“I Just Want to Be Happy”: 8 Ways to Get Your Smile Back
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably thought to yourself, “I just want to be happy!”
The pursuit of happiness is not without its obstacles. Everyday life struggles can make it difficult to stay positive and make happiness seem out of reach.
But the truth is, not only is it possible but finding true happiness is easier than you think!
If you’re ready to be happy again, continue reading for our practical suggestions you can implement right now, to experience more happiness in your daily life.
Feeling Down? Don’t Worry, It’s Normal!
Before we get to our tips for increasing happiness, let’s deal with the obstacle many face. Negative emotions are part of life; very few people can honestly say they have never experienced them.
While you should accept that there will be sad times, remember that there can be even more happy times. Stay resilient and know that, even when it doesn’t feel like it, this too shall pass. Once you start thinking this way, you’ll be better able to handle days when you feel down.
When Should You Reach Out for Help?
You might want to be happy and live a happy life, but sometimes it can feel almost impossible to pursue this!
There is a difference between being down sometimes and being sad all the time.
Everyone suffers from stress and feels sad sometimes. But if you no longer find joy in the things that once made you happy, if you can’t find the strength to get out of bed, or if you feel like things won’t improve, it is important to reach out for help. If you always feel unhappy or are dealing with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, it’s time to get help from a professional.
Sometimes all you need is someone to listen and provide support. Many different kinds of professionals out there can provide therapy and help you work through your feelings. It’s okay not to be okay, and asking for help is the first step to feeling better. You do not have to and should not go through difficult times alone.
“I Just Want to Be Happy”: How to Get Your Smile Back
Let’s go over some of the top tips to find happiness.
Stop Putting Things Off
If you want more joy in your life, go looking for it. It’s out there, waiting for you. You could be doing many things right now to improve how you spend your free time.
You don’t have to start chasing happiness with extravagant changes. It is possible to start by bringing little doses of happiness into your day-to-day routine.
Live in the moment; every moment can be a source of joy. Enjoy your senses – feel the sun on your face, listen to the birds, and savor every sip of your coffee.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment to do something that will bring you joy. Take up a new hobby, join a social group, or read a book you’ve always wanted to read.
Get in touch with close friends from out of town that you keep meaning to talk to. We’ve got some great tips on keeping in touch with friends if you need help.
Life is full of possibilities when you realize that the right time for your personal happiness is now. Don’t let fear or worry stop you from finding happiness.
Don’t put off until tomorrow what your future self will thank you for doing today!
Practice Gratitude
Embracing the spirit of gratitude can make a profound difference in your life. People are doing things for you all the time!
We’re not suggesting putting on a fake smile or being disingenuous. But say “thank you” and show gratitude when it is deserved, and you will reap the benefits.
Participants in a research study were asked to write three letters of gratitude over a three-week period. This showing of gratitude was linked to increased happiness and life satisfaction and decreased depressive symptoms.
Another study asked people to write down reasons to be grateful. When they did so, their levels of optimism and physical well-being improved.
Practicing gratitude increased participants’ happiness in both of these research studies. It can do the same for you.
You have so many reasons to be happy when you think about it. Start a gratitude journal listing all those reasons – the big things and the little things. When you cultivate gratitude, you’ll find it easier to see the silver lining in every situation and be happy.
Introduce Some Fun Into Your Life
Remember that laughter is truly the best medicine for happiness and life satisfaction.
We’ve all heard the saying, ‘good things come to those who wait.’
This is not always true. Step outside of your comfort zone from time to time and go to where the fun is! Stop waiting for the fun to find you.
This will be different for everyone, but every person has an idea of something they can do to add fun to their lives. Cuddle with a pet, play your favorite sport, listen to happy music, or dance like no one is watching.
Create new, happy memories that you can look back on when days seem a bit darker. When you feel down, these pleasant memories will help to bring a smile to your face.
Use Empowering Speech
Be more conscious of the words you think, say, and even write, and you will soon make happiness a habit. Positive words lead to positive thoughts, and vice versa.
Instead of spending an afternoon ranting on social media, post something positive!
Rather than saying you’re unemployed, say you’re looking for a new opportunity. You will be more inclined to achieve success when you start talking about it as if it’s just around the corner.
Most importantly, you will instantly feel more optimistic about the world and your place in it when you use empowering speech to think and talk about yourself and others.
At first, you may need to remind yourself that your words matter, but soon it will develop into a habit that comes effortlessly. You’ll feel more confident and happy when you use empowering words and phrases regularly.
If you need help with this, read over our self-love affirmations and affirmations for confidence and start using them in your everyday life. You’ll be happy you did!
Take Your Focus off the Negative
News about the world today can often be super upsetting. Feeling down and having negative thoughts after a long session of scrolling online is a sign that you need some time away.
Take at least one day a week to ‘unplug’ and avoid these external causes of distress. For a dose of much more positive reality, focus on living in the present moment and get outside into nature to recharge.
Take your dog for a walk, take your kids to the park, or go for a stroll along the beach. Let your mind rest and enjoy the beauty of life.
When you take the time to reconnect with yourself and the world around you, you’ll be able to see that life isn’t as scary, negative, or overwhelming as the news may have you believe. If you focus on the positive and create meaningful moments throughout the day, being happy will become part of your reality.
Be Selective of the Company You Keep
The people you surround yourself with can have a considerable influence on your mood and outlook. If most of your friends are negative, staying positive, let alone happy, can be difficult.
Try not to let others affect your happiness. You can do this in multiple ways.
First, make sure you’re cultivating relationships with people who are upbeat, uplifting, and supportive. They will help to lift your spirits and remind you of the beauty of life. Spend time doing fun things with them and enjoy the laughter, camaraderie, and memories you create together.
Second, practice healthy boundaries with people who may be having a negative influence on you. You don’t have to stop talking to them, but you do need to make it clear that you’re not interested in hearing negative comments, gossip, or criticism. If you can’t remove yourself entirely, limit the amount of time you spend with them and focus on the positive conversations.
Third, regularly reach out to family and good friends who care about you. There is little that can bring more happiness than spending time with loved ones.
Here’s a powerful happiness hack: call up your grandparents today and ask them how things are going. Their joy in hearing from you will immediately bring a smile to your face.
Or, surprise a good friend with a thinking of you gift. There’s no better feeling than making someone you care about happy.
A strong support network, i.e., people who love you no matter what and lift you up when you feel down, is essential to your emotional well-being. Find people who genuinely care about you and invite them into your life. Then, keep them in your life by reciprocating that care and love.
Spread a Little Happiness Wherever You Go
So many people are facing life struggles that you may never know about. Small acts of kindness can go a long way in brightening someone’s day and making you feel good too. This is the power of kindness.
When you help others, you become part of something larger than yourself. Connecting with people through kindness and generosity not only benefits the receiver but can also lead you to a sense of purpose and inner peace. By giving to others, you are, in turn, giving to yourself.
If you want to be happy, be the reason someone smiles today! Give a sincere compliment, send a thoughtful message, buy someone a cup of coffee, or offer your help – there are so many ways to be kind! You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference you can make in someone’s life just by smiling at them, being polite, and showing compassion. And you’ll love the feeling of joy that comes with it!
Make Self-Care a Priority
One of the best happy quotes out there is to “love yourself first.” There is so much wisdom in those three words.
If you want to be happy, prioritize self-care. Take time for yourself to slow down, relax, and rejuvenate. Listen to your body and mentally rest when it’s necessary.
You are not a machine, and you don’t have to be switched on constantly. Let yourself take a break, even if it’s just an hour. Disconnect from the world, practice mindfulness, and do something you want to do.
Remember that self-care also includes eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising, and seeing your doctor regularly. All of these things will not only make you physically healthier but mentally healthier as well.
When you take care of yourself, you will be able to tackle whatever comes your way with more energy and a positive attitude. You’ll be able to create a life you love and be happy no matter what.
Final Thoughts
You’re not alone if you’re thinking, “I just want to be happy.” Happiness can be elusive sometimes, especially if you’re trying too hard to find it outside of yourself.
The key is finding happiness within yourself and prioritizing self-love, self-care, and kindness. When you focus on taking care of yourself, you’ll realize that happiness is not something you chase. It’s a feeling you create for yourself, and it’s something you can carry with you wherever you go.
We hope you’ve found comfort and wisdom in our words today. These are just a few simple suggestions to bring happiness and pleasure into your life. But it’s these small things that can make a big impact!
Consider using the Do Happy App to invite happiness into your life. The app helps you build healthier habits for more lasting happiness. Give it a try, and see how much of a difference it can make to your life.
No matter what you do, remember that you have the power to choose happiness and make it a reality. Find ways to insert a little dose of happy into your daily life, so you always feel your best!