Happiness is that Holy Grail many of us seek. It is a challenge at times to keep our spirits up when life beats us down.
And then there are the preachers of happiness that encourage us to make sweeping changes to our lifestyle to cause a happiness avalanche – overwhelming changes to say the least.
I've bought the books and I've coached clients on this too. But, here is what I've learned over the years of helping others and being a self-help junkie.
Happiness comes and goes and it can be created.
It is extremely rare to find someone who is happy all the time. Sure, you can find people that seem to have sunshine streaming out of their derrieres but they are a rare breed in my experience.
What is more common is to find people who are hopeless (or should I say hopeful) optimists; people that get the label "positive" people. I have been told on many occasions that I am a positive person.
Am I happy?
Sure, I'd say on the whole, yes. But when I boil it all down, I truly believe that I am responsible for my happiness and that includes choosing to live and experience things that create joy and happiness.
I am always seeking more joy. I always look for the pony when there is a lot of poop around. I do it unconsciously. Positive people chose to find and do things that bring joy. That is the secret to staying (at least somewhat) positive in my opinion.
Does that mean positive people are rays of sunshine 24/7? No, we complain and have our bad days just like anyone. But I believe that we have figured out how to create happiness and that is what keeps us optimistic and positive. Are we annoying?
Perhaps to some who insist on perpetuating negativity or "realism" as the negative creators often say. But I'd rather annoy the heck out of some people and roll in the joy with the ones that get how great this can be.
I thought that I would share how I create happiness in case it inspires others that want to feel happier. If it helps one person who is having a bad day, week or year to jump start their happiness quotient, then that will make me smile.
And here's the best part.
I've chosen to list some simple things to incorporate into your day that take only a little bit of energy and many without a dollar sign attached.
These are not huge changes. These are small adjustments you can make to increase your level of happiness.
Play with an animal. Find a dog, cat, bird, or gorilla – whatever you can find to play with. It is pretty hard not to smile or feel a bit warm inside when you make an animal happy. Throw a ball, scratch behind an ear, talk to them. They will give you unconditional love in return.
Treat yourself to something. It doesn't have to be expensive or cost money at all, just something that makes you smile. Buy a new pair of shoes, add whip cream to your coffee or pour yourself a nice hot bath. Take the time to pamper yourself.
Smile at people as you walk to work. This one is an interesting experiment. You'll be amazed at the number of people you see with frowns on their face. Smile at them and see what happens.
Fix something. That knob that needs tightening, that hole in your favorite sweater, that squeaky hinge. Spend a few minutes making a repair that has been bugging you.
Clean something. That cobweb that has been annoying you, that dusty shelf, the toaster or oven, the drain. It is best if it is something that has been causing you stress just by looking at it.
Organize something. That spice drawer organizing task that has sat forever on your "to do" list that never seems to get done. Spend a couple of hours to sort and organize your recipes, music, shoes, or pictures. It will bring you a sense of accomplishment that can bring great pride and joy.
Play a song you haven't heard in a while. One that brings back good memories. One that makes you want to sing or dance.
Play with a child. Like playing with an animal, a child can bring great joy. Take the time to introduce them to your favorite game or toy as a child. Watch their face light up.
Put some energy into your appearance. Put on make-up or shave, pick out an outfit that makes you look good, get a haircut, manicure or pedicure. Do something to improve your appearance.
Improve your environment. Paint an accent wall, hang a new picture or buy a new rug, vase or fresh flowers. Do something to make your space more inviting.
Try a new fruit or vegetable. Improve your diet and access to different vitamins and minerals by introducing a new fruit or vegetable.
Do some form of aerobic exercise. Go for a walk, drop into an exercise class or the gym, go swimming or take a bike ride. Find some way to increase your heart rate, get blood pumping around and create an endorphin rush.
Stretch and meditate. Do a few yoga poses or stretches and then sit for a few minutes and simply count your breathing. Breathe in to the count of 6, hold your breath for 6, and then exhale to the count of six.
Donate a bag of stuff to charity. Not only will you de-clutter and get rid of unwanted stuff but you'll be helping others by your donation. Talk about a win-win!
Reconnect with someone. Call up a friend or family member you haven't seen in a while and reconnect. Invite them out for coffee or dessert. Make sure to pick someone who is positive and will inspire you!
Make freezer meals. It is satisfying to have things ready in your freezer for nights when you don't feel like cooking or when company pops by unexpected. Make a big batch of spaghetti sauce, curry, stew, cupcakes, muffins or cookie dough.
Do something nice for someone. Buy someone at work a muffin or pastry on your way to work, buy a rose for your significant other, offer to massage a loved one, do a friend a favor. Complete a random act of kindness that will brighten someone's day.
Watch a comedy performance. YouTube is great for this! I often call up videos of my favorite comedians and it will make me laugh hard. Nothing like a good belly laugh to improve your mood.
Listen to an inspiration CD or Audio book. During a commute is a great time to listen to an inspirational speaker or positive thinking audio book. Ted Talks on YouTube can be a great place to start.
Bake something and share it. Make a batch of cookies and bring them into work, school, a PTA meeting or other gathering. Or, simply knock on your neighbor's door with a baked gift in hand.
Play a harmless joke on someone. Now I am not advocating that you to embarrass or hurt someone, but just to do something harmless that will make you both have a good laugh.
Join a team or club. Research to find a group of people that are keen about an interest area you have be it a hobby, spiritual path or a professional pursuit – there is a group out there focused on most topics. Try searching for a meetup group as a start.
Sign up for a free seminar. Check out your local continuing studies offerings or hobby store to find free (or low cost) classes to take.
Read a biography. Find a biography of a famous person that inspires you.
Sing a song. It is hard not to feel happier when signing. Put on your favorite music and belt it out!
Make a long distance call. Phone someone who is far away and find out what is happening in their part of the world. Again, choose a person who is a positive or inspirational.
Plant something. If it is summer, plant a flower or tree. If it is winter, try sprouting some paper whites or other bulb.
Experience nature. Go for a hike in the mountains, a swim in the ocean, a walk in the forest.
Create something. Grab your camera and take pictures. Pull out a sketchbook and draw. Do a craft. Make a card for someone. Build a storage box out of wood. Sew a curtain, cover a cushion or make some place mats.
Invite a friend to dinner. Make something yummy to share with a good friend or a new acquaintance you want to get to know better.
Send someone a thank you card. I don't mean an email. Actually purchase and mail a card. It is so great to get something in the mail other than bills so put a smile on someone's face.
Do you have other ideas for simple, inexpensive things to do that create happiness? Please suggest them in the comment section below this article.
Thank you for reading this far.
P.S. I wanted to add photos each but I though it would be very long and might stopped you from continuing.