Rising prices, travel restrictions, a health crisis… The world today faces a number of problems, and they’re enough to bring anyone down. Fortunately, there are many things — simple things — you can do to lighten up and brighten your day, even during these extraordinary times.
You may be familiar with the saying, “what the mind can conceive, the body can achieve.”
This can be applied to our day-to-day concerns. No matter how bad a situation may look, you can train your mind into focusing on the bright side.
From seemingly mundane tasks to more “social” activities, here are several ways to “trick” your brain on how to be happy without expectations and brighten your day:
1. Laugh, giggle, smile — and feel happier for the rest of the day!
Even fake smiles can boost your mood.
Even if you don’t feel like it, try smiling and laughing more often — and see the difference!
To bring on the giggles and belly laughs, make it a point to read a funny story, watch a comedy skit, or share jokes with a friend daily. Try it!
2. Listen to good songs to brighten your day.
Music is rightfully described as food for the soul since it is a mood-lifter!
For decades, music therapy has been used on patients with physical as well as emotional maladies.
Whether you’re into classical, country, rock, or pop music, listening to your favorite tunes is a simple yet effective way to overcome the blues. So go ahead and put those records on!
3. How to be happy without expectations in an instant? Take a walk.
Feeling stressed? Lethargic?
Put your shoes on and walk for at least half an hour. Head to the public park, stroll in a garden, or simply go around the block.
Walking is a light physical activity that can help you relax. Be sure to include it in your daily schedule, and you’ll soon see your stress levels going down!
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4. Move that body and improve your mood for the rest of the day!
Speaking of physical activity, why not dance or get some exercise?
After working out, the body releases endorphins, also known as the “happiness” hormones.
By engaging in physical exercise for at least 30 minutes, you’ll be setting yourself in a good mood throughout the day! That’s one way on how you can be happy without expectations!
5. Eat healthy foods.
How to be happy without expectations? Eating the right foods will help.
That’s why, you need to watch your diet, as it may affect how you feel!
Fresh foods are known to be better than processed foods when it comes to affecting your mood.
For instance, eating meat, fish, beans, and other protein-packed foods releases dopamine, a chemical that induces feelings of pleasure. Likewise, foods like spinach contain folate, a vitamin that produces serotonin, which acts as a mood-stabilizer.
Not only are healthy foods good for the body, but good for the mind, too!
6. Flex your green thumb.
The number of people taking part in gardening is increasing and for good reason.
Gardening is a pleasant and productive activity. Being outdoors, soaking up some sunshine (hello, vitamin D), and caring for plants is a great way to relax and pass the time.
If you’re into flowering shrubs, watching these plants transform buds into colorful blooms is an exciting experience!
On the other hand, if you have a vegetable garden, you can look forward not only to growing plants but eventually harvesting and eating them, too!
7. Practice meditation to feel happier throughout the day.
Meditation has been known to help improve people’s health, mood, and overall well-being.
Taking a few minutes to rest your eyes, body, and mind — while taking slow, deep breaths — is a great way to release stress. While you’re at it, you can play some music and relax as your mind focuses on happy, uplifting thoughts.
8. Get enough sleep to rejuvenate.
Never undervalue the importance of a good night’s sleep.
Lack of sleep usually causes a person to feel tired and cranky throughout the day. In contrast, adequate sleep results in feelings of good health, confidence, and readiness to face the day.
Experts recommend at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, a habit that we should really try to put into practice!
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9. Consider getting a pet.
Having a “fur baby” could be just what you need to brighten your day. Sure, pets will need food, grooming, and extra loving care on your part, but that’s what makes them so special.
If you have a dog or a cat, you can play with them, teach them a few tricks, or simply “bond” by giving them a good scratch or belly rub. Sounds fun, right?
Pet therapy, which involves spending time with adorable animals, has also been effective with patients, young and old. So perhaps it’s about time you get yourself a fur baby!
10. Brighten your day by hanging out with happy people.
Some people always seem so happy — always smiling, having fun, and making jokes. Seek them out and befriend them! Happiness is contagious.
When you meet someone who seems genuinely happy in life, you could become happier, too. By observing their attitude and perspective, you could also discover new ways to be happy yourself! Brighten your day by spending more time with genuinely happy people!
11. Make someone else happy.
If there aren’t any cheery people around, then perhaps it’s you who needs to make someone else happy.
Maybe you have a friend who needs help or a lonely neighbor who is homesick. Why not offer them your time and company?
By putting in the effort to make another person happy, you are likely to find yourself feeling happier as well. When we help someone out, our brain produces dopamine, which induces feelings of happiness.
12. Be a volunteer.
Is there a cause that you’ve always wanted to join — a soup kitchen, animal rescue center, or an environment clean-up group, perhaps?
By offering time, energy, and skills to something you’re passionate about, you can achieve things that would otherwise be difficult to do independently. Volunteering is a productive and fulfilling experience that everyone should try!
As you can see, there are many things you can do, big and small, to make yourself happy. Next time you feel down, why not try some of the things listed above? This way, you can help make the day brighter for yourself — and others, too!
Did I miss anything?
Can you add something to this list? Comment your thoughts below!
Disclaimer:
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Creativity Mesh.
Last night, while walking my dog, I put on headphones and listened to a folk music program on public radio. For the first time in memory, I started singing the lyrics out loud to the world around me. Fortunately, no one was around to suffer through my rendition of Judy Collins’ “Turn, Turn, Turn”. It felt great. Highly recommended.
Thank you for sharing Rolfe!
The world needs to loosen up a bit and enjoy what life has to offer. Glad you enjoyed last night’s walk!
Wow this is good I will try this
Awesome! 🙂