How to Get Happy Fast
Happiness

How to Get Happy Fast: 19 Ways to Do It

Do you feel stressed? Is your blood pressure high? Does it seem like bad things have taken over your life?

You’re not alone if you’re wondering how to get happy fast after life has thrown you a curveball. This survey shows that only 34% of Americans are happy.

If you’re looking for quick ways to boost your own happiness, look no further!

In this article, we share some fun activities and excellent tips on how to get happy fast. They’re guaranteed to help you feel instantly happy!

Is It Possible to Get Happy Fast?

Of course, it is!

It only takes seconds to go from feeling down to feeling good again.

You can do so many things to turn that frown upside down.

How to Get Happy Fast

While some factors that affect our happiness are out of our control, there are things we can do to boost our mood and make today great.

Take a few moments to go through these simple tips on how to get happy fast that you can try today.

1. Think of a Funny Moment

We all have that funny memory that makes us laugh or smile. Use it to your advantage. If you have more than one, even better!

Memories are powerful. They’re great for when you feel sad. Remembering a funny event will help warm up your spirits rather quickly.

female friends drinking wine and laughing

2. Start a Gratitude Journal

When we’re down, we may struggle to recall all the little things we’re grateful for.

Start a gratitude journal and write about what you’re grateful for. Then when you need a pick-me-up, read through it to remind yourself of all the positive things in your life!

3. Do Happy Movements

Not only does exercise have physical benefits, but it also boosts your mood. Exercise doesn’t have to be a sweaty, heart-pumping workout at the gym, either. Any movement that gets you up and out of your seat will do the trick.

So try one of these happy movements: take a brisk walk outside for fresh air, dance around your living room to happy music, or do some simple stretches at your desk.

A few minutes of movement will increase blood flow and release endorphins, making you feel happier.

man dancing with his daughter

4. Give Your Bestie a Call

Sometimes chatting with a good friend, an old friend, or a close family member is all you need to feel happier.

Meaningful relationships are crucial to a happy life. So, if you’re feeling lonely, contact your loved ones. Chat about inside jokes and happy memories. It’ll make you both feel great, and those negative thoughts will quickly disappear.

5. Declutter Your Space

If you have a cluttered space, try cleaning it up for a more rejuvenated feel. Getting rid of clutter can help you feel more relaxed and make it easier to focus on what’s important.

Remember, a simple life is a happy life.

Consider investing in some storage containers to help organize your space. Lighten your schedule by eliminating some commitments that are taking up too much of your time.

Once you declutter your space and schedule, you’ll have more time and energy for the things that truly matter to you.

woman in a purple sweater and yellow cleaning gloves

6. Spend Time With Your Pet

When you’re in your pet’s presence, you’ll experience unconditional love and comfort. Who can resist that excited panting with an enthusiastic tail wag?

Spending time with your furry friends has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. This quality time boosts your mood quite a lot. 

If you don’t have a pet, call up a friend and ask if you can hang out with theirs’. You can also volunteer at the local animal shelter to do a good deed and get your animal time in.

7. Bask in Sunshine

Basking in the glow of the sun helps to reduce depression by helping your body to release the feel-good Vitamin D. Additionally, the sun’s rays can help to increase levels of serotonin in your brain, which makes you feel better!

So, go outside or stand by a window to get your daily dose of sunshine. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

8. Expose Yourself to Pale Blue Light

If you can’t get direct sunlight, try artificial light that mimics a sunny blue sky. Install blue light bulbs, sit near a sunny window, or use a light therapy lamp that emits a pale blue glow. The pale blue wavelengths increase serotonin and lower melatonin, lifting your mood in minutes.

9. Grab an Adult Coloring Book

What a great way to feel like a kid again!

Coloring books have been shown to relieve stress and boost happiness. Try coloring if you need to get your mind off something or just want to have some fun!

rainbow colored pencils

10. Take a Deep Breath and Meditate

When we are feeling low, it can be tough to get out of a funk and back to feeling happy again. Just a few minutes of meditation can help to calm your mind, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever is causing you stress.

So, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Inhale and exhale deeply and slowly. Try to clear your mind of negative thoughts or worries as you breathe. If your mind wanders, redirect your focus back to your breath.

After a few minutes of deep breathing, you should feel more relaxed.

woman with her arms out outside

11. Smell Soothing Scents

Take a deep breath and smell the happiness.

Research published in the journal Chemical Senses found that relaxing fragrances can reduce stress and tension. Keep scented candles, essential oils, or lotions with calming aromas like lavender and vanilla nearby. When you need an emotional boost, take a moment to deeply inhale their soothing scents.

12. Be Kind

Why is kindness important?

Showing kindness to others boosts your happiness and spreads goodness to others.

As a bonus, you’ll also nurture your relationships with others and may even make new friends!

Even a smile can make all the difference. Kindness is contagious in the best way! When you see someone light up from your good deed, it’ll make your day too.

13. Spend Money on Someone Else

Studies have shown that one of the quickest ways to happiness is spending money on someone else. Giving money away makes you happier than spending it on yourself!

So next time you’re feeling down, try making someone else’s day by picking up the tab for a friend or donating money to a good cause. It’ll make you feel good and help brighten someone else’s day.

(You might be a little tight on money. Read this article on how to be happy without money.)

14. Take a Nap

We all know how good it feels to catch some extra Z’s, and there’s a reason for that. Sleep is one of the simplest (and most effective) ways to boost your mood and overall health.

When you don’t get enough sleep, your body and mind can’t function at their best. You’re more likely to feel irritable and stressed and have trouble concentrating or making decisions.

So if you’re looking for a quick mood booster, take a nap! Even 20 minutes can make a big difference.

woman sleeping peacefully in bed

15. Stay off Social Media

One of the best ways to get happy fast is to stay off social media. Why? Because social media is full of negativity and can be a real downer. The algorithms are designed to keep you addicted, and the most addicting stories and images make you unhappy and lower your self-esteem.

So, do yourself a favor and take a break from social media. You’ll be surprised at how much better you instantly feel.

16. Laugh

They say that laughter is the best medicine. Well, it is! It’s essential for good health and overall happiness.

So, seek out humor. Watch a funny movie, read a hilarious book, or tell jokes with friends. Do whatever it takes to get a good laugh. It will boost your mood and make you feel happier.

couple looking at a cell phone

17. Get Creative

Whether you enjoy painting, writing, sculpting, or simply doodling, being creative can lead you to a state of flow that uplifts your mood and provides a sense of accomplishment.

Not only will you enjoy the process of creating something, but you’ll also have a physical reminder of your happiness to look back on later.

18. Adopt a Plant

Plants boost moods, clean the air, and generally make people feel better. Taking care of a plant can give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction, and simply being around green space has been shown to improve mental well-being.

So if you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up, head to your local nursery and adopt a plant today.

a display of succulents

19. Take Time Off

Never feel guilty about using your vacation days and taking some time off. That’s why you get them in the first place. It would help if you took a break!

Taking time off is an act of self-care. It allows you to recharge, refocus, and come back feeling refreshed. It’s a great way to ensure you stay happy at work. Be preventative instead of burning out! 

If you’re feeling burned out, a vacation may be just what you need.

Final Thoughts

Modern life can be tough, and it’s easy to get bogged down in the daily grind. But don’t forget that there are plenty of ways to get happy fast. Look at the list above and pick a few to do. With a little effort, you can feel better in no time.

If you are experiencing depression or other mental health issues, these tips may not be enough. Please consult a doctor or mental health professional for help.

Remember, everyone has their own rules for a happy life! Finding what makes you happy might take a while, but it’s worth it. Be patient and keep exploring until you find your own recipe for happiness.


For more articles like this, check out the a little dose of happy blog. We regularly post research-backed tips on small ways to lift your mood and promote your overall well-being. 

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