12 Tips to Be Happy and Get Rid of Stress

We all have bad days and have times when we just aren't as happy as we would like to be. However, it doesn't have to stay that way. There are many ways you can feel happier and ways you can improve your mood.

Maybe you just bought a new album that features slow, more sad-sounding music. Or maybe you often find yourself listening to songs that are more serious. If you are sad, give yourself a break from this music! Put on some happier, more upbeat music with a positive message. Music definitely resonates with emotions and if you are playing sad, serious music, you are more likely to feel this way. But if you play more lighthearted, upbeat music, you are more likely to feel happier.

Clean your room or any room in your house. Sometimes if you are stressed, a messy room can just perpetuate the feeling. Cleaning up can help you feel productive and accomplished. Even if you don’t do a very meticulous cleaning, and you only tidy up a bit, this can make you feel much happier and can lift your spirits. There’s just something about the area you are surrounded with being organized and nice-looking that can make you feel much better.

According to a Harris poll:

• Only 1 out of 3 Americans say they are happy
• Those who are older than 50 are more likely to be happier than those who are younger.
• Women are happier than men (35% vs 32%)

In addition to cleaning up your house, adding extra decorations or décor can add a bright spot in your life. You don’t even have to go out and spend more money to accomplish this. You could do something as simple as drawing summer related pictures on paper, coloring them in, and taping them to a window in your house. (This would also be a great activity to do with kids). Seeing the bright colors related to a season or holiday can definitely lift your spirits. Not to mention the fact that actually creating these decorations will be a lot of fun, and can make you happier. Definitely get creative with your décor, whatever you choose to do.

Eating healthy foods can definitely be a big help in making you feel better and happier. When it is time to eat breakfast or lunch, or whenever you normally eat, choose something that you know you liked in the past, and something that is not bad for you. Cheetos may be one of your favorites, and you may be happier in the moment, but later in the day, the way the Cheetos make your body feel will probably not make you very happy. Eating one of your favorite foods (not junk food or food that is bad for you) will likely make you feel much better.

Doing something that you like to do but that you don't normally do can be a big help. Maybe you really like to go bike riding or maybe you really like to paint your nails but you just never seem to have time, or you just never seem to get around to it. It can be something really simple. But make time for yourself to do this as soon as you can. We all deserve a break from our day-to-day lives, and doing something to make you happy is definitely no crime.

This is a simple, but helpful tip. Make sure to open all the blinds when you are feeling down and want to feel happier. Letting the light in can definitely lift your mood. I know sometimes I just don’t do this, but it can actually make a big difference. If it isn’t a bright day out (if it’s raining etc.), make sure you have plenty of light inside (don’t just leave on one tiny light to light up your entire house).

Sometimes getting out of the house for a change of scenery can be helpful in making you happier. Go somewhere you haven’t been to in a while. This may help you get your mind on something different and going to a favorite place can definitely put you in a better mood.

Sometimes it can make you happier if you do something nice for someone else. It gets your mind off only thinking about yourself, and focuses it on making a positive difference in someone else’s life. Bringing happiness to someone else is likely to make you feel happy yourself. Do someone else’s chore for them, or fix them their favorite snack, or make them a card. There are so many things you can do for others. You can do something for a loved one, a friend, or maybe someone you don’t even know. Give it a try to see what a great feeling it can give you as an added bonus.

If you are having a bad day, watch a funny video on YouTube or one that is almost guaranteed to make you happier (i.e. puppy or kitten videos). You could also think of a TV show or a movie that you know makes you happy. This will likely to improve your mood.

If you are having a bad day or a rough time, for example, definitely seek out your friends or family. Let them know you are not feeling very happy, and they will likely be able to make you laugh or encourage you. You could even spend some time hanging out with friends or family to lift your spirits.

Attitude is a big factor of happiness. Instead of allowing yourself to feel sorry for yourself if something is not going the greatest in your life, focus your attention on being productive, or doing something that you love to do.

It may seem cliché, but recognizing and remembering all of the wonderful things and people you have in your life can definitely make you appreciative and thus happier.

Though it is true that everyone becomes stressed at some point, it is important to seek out happiness. Feeling happier is definitely possible. With these tips, you will be able to try out what works best for you to lift your mood and feel happier.

If you would like to find out how I personally found lasting happiness, you can read about it in my article HERE.