This time of year can be a bit disheartening as the temperature plummets and the cold, dark nights draw in.
But your mood doesn’t have to drop with the temperatue. Today is World Smile Day, 24 hours dedicated to little acts of kindness and spreading happiness across the world.
And if your goal is to be a happier, healthier person, these tips could be just the thing you need to help improve your mood.
Here are 10 tips on how to make yourself happier:
1. Connect with people
Being around people who care about you is the best way to lift your mood. Research shows that people with broad social relationships are happier people.
So if you need a boost pick up the phone, visit a friend or simply start up a conversation with someone new.
Having people in your life also increases your feeling of self-worth and belonging.
2. Notice beauty in the world around you
If you can notice something positive or beautiful about the dullest of days you’re likely to become happier over time.
Learning to be more mindful and aware of the positive things in life helps re-focus feelings and stops us dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
So live in the moment and think of something or someone that makes you H-A-P-P-Y!
3. Have things to look forward to
Feeling positive about the future can be a great help in getting through tough days.
If you’re feeling down, start saving for your dream holiday or set yourself a fitness goal to aim towards.
If we try to attempt the impossible this brings unnecessary stress, but setting achievable goals can be motivating and exciting.
4. Do nice things for others
If you want to feel good, do good!
Whether it’s climbing Kilimanjaro for charity or helping your neighbour put up a shelf, helping others is a great way to boost your mood.
Not only is it good for the people you are helping and a kind thing to do, it also makes us happier and healthier too.
Giving to others is also a great way to connect with new people and create a stronger sense of community – which helps build a happier community for everyone.
5. Take care of your body
Happy body, happy mind!
Many studies show that people who exercise regularly benefit with a positive boost in mood and lower rates of depression.
Improved self-esteem is also a key psychological benefit of regular physical activity.
When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.
Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric.”
6. Keep learning new things
Keeping your brain active affects our well-being in lots of positive ways.
It exposes us to new ideas and helps us stay curious and engaged. It also gives us a sense of accomplishment and helps boost our self-confidence and resilience.
So why not take up a new hobby or learn a new skill this year!
7. Find ways to bounce back
It’s not all going to be plain sailing and life can be hard, but humans are very good at adapting and moving on.
We often cannot choose what happens to us, but in principle we can choose our own attitude to what happens.
In practice it’s not always easy, but research has found that resilience, like many other life skills, can be learned.
So next time something negative happens in your life try taking a step back and thinking about the best way to deal with it.
Be kind to yourself, give yourself time to feel sad but try and help yourself by doing things you enjoy and being around people who love you.
8. Be comfortable with yourself
Dwelling on your flaws can be very self-destructive. Try to remember that no one is perfect and accept yourself for who you are.
Once you stop beating yourself up about your downfalls you will have more time to focus on the good things in life.
Learning to love yourself will also give you more confidence, a greater sense of self-worth and will inevitably make you feel happier.
9. Take a positive approach
Positive emotions, like joy and gratitude, are great at the time.
But exciting new research also shows that regularly experiencing them creates an upward spiral, helping to build our resources.
Try focusing on the good aspects of any situation – the glass half full, rather than the glass half empty.
10. Be part of something bigger
People who have meaning and purpose in their lives are happier, feel more in control and get more out of what they do.
They also experience less stress, anxiety and depression.
But where can you find that purpose?
Everyone finds it in different places, so try thinking about what is important to YOU – whether it’s becoming a parent or getting promoted at work.
