They say it is the small things in life that make the biggest impact. While I am not sure who “they” are, I believe it to be true. Ever since I focused on different ways to be happier, I’ve become happier, and I want that for you, too!
Being happy isn’t constant. It is a fleeting emotion that you have to intentionally seek.
You can change your mood with a simple decision and take small steps to be happier.
The point of this post is to show you that little actions can compound into great effects.
15 Ways to Be Happier
1 // Grab, make, or order your favorite morning drink!
By indulging first thing in the morning, you are setting the standard for the day. Make it a great one by enjoying your favorite morning drink!
Whether you start with tea, coffee, or a tall glass of water, enjoy it slowly and savor the moment.
2 // Wear an outfit that you can rock!
You know the outfit that makes you smile, and you cannot help but share it with others. Wear it! Here is an extremely simple outfit I wore the other day that I could not help but share on my Instagram!
Super simple, comfy, and easily rocked! An outfit can seriously make or break your day, so always dress in ways that make you feel amazing!
Related Post: How to Rebuild a Wardrobe; Building a Wardrobe from Scratch
3 // Smile!
You can have a rocking outfit with a great morning drink, but without a smile, it is not the same. So put on your biggest smile and head out that door!
4 // Compliment someone.
If you see someone carrying a purse that is gorgeous, let them know! If you think they have pretty hair, tell them! It will not only make their day, but it will also brighten yours!
5 // Rock your favorite playlist!
Everyone knows music has a huge influence on your mood. Playing sad music helps a pity party, but playing road trip music or more upbeat music can really make your day!
6 // Pay it forward.
Whether you pay for the person’s meal behind you in line or help someone with their groceries, pay it forward! It will bless both of you and improve both of your moods!
7 // Google images or videos of puppies and kittens!
Trust me, the cuteness will make you so happy! This is one of my FAVORITE ways to be happier on a daily basis.
I couldn’t help but share a cute video with you, so you can be happier starting right now!
8 // Try a new makeup look.
Something fresh, fun, and different from your day-to-day routine can have a HUGE impact on your day!
For instance, I tried a couple of new contouring tricks this morning, and I love how different it makes me look. I probably will not do this every day, but today it was worth the extra effort!
9 // Make a Gratitude list.
Listing what you are grateful for allows you to see what you have in life. It gives you a reason to be happy!
10 // Find 10 things in your home to donate to a local charity.
Donating to help others can definitely make you happy! Giving what you no longer need to those who do is a much better option than tossing it into the trash.
As a recent example, I decided to switch out my foaming soap dispenser for a new glass soap dispenser. I was simply going to toss my old one [not sure I could have donated it…] until I saw that a friend on Facebook needed it! It was a win-win for both of us!
11 // Look for the silver lining in every situation
Regardless of what the situation is, there is going to be a silver lining. You may find it easy or you may have to really think about it.
Either way, when you go searching for the bright side of things, they do become easier to spot, which means that it is easier to be happier.
12 // Log off of social media
Social media is a great tool to find funny memes or videos, but it is also something that can cause stress and anxiety. By taking time away from social media, it is possible to feel a lot happier.
I encourage you to check out a few posts I’ve written about social media and smartphones if you want to increase your happiness significantly:
- 8 Reasons to Take a Social Media Detox; How to Unplug Successfully
- My Minimalist Social Media Approach; How to Use Social Media Purposefully
- Smartphone Detox – It’s Time to Simplify Your Life
- Why I’m QUITTING Instagram for 2020
13 // Exercise
Getting your body moving through exercise is a great way to be happier! You can go for walks or train for a marathon. You can lift weights or take a dance class.
The activity you do for exercising isn’t important. What is important is moving your body and feeling accomplished about the movement you’ve given your body for the day.
14 // Accept responsibility for your actions versus blaming others
This may seem a bit counterproductive, but when you hold yourself accountable for your actions, you become aware of your actions and their consequences.
Creating this awareness allows you to consciously choose the best actions possible. No, it isn’t easy, but well worth the effort.
Over time, you’ll notice a large improvement in your ability to be happier for longer because you aren’t deflecting or pushing responsibility to others.
Your current situation is a combination of all the actions you’ve taken in life. No one else is responsible for it, which means that you have the power to make this life anything you want it to be!
Isn’t that great news?!
15 // Laugh out loud
This is one instance where I love faking it until I make it. Whether your laugh starts off fake or completely genuine, you will be happier through it.
Final thoughts about these 15 ways to be happier today
Of course, these small ways to be happier are not the only ways to achieve happiness. Big things like completing a big goal or moving into your dream home can really improve how happy you are, but big accomplishments come and go.
By focusing on the little things, you have a chance to increase your overall happiness each and every day.
Before you know it, your entire outlook on life will shift, your mental health will improve, and you will wonder how you ever lived any other way.
Let me know below in the comments if you practice any of these already, and if not, which ones will you try!
Also, if you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Awesome list! Music is strange for me because I always feel awesome and uplifted when I have some tunes in my ear, and yet I forget to listen to music! (of course except when I am working out, that is a no-brainer). Note to self: remember this tool I have!
Thank you, Dylan! I understand completely! I went through a time where I forgot how helpful music could be… how that happened, I have no idea! BUT I will never forget it again!
Such a fun list. For me, it’s googling pictures of squirrels. They are nature’s comedians. A good Mediterainan coffee or Vanilla Pike sounds amazing right now!
I will have to google squirrels! If they are as funny as you say, I will definitely be a little happier! Thank you for the recommendation, Dia!
Great list! I have a gratitude jar and I love the donation idea. It makes me happy when I’m able to help people
Thank you, Jewels! I feel the same way!
Smiling at strangers always works for me!
That is a good one, Neely! 🙂
Love this post! My favourite thing to make me happy is to donate. Me and my man donate items all the time, we’ve donated a full kitchen of groceries to a family in need when we moved and last year we had a spare Xmas tree with decorations and other items which we gave to a young woman who just moved out but didn’t have enough money to give her kids a christmas. Everyone deserves happiness!
That is great, Nicole! I love donating as well! My husband and I like to do random acts of kindness, and donate to the homeless shelter in town. It feels so good to help others.
Great list! In line with the puppy images, Buzzfeed has some hysterical articles that are instant mood boosters 🙂
Oh! I will have to check it out sometime! Thank you for the suggestion, Rachel!
Great ideas on how to make yourself and your day go better. I believe in giving a smile, always makes me feel better to give and to receive a simple smile.
Thank you, Candy! I agree. A smile given or received is alway nice.
Great post, Erin. Listening to music is a big one for me…my jams can bring a smile to my face on the worst days. Thanks for sharing — this post made my day happier!
Aww! Thank you, Emma! I am glad I could brighten your day!
Going to try some of these tomorrow- I hear you on #1- sometimes just splurging on a pumpkin latte can totally make my day 😉
OOO! That sounds like an amazing splurge, Heather, especially for fall!
This list is perfect for honestly anyone–college student, young professional, or stay-at-home mom! Anytime I can rock a cute outfit, I feel so much better about my day!
That is what I was striving for, Sarah! A cute outfit always brightens my day as well!
What fantastic tips, I love them! Rocking an outfit and paying it forward are two of my favorites 🙂
Thank you, Paula! Those are definitely great options!
I love this list! Especially trying a new makeup look. Doing something new either makeup or my hair always helps brighten my day a little. And, of course, coffee!!
Ahh! Yes, have to have coffee!
I love this list. Happiness is a choice, and we have to make an effort to create more happiness in our lives!
Exactly, Sara! I love that we can choose happiness versus searching for what makes us happy, because the truth is it is not a destination.
I love this list! They’re all super simple things to do! I always feel better when I put on a cute outfit and a little makeup, and complimenting people always goes a long way. 🙂
Thank you, Samantha! I agree, compliments definitely go a long way with the person you compliment and yourself!
These are all fantastic ways to be a little happier. My personal favourites are blasting some music or cuddling with my pup. He always does a great job of making me happy.
My fur babies are definitely great at brightening my mood!
Love this! The day must always start with coffee 🙂 Paying it forward and good music are always instant mood boosters for me!
Same here, Rachel! My favorite cup of coffee seems to make my day wonderful!
These are such wonderful ideas! It is amazing that just one small thought or act can affect the mood of your entire day! Thank you so much for that important reminder!
You are certainly welcome, Maggie! It is definitely amazing to see how small acts can make or break a day!
I’m a strong believer in dressing well the feel well!
Same here, Chloe!
Starting my morning right is soo important to me! I YouTube videos of cute puppies also.
I will have to do that! Thanks for the suggestion, Alix!
Love this!! My favorite drink in the morning always brightens my day and wearing a great outfit does too!!
Thank you, Jackie! I am with you on these two!
The post is absolutely fantastic! I love it:)
Thank you, Irene!
Loving this post! And yaaaasss to paying it forward! And to loads of cute puppy/kitty pics! They always cheer me up 🙂
Thank you, Suzanne! Cute baby animals always make me happy, especially if they are of the fluffy sort!
#10 pick 10 things to donate to charity! I love this one, it is so easy to become materialistic these days and half the things we purchase either don’t get played with or sit on a shelf or end up in a cupboard somewhere. Great tips!
Thank you, Breharne! I agree. By making a conscious effort to reduce consumerism, not only can it make our lives happier; but by helping others, we can make other people happier, too!
Anytime I’m feeling blah I try to pick out a cute outfit. It’s crazy how much it changed everything!! And coffee is my FAVE. I can’t start a morning without it!
I agree, Rebecca! If I am running late, I choose no coffee in the morning… big mistake! Coffee just makes me so happy early in the mornings!
It really is the simple things that make the biggest difference. This is a great list!
Yes it is, Shani! Thank you!
These are some great ideas! A hot cup of coffee or tea, and a run or yoga class, are the perfect way for me to be happier.
Those are great ways to be happier, Katie! Thank you for sharing what works for you! 🙂
Love these tips! My morning coffee and some good tunes can always make for a great day.
Thank you, Sarah! That is a great recipe!
One thing I like to do, is doing something nice for someone else. Even if it’s just letting someone with fewer items ahead of you in line at the grocery store, or holding the door open for someone.
It’s the little things! Great post!
I agree, Cassie! That is a great way to brighten, not only your day, but another person’s day as well!
Wonderful post. ? it’s the little things that make life great.
Exactly, Emilee! Thank you!
Such a great list! I think I’m gonna try a new makeup look. I’ve been a little boring lately!
Do it, Amanda! I will do it with you! I have been a bit boring lately with my makeup as well.
I just recently did a gratitude list on my blog. Just writing the things you are grateful for, makes you feel more grateful! Good list…
Thank you, Renee! I definitely agree!
I love all of these ideas! Getting dressed and putting on makeup really helps me! 🙂
I am with you, Kimberly! There is something about making an effort to put yourself together that makes you happier!
I’m with you on #1 and #10! I have to start my day with coffee and it feels so good to declutter the house! I tried the KonMari method and failed miserably so I have taken an easier approach, LOL!
Coffee and declutting are fabulous tools for being happier! Great picks, Chanel! I have worked through the KonMari method, but I did not follow it to a “t”. I love getting decluttering motivation by watching YouTube videos of what people are decluttering. It gives me ideas of things to declutter as well as the push to go and do it! Maybe they can help you as well!
What a great list! Love your ideas! So happy to have found your blog! 🙂
Yay! I am happy you found me, too, Kristina! Thank you!!
Aodre this! I completely agree, complementing others really does bring so much joy to yourself as well. Great list!
http://beyondblessedblog.com/
Thank you, Chloe! It definitely does!
Googling cute animal pictures definitely does it for me too. 🙂
I know right?! I mean, who does not love a cute animal?! 🙂
I love these tips. Simple but effective steps toward a happier day. I can totally do this 🙂
Yes, you can, Janine! Have a fabulous day!
This is a wonderful post! It’s so funny because I have essentially the same post going live on Friday with many of the same tips! Great minds think alike. We’ll have to come up with minimalism/happiness type of collaboration pretty soon! 🙂
How funny! That sounds like a wonderful idea, Kiara! I would love to know what you are thinking!