7 Guaranteed Ways to Be Happier Right Now
- By Gretchen Rubin
It's striking how important energy is to happiness. Unfortunately, when you're feeling blue, it can be hard to muster up the physical and mental energy needed to do the things that will make you happier. Planning a brunch party, weeding the garden, or pulling out a craft project seems like a lot of trouble, while plunking down in front of the TV or digging into a tub of ice cream entices you as an easy fix. But research shows (and you know it's true) that these aren't the routes to lifting your spirits.
Instead, I've found it helpful to look for patterns in the times of day when I begin to drag: Am I having trouble getting out of bed in the morning? Passing out at my desk in the mid-afternoon? Dragging around the apartment after dinner instead of having fun with my family? Sometimes, oddly, I'm too tired to go to bed: I can't face the effort of brushing my teeth, washing my face, and all the rest. Once I identified the energy dips in my daily routine, I was able to identify strategies to keep my energy higher - and I've been astonished by how quickly and easily I'm able to give myself a boost.
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For long-term energy, it's most important to a) get enough sleep and b) get some exercise. But that doesn't help you if you need some energy right now. When I'm desperate for an immediate happiness boost, these are the tips that really work for me:
1. GO OUTSIDE INTO THE SUNLIGHT Light deprivation is one reason that people feel tired. Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood. For an extra boost, get your sunlight first thing in the morning. And while you're outside...
2. GO FOR A BRISK WALK One study found that even a 10-minute walk is enough to increase energy and decrease tension.
3. ACT WITH ENERGY We think we act because of the way we feel, but often we feel because of the way we act. Trick yourself into feeling energetic by moving more quickly, pacing while you talk on the phone, and putting more energy into your voice.
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4. LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE UPBEAT SONG Hearing stimulating music gives an instant lift and is one of the quickest, most reliable ways to affect your mood and energy level. I'm always surprised by the effectiveness of this strategy.
5. TALK TO AN ENERGETIC FRIEND Not only do you gain energy from interacting with other people, but you also - in what's called emotional contagion - "catch" their emotions. Instead of infecting others with your draggy mood, try to lift yourself by catching the energy of a boisterous friend.
6. TACKLE AN ITEM ON YOUR TO-DO LIST Unfinished tasks weigh you down. So if you feel bad about skipping your skin cancer check, not having completed an overdue report, or not having faced this month's bills, force yourself to tackle one thing that's nagging at you. It's tough, but you will feel a huge rush of energy when you cross it off your list.
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7. CLEAN UP I'm not sure why tidying makes such a huge difference, but when I feel like I can't face the day, I tidy up my desk, and I perk right up.
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