5 Simple activities to help you feel happier

At the moment, emotions can be akin to riding a rollercoaster – am I right? 

Anyway, to help combat the lows there are some simple, but effective ways to maintain some balance and hopefully make the ride slightly less daunting.  

Let me share with you 5 simple activities you can try to help you feel happier…

#01 Savouring

This is my absolute favourite activity at the moment.  It’s all about stepping outside of a positive experience to review & appreciate it.  The act of savouring helps to intensify & lengthen the positive emotions which come from enjoying something.  

You can savour anything you feel some joy from – be it watching a movie with your family, taking a walk, enjoying a glass of your favourite tipple or even a hug from a loved one.  

There are a few techniques you can use to enhance it – such as sharing it with another person, making sure you’re fully present in the moment or even taking a picture to remember it.

#02 Random Acts of Kindness

I’m currently completing a well-being course and this is my most recent homework set… to perform a random act of kindness each day, beyond what I would usually do. They don’t have to be massively grand gestures, cost the earth or take up an awful amount of time – they just have to make an impact on another person.  

When motivated to operate for the good of others (and wider society), we naturally feel happier.  A book I read recently (& that I recommend reading) is 29 Gifts by Cami Walker*.   Cami – after being diagnosed with MS – was advised to complete random acts of kindness, every day for 29-days in order to improve her life.  It’s amazing how a simple daily practice of altruism can shift our focus from lack to the abundance of what we have to offer others.  Give it a go and see how you feel.  

#03 Socially connecting

Make a point to make meaningful contact with somebody each day.  Reach out to someone outside of your household by simply sending a message or making a phone call.  Is there a friend you haven’t contacted in a while?  A family member who you’d like to spend time talking to?  

There doesn’t need to be a set structure to it – a simple, hello, how are you?  is more than enough to build a conversation.  Once the conversation is over – whatever the medium – take a moment to think about how it made you feel.  

Additionally – although I know this won’t be for everyone – I advocate making a point to say hello or just offer a smile to a stranger or neighbour.  When I’m out for my daily exercise, I always try to smile & say hello to all we pass (from a social distance!) Studies have shown that this simple act can boost your mood more than you expect.  Plus, at present you never know how much that short but kind connection will mean to them. 

#04 Gratitude list

I’ve previously spoken about how practising gratitude increases your happiness – but now more than ever it is such an accessible & powerful tool in our happiness armour.  Research has shown reflecting & feeling grateful can make us not only happier but also healthier.  

Through some of my darkest points, the simple act of writing down something I’m grateful for each evening has literally been the key to getting me through.  It really doesn’t need to take a lot of time. Just before you go to bed take a few moments to focus on and actually write down around 5 things you’re grateful for.  If you can do more than 5 great – but if 5 feels like a push right now, just do what you can. 

As I said, at my worst point I started with one thing and just built daily from there.  Before I knew it I was naturally noticing all that was good in my life and I was experiencing moments of gratitude throughout the day.  Please do try this and as a bonus, doing this just before bed will ease your brain into a more restful night’s sleep!

RELATED: How to win at sleeping (& why you should want to!)

#05 Communicate

At this time it’s so important we get comfortable with communicating.  Especially now we’re confined with limited opportunity for solitude – unless you’re in lockdown on your own.  But whether you’re surrounded by people or independent of others – be sure to regularly communicate your feelings or needs. 

This can be verbally to another or even just taking time to journal your thoughts & feelings.  As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved – letting it out, is often more healthy than keeping it in.  

I’ve said to my husband a few times now, ‘I’m struggling today, thank you for your patience’ sometimes we’ll have a conversation about it and sometimes, saying that is just enough for him to know the motives behind some of my actions or reactions.  

Communicating also demonstrates to the rest of your household, particularly if you have children, the importance of sharing your feelings and ultimately, that it’s OK to have feelings, it’s part of being human.  

Feeling heard & supported is important for us to feel happier.

Good to Know: This is also a great time for us to practice our active listening skills! 

RELATED: How developing your active listening skills can improve your life

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Here are some extra ways to help you feel happier each day:

• 5 Ways exercise makes you happy

• 5 Easy Ways to instantly boost your mood anytime & anywhere

• Why your well-being matters most right now

• 5 Useful ways mindfulness helps in your everyday life

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5 Simple activities to help you feel happier are intended as actions to help restore well-being. If you are worried about your mental health, it’s important to seek professional help. Organisations such as The Samaritans are available for support. Visit their Coronavirus Support Page for more details.

Have you tried any of these suggested activities before? If so, how have you got on with them? Are there any that you think you’ll try? Do you have any of your own to add? Anything you’d like to say – or ask! – please do get in touch via the comment box below. I’m happy to help & I always love to hear from you!

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