I hope 2022 is treating you well! January brings a fresh new year and it inspired me to write 10 ways to be happier this year! I actually wanted to write this blog post weeks ago but life’s been keeping me pretty busy lately. We’re heavily working on our new home in Maine that I love so so much, but like I said it keeps me busy! Very soon I’ll be sharing some home details on the blog I promise and explain why we moved and our journey… but back to happiness.
This is actually a blog post I’ve been writing in my head for a good 6 months or so… maybe more. I’m always thinking about happiness and ways to be happier. You can never be too happy right? Life is life, we all have ups and downs. Problems come up and it can be easy to let things little things get you down.
So the past few months I’ve been thinking about how a few small changes can have a huge impact on our daily lives and happiness. Here are my 10 little tips to help keep a smile on your face!
ELIMINATE CLUTTER
There is nothing I loathe more than clutter! Research has shown that clutter raises our stress hormone, cortisol, leaving us feeling stressed, anxious, and sometimes depressed. So if you have any cluttered spaces in your home then it’s time to tackle them! Organizing spaces is so satisfying and therapeutic for me, I just love it. If space in your home is tight invest in some clever storage solutions such as an ottoman with storage or decorative woven baskets with lids.
EXERCISE
Did you know just 7 minutes a day of exercise can boost happiness levels, increase your brain power, and help you relax! So if you’re not exercising regularly then it’s time to get moving! Be sure to pick out a form of exercise that you truly enjoy and switch things up when it starts to feel stale.
NATURE THERAPY
Connecting with nature is one of the simplest ways to be happier. Go take a nature walk or sit by the water… stepping outside our work and homes is crucial when it comes to happiness. It doesn’t need to take long either, just 10 or 15 minutes outside can completely reset my thinking and my mood.
DISCONNECT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
This is a big one… I know for sure. Social media gets to all of us and sometimes you just need to take a break and step away. I know when I’m detoxing from social media it makes a world of difference!
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Have you ever wanted to learn a new language? Or maybe start knitting or painting? It’s time to start! There is nothing more satisfying then learning a new skill! Youtube is one of my favorite ways to learn new skills… and it’s free!
PAY IT FORWARD BY HELPING OTHERS
Nothing makes me feel as warm and fuzzy as helping others. It can be a stranger off the street, or your kids, or a neighbor. You can volunteer or just do simple acts of kindness like holding a door open for someone. The world needs more simple acts of kindness.
FRESHEN UP YOUR DECOR
Our homes play a big impact on how we feel, and if a space feels a little dull then it’s time to freshen things up. A new fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a tired space. Adding a few simple items like house plants, throw pillows, or a new rug can quickly transform a room.
GRATITUDE
The simplest way for me to feel happier is giving thanks for what I already have. Even at our lowest times we have so many things to be grateful for and recognizing them is a great way to see your blessings. Start a gratitude journal and write out everything that your thankful for, it’s my favorite way to start each day.
PLAN A VACATION
How can planning a vacation not make you feel happy? Big or small I love a good vacation, but sometimes I actually think I enjoy planning our trips more than the actual trip! If traveling isn’t in your near future you can still dream it and plan it!
INDULGE IN SOME SELF CARE
You need to make time for you and pamper yourself with a little self care! Take a relaxing bubble bath, get a massage, light scented candles, or find a quiet cozy spot at home and read a book. Carving out time for yourself is a great way to feel happier.
I hope these ideas have inspired you big or small to find ways to feel happier!
