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Are you looking for a way to put yourself in a good mood and chase that warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart? Happiness makes you feel so fulfilled, and there are tons of easy things you can do each day to help you chase that feeling. It all starts with becoming aware of the people, places, and things that bring you joy, and then incorporating moments when you access those people, places, or things daily. Keep reading for all the best ways you can add a little boost of happiness to your day!

This article is based on an interview with our clinical psychologist, Sirvart Mesrobian. Check out the full interview here.

1

Jam out to your favorite song.

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5

Get yourself a small gift.

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  1. Get yourself a candy bar as you’re checking out at the store, a small piece of decor for your place, or a coffee after a long day. Even if the feeling is temporary, it’s still nice to treat yourself now and then with something you’ve had your eye on.[4]
    • Try getting a gift for someone else that you care about since that can make you feel even more fulfilled.
    • Check your budget before making any big purchases since spending too much could make you stressed out.
    • Purchasing too much can turn into another form of stress.
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7

Add a fun hobby to your routine.

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  1. Try to squeeze in a few minutes every day to do the things you enjoy or practice talents that you want to improve on. Even a little bit of effort toward the things you love can go a long way to add some happiness to your day and make your heart feel full.[6]
    • Some things you could try include arts and crafts, playing an extracurricular sport, reading a book, or learning a new skill.
    • Engaging with something you love lets you immerse yourself and get into a happy flow state.
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12

Look for the beauty in the world.

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  1. Take a moment to observe all of the things in your surroundings and appreciate them. Even the smallest parts of your life have something beautiful to find if you look hard enough.
    • You might focus on a flower that’s growing outside your home, the sunset at the end of the day, or a view you have from your window.
    • Step outside at night and stargaze to see the beauty of the night sky.
    • Visit an art museum and focus on the details of the pieces you like.
    • Focusing on an object helps you see details you would have missed at first glance. A painting may look beautiful at first, but you’ll appreciate the brushstrokes and how the colors play off of one another if you spend some more time checking it out.
14

Surround yourself with people similar to you.

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19

Declutter your home.

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  1. If you’re stressed out from all of the things you have, set aside time every day where you can declutter and organize your space. Start with something small, like picking things up off your floor and putting things away that are out in the open.[13]
    • Decluttering your entire home all at once might be intimidating, so start by completing tasks that will take you 1 minute or less to do to feel like you’re making progress.
    • If you see something that doesn’t make you feel truly happy, then it’s a good sign that you should donate or get rid of it.
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20

Exercise.

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  1. If you have 15 minutes free during the day, that’s enough time to work out and boost your mood. A brisk walk, lifting weights, or doing simple bodyweight exercises are all enough to raise your self-esteem and improve how you’re feeling.[14]
    • Try working out in 5- or 10-minute chunks if you only have a little bit of free time during the day.
    • Ask a friend to be your workout buddy so you have someone to spend time with while you exercise.
21

Meditate.

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  1. If your mind is racing and you need a moment of calm, try practicing meditation every day to process your feelings. Just find a quiet and relaxing spot where you can focus on your thoughts and how your body feels so you can release all of your tension.[15]
    • Try downloading Headspace on your phone if you want to follow along with calming guided meditations every day.[16]
    • If you want simple guided meditations and relaxing soundscapes, try the Calm app.
    • You can use the Healthy Minds Program app to get free guided meditations focused on awareness and connection.
    • With practice, you will be able to access blissful emotions such as empowerment, gratitude, and a feeling of wholeness during meditation.
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22

Get 7–8 hours of sleep.

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24

Eat healthy meals.

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  1. Try to fill your diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to give your body enough energy during the day.[19] Since you’re eating healthily, you’ll feel good about what you’re putting in your body and feel happy that you’re taking care of yourself.[20]

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I do when I'm feeling sad?
    Kamila Tan
    Kamila Tan
    Life and Recovery Coach
    Kamila Tan is a Recovery Coach, former Division I Collegiate Athlete, Inspirational Speaker, and Mental Health Advocate. She is the Founder of Embracing Strength LLC, a coaching business with the mission to provide support for athletes recovering from disordered eating and body image issues and provide support for their families. Kamila informs her work helping athletes pursue recovery with her experience playing beach volleyball as a Division I NCAA collegiate athlete. Kamila holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master of Public Health from the University of California at Los Angeles, and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California.
    Kamila Tan
    Life and Recovery Coach
    Expert Answer
    Think about the things, moments, or circumstances that give you joy and try to include them in your day. If the sunrise brings you joy, make sure you get up early enough every day to experience it. If one of your coworkers brings you joy, make an effort to say hi to them daily.
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Warnings

  • If you've been sad for a while or felt down, or uninterested in things you used to enjoy, you may be depressed.
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About This Article

Sirvart Mesrobian, PsyD
Written by:
Clinical Psychologist
This article was written by Sirvart Mesrobian, PsyD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Dr. Sirvart Mesrobian is a Clinical Psychologist based in West Los Angeles and Glendale, California. With over nine years of professional and research experience, Dr. Mesrobian specializes in individual, family, and couples treatment for young adults and adults. Dr. Mesrobian provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma-focused treatments, and other services. She earned a Master's in Psychology and a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University. This article has been viewed 64,846 times.
12 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 10
Updated: December 5, 2024
Views: 64,846
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 64,846 times.

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