There are many simple and free things you can do today (or at least this week) that can make your life better by boosting your happiness, creativity, and focus. Think, for example, of spending time with a friend, taking a walk-in nature, enjoying a good book, or dancing to your favorite music.
Check out the tips below for more ideas:
Perform a random act of kindness. Pay a stranger a compliment, bring your colleague a coffee, or make a helpful introduction for someone. According to research, simple acts of kindness will leave you feeling even happier than the persons you do them for.
Declutter. Less physical clutter can lead to less mental clutter and having a clean, organized home or workspace is essential to your overall well-being. Regularly take a few minutes to clean out a spot and take control of your space. You may be able to donate, recycle, reuse, or sell some items rather than throwing them straight into the trash.
Practice mindfulness. Gently focusing on the present moment throughout the day can help reduce stress, boost your focus and productivity and benefit both your emotional and physical health in other ways as well.
Move. Take a walk with a friend or colleague, dance to your favorite music, do a few stretches. Incorporating more movement into your day will help offset the health dangers of sedentary living including heart disease, obesity, and depression.
Be grateful. Write down three people or events for which you’re grateful and notice your focus shift from negative to positive thoughts.
Volunteer. Whether you drive an ill friend to their doctor’s appointment or select a charity to which you can donate your time and/or expertise, practicing good deeds can reduce stress, fight depression, and provide you with a sense of purpose.
Play. Let your inner child come out! Practice a favorite childhood activity and give yourself the gift of childhood, laughter, enthusiasm, and creativity. Ride a bike, build a sandcastle, sing in the shower! Or join the children in your family as they play. You will be sure to feel instantly happy and energized.
Contact a relative or old friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Think of someone who you haven’t talked to in a while – it may be a relative or a friend. Make their day by giving them a call. Most likely, it will make your day as well.
Go sightseeing in your hometown. Pick a neighborhood and walk it to gain a new perspective on your hometown; you will be sure to discover new places and people. Or visit free touristic spots you’ve never seen.
Take a digital break. Disconnect from all your electronic devices. Clear your mind with an hour (or even a day or two) away from all your gadgets and enjoy the multitude of health benefits your newfound peace of mind has to offer.
Learn a new skill. Borrow a book or check out the abundance of free online classes to learn a new skill and expand your horizons. Developing a growth mindset can lead to greater successes and boost happiness.
Breathe. Our breath is key to our physical and emotional. If done properly, it has the power to boost your energy levels and focus, and relieve pain, among other benefits. Try deep belly breathing or search online for stress-reducing breathing techniques that you can use anytime, anywhere.
Pray. Science tells us that people who pray are healthier and live longer than those who don’t. Spiritual practices help alleviate stress, reduce the risk of disease, and help to maintain a positive outlook on life.
Read. Even if only one page each day, get into the habit of reading. It has been shown to reduce stress, improve brain functioning, and can even boost sleep. Of course, it also expands your vocabulary and general knowledge while providing great, free entertainment.
Take a bath. A warm bath helps you relax and feel happier. Natural bath soaps, essential oils, a few candles, relaxing music, and your favorite book or magazine can turn your bathroom into your private spa. Such relaxing baths can lower stress, boost your mood, relieve muscle pain, and help you sleep soundly.
Drink water. Drinking plenty of water each day keeps you energized and focused! If plain water bores you, make your own naturally flavored waters.
Spend time with family. Enjoy time being with those you love most. Turning off your cell phone and fully focusing on your conversation will leave your family members feeling truly appreciated and leave you feeling happier for it.
Garden. Whether on your windowsill, balcony, desk or in your garden, growing plants is directly linked to relaxation, improved self-esteem, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. And growing your own herbs, fruits, or vegetables can help you eat healthier.
Practice a hobby.
Whether it’s doing something artistic or musical, practicing sports or outdoor activities, or reading, spending time practicing your hobby is guaranteed to make you feel relaxed and happy. There is sure to be a hobby out there of interest to you! The only thing that matters is that you find it enjoyable and meaningful.
Listen, or dance, to your favorite music. Music makes everything better! It brings people together, can make us laugh and dance, or soothe and relax us. Create playlists for different moods and start noticing how music boosts your happiness, health, and productivity.
Try using one or more of these simple and free activities to lift your mood and keep it high throughout the day.
Do you have any suggestions to add to this list? Please let us know in the comment section.
