.
It’s so important that we make time for ourselves x
I find just getting outside for a walk, and taking the dog really lifts my mood so much. I feel so much calmer outside.
Me too, plus when I collect my son from after school club we have a chance to have a really long chat about his day and that’s priceless x
I love going for walks. We are blessed with many great opportunities for lovely walks in Edinburgh. My favourite is walking along the canal.
Wonderful tips! I always feel better after doing something for someone else.
I also enjoy taking time out just to chill.
Oh I love a little chill time x
Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as a phone call with a loved one can make such a significant difference in your mood and overall sense of mental and emotional wellbeing?
It can make a huge difference 💕
Walking is my go to for feeling better. I also find being around and talking to positive people makes me happy.
That can make such a difference to our wellbeing x
I’ve always found that doing something for someone else brings me great joy! I like it even better when I can do something anonymously.
Another thing I love to do is send Snail Mail. It’s always such a treat to get a real card or note in the mailbox…instead of just an email.
Thanks for some great reminders!!
I love doing something for others. We have a secret buddy system at work and I love it because they have no idea who is buying them little bits x
Lovely post, especially as I’ve been so rushed off my feet recently I seem to have forgotten who I am at my core! Love the quotes too 🙂
Love these tips. Very practical and easy to do. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you x x
Great post!
As an introvert, I struggle with “pick up the phone”… then I realised that I don’t actually. I love video conference calls – Zoom or Messenger. And I have no problem calling a friend when I need to… it’s just not on the phone! 😀
Great post! Each of these things has the power to make a ton of difference in our mental and emotional states.
Thank you x
Great tips on improving mood and having an all-Around better day!
Thank you Julie x
I absolutely loved reading these steps, as I’m currently in therapy and beginning to feel my happy self again. But I know I need to keep at it and give myself those self-care moments! My happiness is baking, it doesn’t have to be anything complex but I love to bake for myself and my partner benefits from it too ☺️.
Thank you for such a lovely blog!!
Quinn x | http://www.quinnofthenerds.com
Thank you so much Quinn. I am so glad to hear that things are better for you, sometimes going to therapy can be a tough concept to get your head around but it really can be life changing x
Much needed post during these crazy times. I posted my happiness post and came to visit you and thought “great! these post connect!!”.
Pick up the phone is such an important one – especially right now! I’m a much better person after checking in with friends and family
For me, getting out for a walk in nature is what sorts me out always. Especially in these crazy times.
Great ideas indeed. I love to go out walking, taking photos makes me happy too. Cup of tea while reading, checking in on others and doing a good deed, all positives.
I love this, sometimes we forget that the smallest things can have the biggest impact for us. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to go for walks soon again but definitely working to take more time out to do the things I love in the meantime.
Since I’ve been working from home, I’ve been going for a quick walk around the block at around lunchtime each day and it has made my brain so much happier. I’m finding a better work/life balance and the rest of my life has settled into a nice routine.
Some really great tips in this one, thank you!
Rosie
I loved reading this and these are all great tips! Sometimes the smallest things are the ones you cherish more! A walk, doing something for us or calling a friend/family is usually what helps me more! Thanks for sharing x
I’m not sure if I’ve already commented on this but great post. I always find I’m happier after doing something for someone else. Kindness really goes a long way for both you and them! Understanding that happiness isn’t a destination is also important for staying happier, i think! x
Helping other people or even buying other people gifts always gives me a great feeling of inner peace and a big confidence boost. Happiness certainly is contagious.
This is such a lovely wee post – much needed today. z
Going for a walk always makes me happy, it’s a chance for me to clear my mind and reenergise! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
love this post! i agree, i think getting outside and getting vitamin d is key to improving your mood. it’s actually proven by doctors. and i love keeping in touch with my mom and making regular phone calls. focusing on positive relationships is a real mood booster.