Walking also counts as a form of exercise, so you’re killing two birds with one stone if you’re also trying to spend more time exercising.
This is especially important when it comes to traveling. Get out there and visit new places. Even if you can’t fly out for your dream vacation right now, you can probably squeeze in a road trip to a new city. [4] X Research source
Another way to fix negative thoughts is to repeat a positive phrase or affirmation over and over again until your perspective has changed. You could say something like, “I am strong, I am capable,” or, “I can handle any obstacle. ” Positive self-talk is also physically good for you. The more optimistic you are, the less stress you’ll experience. This can increase your life span, build your immune system, and lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
A gratitude journal is a great way to get in the habit of being grateful. Every day, spend 5-10 minutes writing about something you’re thankful for. [8] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t enjoy your death metal and horror movies. There’s a time and place for everything; just try to engage with something that makes you feel good about the world every now and then.
If you’re looking for a new hobby, try to choose something social. You’re more likely to make new friends if you’re engaging in a team sport, book club, or community gardening project. It’s impossible to waste time on something so long as you find value and meaning in it. If you’re passionate about competitive video gaming, brewing craft beer, or collecting stamps, don’t let anyone make you feel bad about pursuing what you love.
There’s a kind of positive feedback loop here where the happier you are, the kinder you’ll be and vice versa. Kindness can be contagious. If you help other people out now, you’re more likely to find the help you might need in the future. [13] X Research source
You can always deactivate your accounts and reactivate them when you feel like you’re ready to get back online. There are apps you can download to control how much time you spend on social media every day. This can be a great middle ground if you don’t want to be cut off entirely. Social media is great when it comes to keeping in touch with people in other parts of the world, and there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with using Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. It’s just that people need a break sometimes!
This is an especially good option if you’ve been getting stressed about work. Giving yourself a break to focus on something else is a great way to recharge your batteries.
Everyone has something they’re great at. Even something as simple as cooking a fancy meal for your family can be super rewarding.
Scent has a unique ability to trigger memory. If there’s a unique dish your grandmother used to make, recreate it! The nostalgia is sure to boost your mood.
Any physical activity counts as exercise. Cleaning your kitchen, walking your dog, and working on your car all count, so just get moving. You don’t need to go straight from no exercise to a massive workout routine. Even 10 minutes of exercise a day can do wonders for your happiness. Start small and then work your way up from there. [21] X Research source
You can still be social with the COVID pandemic keeping everyone indoors. Set up a video hangout session over Zoom, play some games online with your friends, and FaceTime your family over dinner. Seeing your friends and family is also a great way to mitigate stress. If you’re ever going through a tough time, reach out to the people who care about you. You’re sure to feel better. [23] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Don’t allow other people’s negative attitudes to affect your happiness. If you have a friend or family member who is constantly complaining or critiquing you, don’t go out of your way to see them.
Some people are unhappy because they don’t feel purpose in life. Maybe they think their job doesn’t matter, or they feel like they aren’t making a difference in their off time. If this might be you, reach out to some charities near you to see how you can help.
Yoga is a fun way to exercise while lowering stress. Either sign up for a yoga class at a studio near you or pull up some beginner videos on YouTube and give it a shot. Download a guided meditation app and find a nice quiet place to meditate. Follow the prompts to learn how to focus your thoughts and calm your body. Deep-breathing exercises are a great option if you tend to overreact to stress in the moment. Put one hand on your belly, the other on your chest, and breathe in through your nose slowly. Exhale through pursed lips. Do this 3-10 times to lower your stress. [27] X Research source
Dogs are extremely loyal and loving, but they do require a lot of time and energy. Cats are a fun option that don’t require daily walks. Guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and mice are all phenomenal options if you want a furry friend that won’t be super high maintenance. Lizards and fish are other fun options that don’t require a lot of socialization. There are even studies that show keeping crickets can boost your energy levels and mood![29] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Taking care of an ant farm might be a great option if you don’t have a ton of free time for a dog or cat.
