Happiness Hacks

The best way to feel better and deal with pain is to have a sense of humor about life and yourself—when you are in the midst of a crisis, finding something funny can help. Not that you are expected to crack jokes in the middle of a crisis, but finding a bit of humor amidst the pain will bring you some relief. And if you can make others laugh a bit, too, all the better. 

Feel good about what you’ve accomplished in life or the special talents you possess. Feeling good will help you find your true colors! Be proud of your uniqueness—don’t try to bury it to fit in with a crowd. Suppressing what is natural and good about yourself will only lead to unhappiness. Be proud of the individual you are. 

Don’t just reach out for help or support when things are in crisis—also reach out when you are working toward a goal and need help. Ask a friend or coworker to share their experience. This in turn will make the person you are asking feel valued, plus you will gain some of their knowledge and wisdom. Use that to help make your dream come true. 

Often people pin their hopes on external conditions that are out of their control, or they underestimate their power to control their own happiness. Never forget the power of the mind to generate happiness! The mind can make you feel miserable even if you’re living in paradise, or the mind can make you feel happy even in the midst of adversity. Make your mind your best friend rather than your enemy, and happiness will follow. 

Smell isn’t just a fragrance; it’s a memory—think about chocolate-chip cookies baking in your grandma’s oven or a bouquet of flowers that a special date gave you. Because olfactory responses are directly linked to the emotional centers of the brain, they cause a flood of warm and fuzzy feelings that are sure to boost your mood. Find your favorite fragrance and smell it to increase your happiness. 

Challenges are opportunities for growth and are one of the keys to happiness. Having something to strive for will keep you out of the negativity rut, so do something you’ve always wanted try (even if you’re afraid to do it). Find something that gives you a sense of purpose and then strive for it. 

Find a beloved book that makes you laugh or cry or sigh every time you read it, curl up in a quiet, sunny place with it, and get lost in the story. Let yourself be lifted out of your own life and into the world of the book. Share the characters’ triumphs and feel their torments. Escape your own problems for a little while. True, you can’t run away from issues in real life, but sometimes the respite of a good story can lighten your mood and give you a much-needed break to clear your mind. This works with your favorite movie too! 

Our brains take pleasure in new and novel ideas. To encourage you to seek out the new and unexpected, your brain will release feel-good hormones when you try something new. Routines bring stagnation—it’s time to break out of your rut and find some joy! Try something you normally wouldn’t and then feel the rush of happiness. Maybe you’ve always wanted to skydive or kayak or drive off to that inn by the beach . . . whatever it is, try it! 

The most magical times of the day often go by unnoticed. There is something so beautiful and peaceful about the sunrise! Try waking up early one morning to go out and witness it. Hear the quiet chirp of the early birds, feel the breeze on your face, watch as the sunlight first appears over the horizon and begins the day with its light. A sunrise is akin to a religious experience—don’t miss it. Watch a sunrise just once, and you’ll notice how positive you feel for the whole rest of the day. 

Some people love to cause trouble—they love to interfere in situations that are not really their concern and stir the pot of emotions. Whether they do so out of a desire to create chaos and push other people’s buttons or to boost their own egos by making themselves feel superior, if you want to hold on to your happiness, you should avoid these types of people at all costs. Toxic people have a need to suck others into their negative spiral. Avoid the drama and distance yourself from them! If you can’t turn a person’s focus away from negativity, then simply excuse yourself and leave the conversation. Your happiness is worth the little bit of awkward inter action you might need to initiate to remove yourself from the situation.