25 tips to be happy all your life 🆙

Being happier is possible right now. Follow our advice, daily, weekly and monthly to be happy all your life.

If possible

Happiness looks different for everyone. For you, maybe it's being at peace with who you are. Or have a network of friends who accept you unconditionally. Or the freedom to pursue your deepest dreams.

Regardless of your version of true happiness, living a happier, more fulfilling life is within your grasp. A few adjustments in your daily life can help you achieve this.

The tips to be happy that we will give you below are divided according to the period in which to put them into practice: daily, weekly, monthly and annual tips.

Some of these tips are probably not for you. With a little time and practice, you'll understand what works and what doesn't work for you.

Tips for day to day, to be happy

1. Smile

We tend to smile when we are happy. But it is actually a two-way street.

Smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier.

This doesn't mean you have to walk around with a fake smile on your face, but the next time you're feeling down, try smiling, maybe thinking of something cool, and see what happens. Or try starting each morning by looking in the mirror, smiling.

2. Exercise

Exercise is not just for the body. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and symptoms of depression, while increasing self-esteem and happiness.

Even modest physical activity can make a difference. There's no need to train for a triathlon or climb a mountain, unless that's what makes you happy, of course.

The trick is not to try too hard. If you suddenly throw yourself into an extremely strenuous workout, chances are you'll end up feeling frustrated (and sore).

Consider starting the exercise this way:

Take a walk around the block every night after dinner.
Sign up for a beginners yoga or pilates class.
Start the day with 5 minutes of stretching.

Try all the fun activities you once enjoyed but have now fallen out of use. Or activities you've always wanted to try, like golf, bowling, or dancing.

You may also be interested in: Fit without going to the gym: the secret of the Japanese

3. Get enough sleep

No matter how much modern frenzy tends to deprive us of sweet sleep, we know that adequate sleep is essential for good health, brain function, and emotional well-being.

Most adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If you find yourself fighting the need to sleep during the day or if you feel like your brain is foggy, your body may be telling you that it needs more rest.

Here are some tips for better sleep:

Write down how many hours you sleep each night and how rested you feel. After a week, you should have a better idea of how many hours of sleep you need each night.
Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Reserve the time before bed as a quiet time. Take a hot shower, read a book, or do something relaxing. Avoid eating and drinking alcohol. Herbal tea (not tea) is fine.
Keep your bedroom dark, airy, and quiet.
Invest in quality bedding.
If you need to nap during the day, do not exceed 20 minutes.

If you always have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor.

4. Eat thinking about your mood

You already know that food choices affect your physical health. But some foods can also affect your mood.

For example:

Carbohydrates They release serotonin, a pleasure hormone. But foods that are high in sugar and starch, like pasta, bread, and sweets, provide a short burst of energy and immediately leave you feeling drowsy. This is why they should be avoided. Complex carbohydrates, such as vegetables, beans, and whole grains, are better.
Lean meats, poultry, legumes, and dairy products they are rich in protein. These foods help you release dopamine and norepinephrine, which increase energy and focus.
Processed or fried foods They tend to weigh you down and lower your morale with them.

Try to eat a little better with each passing day.

For example, swap out your breakfast croissant for some Greek yogurt and fruit. However, it will satisfy your sweet tooth and the protein will help fill you up throughout the morning without losing energy.

Each week, try to introduce new good eating habits.

5. Be thankful

The simple act of being grateful can give your mood a huge boost. For example, a recent two-part study found that practicing gratitude can have a significant impact on feelings of hope and happiness.

Begin each day by acknowledging one thing you are grateful for. You can do this while brushing your teeth or while waiting at the bus stop.

During the day, try to keep an eye on the nice things in your life. They can be great things, like knowing that someone loves you or getting a well-deserved promotion. But it can also be little things, like a colleague who offered you a coffee or the neighbor who greeted you in a friendly way. Even the warmth of the sun on the skin is something to be thankful for.

With a little practice, you will become more aware of all the positive things around you.

6. Give a compliment

Research shows that doing acts of kindness can help you feel more satisfied.

Giving a sincere compliment is a quick and easy way to brighten someone's day and increase their happiness at the same time.

When you notice something very positive in a person, tell them with a smile so they know you mean it. You may be surprised at how good it feels to give a sincere compliment.

If you want to compliment someone on their physical appearance, make sure you do it in a respectful way.

7. Breathe deeply

You are tense, sunken with your head between your shoulders and feel as if you might "lose your mind." We all know that feeling.

Take a long, deep breath to calm down.

According to Harvard Health, deep breathing exercises can help reduce
under stress.

The next time you feel stressed or don't know what to do, follow these steps:

Close your eyes. Try to imagine a happy memory or a beautiful place.
Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose.
Breathe out slowly through your mouth or nose.
Repeat this process several times, until you start to feel calmer.

If you have trouble breathing slowly and deliberately, try mentally counting to 5 with each inhalation and exhalation.

In this sense, you may also be interested in our collection of 6 Psychological Relaxation Techniques (Anti-stress)

8. Acknowledge unhappy moments

A positive attitude is generally a good thing, but bad things happen to all of us. It's just a part of life.

If you get bad news, make a mistake, or just feel stuck, don't try to pretend you're happy.

Acknowledge the feeling of unhappiness, let yourself go for a moment. Then focus on what made you feel that way and what you might need to get back on your feet.

Would a deep breathing exercise help? A long walk in the fresh air? Do you talk to whoever?

Let the moment pass and take care of yourself. Remember, nobody is always happy.

9. Keep a journal

A journal is a good way to organize your thoughts, analyze your feelings, and make plans. And you don't have to be a literary genius or write novels to benefit from them.

It can be as simple as jotting down a few thoughts before bed. If writing certain things makes you nervous, you can always tear them up when you're done. It is the process that matters.

10. Always with your head held high

Life is full of stressors and it is impossible to avoid them all.

There is no need. Stanford psychologist Kelly McGonigal says that stress is not always harmful and that we can also change our attitudes towards stress.

For those stressors you can't avoid, remember that everyone faces similar situations; there is no reason to think that everything is your fault. And chances are you are stronger than you think you are.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, try to deal with the stressor head-on. This might mean starting an awkward conversation or doing a little extra work, but the sooner you address it, the sooner you can relax.

Tips to be happy, on a weekly scale

11. Organize your spaces

It may seem like a big commitment, but setting aside just 20 minutes a week for this activity can have a big impact.

What can be done in 20 minutes? A lot of things.

Set a timer on your phone and take 15 minutes to tidy up a specific area of a room, like your closet or that runaway drawer. Put everything in its place and throw away or give away everything you no longer need.

Keep a special box for the things you need to give away, to make it easier (and avoid creating more clutter).

Use the remaining 5 minutes to get your living space quickly searched, putting away any lost items that get in your way.

You can use this trick once a week, once a day, or whenever you feel like your space is getting out of control.

You may be interested in our dedicated guide: Simplify your life with these 5 timeless principles

12. See friends

Humans are social beings, and having close friends can make us happier.

Who you miss? reach them Make an appointment to meet or just to have a long phone conversation.

In adulthood, it can seem almost impossible to make new friends. But it's not about how many friends you have. It's about having meaningful relationships, even with just one or two people.

Try getting involved in a local volunteer group or taking a sports or creative course. Both realities can help you connect with like-minded people in your area. They are also likely looking for friends.

Company does not have to be limited to other humans. Pets may offer similar benefits, according to several studies.

Do you love animals but can't have a pet? Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter to make new friends, both human and animal.

13. Plan your week

Do you feel very agitated? Try sitting down at the end of each week and making a to-do list for the next week.

Even if you don't stick to the plan, setting up a schedule to do laundry, shop for groceries, or tackle projects at work can help calm your mind.

14. Unplug the phone

Sign off. Really.

Turn off all electronic devices and put your headphones away for at least an hour once a week. They will still be there for you later. If you still want them.

If you haven't been offline in a while, you might be surprised at what a difference it makes. Let your mind wander freely for a change. Laws. To meditate. Take a walk and pay attention to your surroundings. To be sociable. Or be alone.

Sound too daunting? Try to unplug for a shorter period of time several times a week.

15. Immerse yourself in nature

Spending 30 minutes or more a week in green spaces can help lower blood pressure and depression, according to a 2016 study.

Your green space can be anything from your neighborhood park to your backyard to a rooftop garden, anywhere you can appreciate a bit of nature and fresh air.

Better yet, throw some exercise into the mix too for an added benefit.

16. Try meditation

There are many meditation methods to explore. They may involve movement, concentration, spirituality, or a combination of all three.

Meditation doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as sitting quietly with your thoughts for 5 minutes. The deep breathing exercises we talked about earlier can also serve as a form of meditation.

17. Consider going to a therapist

Without a doubt, we are happier when we learn to deal with obstacles. When faced with a problem, think about what got you through something similar in the past. Would it work in this case too? What else can you try?

If you feel like you're hitting a brick wall, consider talking to a therapist every week. You don't have to have a diagnosed mental health condition or an overwhelming crisis to see a psychologist.

Just a few sessions can help you add some new tools to your emotional toolbox.

18. Find a self-care ritual

It's easy to overlook personal care in such a fast-paced world. But your body is what carries your thoughts, your passions and your spirit through this world, doesn't it deserve attention?

You could end your work week with a long hot bath. Or adopt a skincare routine that makes you feel regenerated. Or just set aside a night to slip into your softest pajamas and watch a movie from start to finish.

Whatever it is, take the time to do it. Put it on your agenda if you have to, but do it.

Monthly habits: 3 more tips to be happy

19. Help others

If you find daily compliments a necessary mood boost, consider doing a monthly routine of good deeds on a larger scale.

This action can be a donation to the food bank every third weekend of each month, or offering to babysit the neighbors' children from time to time. It depends on you.

20. Sal alone

Someone to hang out with? Well, what rule says you can't go out alone?

Go to your favorite restaurant, watch a movie at the cinema or take that trip you've always dreamed of.

Even if you're an extremely social person, spending time alone can help you reconnect with activities that make you truly happy.

21. Make a list of positive thoughts

If you arrive for an appointment 10 minutes early, what do you do? Do you take your mobile to browse social networks? Worried about the busy week ahead?

Take control of your thoughts during these brief windows of time.

At the beginning of each month, make a short list of happy memories or things you can't wait to do on a small piece of paper or on your phone.

When you find yourself waiting at a railroad crossing, in line at the supermarket, or with a few minutes to spare, pull out the list. You can also use it when you feel sad and need to change your thoughts.

Tips to be happy, throughout the year

First of all, we recommend that you read this article.

: How to feel good about yourself: the definitive guide

22. Take some time to reflect

The start of a new year is a good time to stop and take stock of your life. Spend a few tens of minutes making up for lost time like you would with an old friend:

Let's go?
What nice thing have you done?
Are you happier than a year ago?

But try to avoid the trap of judging yourself too harshly for the answers you'll give. You've survived another year, and that's enough.

If you find that your mood hasn't improved much in the past year, consider making an appointment with your doctor or talking to a therapist. You may be dealing with depression or even an underlying physical condition that is affecting your mood.

23. Reevaluate your goals

People change, so think about where you're going and consider if it's still where you want to go.

There is no shame in changing the way.

Let go of goals you no longer need, even if they sound good on paper.

24. Take care of your body

You always hear that. We also have it multiple times in this article, but your physical and mental health are closely intertwined.

As you develop habits to improve your happiness, be sure to follow the routine appointments to take care of your body:

See your doctor for an annual medical exam.
Take care of any chronic health conditions and see specialists as recommended.
Visit your dentist for an oral exam and follow their advice
Get your eyes checked

25. Let go of grudges

It is often easier said than done. But you don't have to do it for the other person.

Sometimes forgiving or letting go of a grudge is more a matter of self-care than compassion for others.

Take stock of your relationships with others. Do you harbor resentment towards someone? Is there something you don't like? If so, consider contacting them in an attempt to bury the hatchet.

It doesn't have to be a reconciliation. It may be enough to end the relationship and move on.

If you can't physically communicate with the other person, try expressing your feelings in a letter. You don't even have to send it to him. Getting your feelings out of your mind and onto paper can be liberating.