There’s plenty of advice out there (including right here on Kelly’s Reality) about how to lead a happier life. There are proven ways to create lasting, positive change, but sometimes you just need an immediate mood boost. Here are 5 ways to be happier right now.
- Disconnect from your phone.Of course you can disable notifications, uninstall apps, or take a major hiatus from all social media altogether, but simply walking away from your phone for a few hours will bring a huge happiness return. Can you make it a whole day without it? Even better! Turn it off when possible, or at the very least, put it in another room and actively avoid it for a set period of time every day. This also goes for answering phone calls and texts from people who stress you out. If it’s not urgent, you can respond later (if at all).
- But know when to use your phone for connection. Video message apps, like Marco Polo, and voice message apps, like Voxer, allow you to connect with friends and family who may be located in a different time zone or whose schedules don’t necessarily align with yours. You can keep in touch, vent to one another, problem solve, share funny stories and vides of the kids, or show the person on the other end what they couldn’t be a part of in real life. In this way, the phone will help you feel more connected and less alone. These apps are much more personal than social media, but more convenient than a phone call in real time.
- Stop planning (at least temporarily).Has this ever happened to you? You get in “the zone” shopping for new cars online, browsing real estate, checking out interior design or DIY projects on Pinterest, planning a vacation, and so on. These fantasies are rooted in reality and can actually be inspiring. They provide an escape for us, but we also sort of fall down a rabbit hole and end up far away from the present moment. Sometimes, we end up seeing why these things won’t be achievable for us, start the comparison game, and end up feeling worse than when we began! Step away from the device and try just living instead of planning. Go get your craft on instead of pinning other people’s work for a later date.
- Get some air.You don’t have to run a marathon, climb a mountain, hop in a kayak or onto a paddleboard; just take a walk! Sure, when possible, get those endorphins going, but there is benefit in simply sitting in your backyard, too. Breathe. Listen to the birds. Read a book. If you’re at work, literally excuse yourself from the building and take a lap. You won’t lose your job and the world won’t stop spinning because you stepped outside for five minutes. Some vitamin D will do you good.
- Laugh.I’m not suggesting you try some sort of laugh yoga or anything where you have to force a smile. I’m suggesting that you find out where the nearest comedy club is and physically go to a show! There’s got to be a cheesy improve troop nearby. When all else fails, watch funny animal or baby videos online. America’s Funniest Home Videos is still a thing, you know. Belly laughs make us temporarily forget our troubles.
What do you do for an instant happiness boost?
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