They say happiness is contagious. And the more you share it with other, the more it multiplies. If you ask me, I personally couldn’t agree more.
It really doesn’t take much to trigger those happy chemicals in our body flowing. It’s usually those simple things and little tricks that immediately plant a bit of cheer in our everyday life. Those important moments we usually overlook and perceive as random.
Singing from the top of our lungs, skinny dipping on a deserted beach, hugging a dear person, enjoying your favorite meal. Oh, how magical and exceptional those earthly pleasures can be.
So, if you’ve felt a bit grumpy or “meh” for days, here’s an idea how to take the edge off. Pick some of these 8 science-backed methods for instant cheer and start practicing them! It works wonders, I promise!
1. START HANGING OUT WITH A CHEERFUL FRIEND WHO SMILES A LOT
Isn’t it obvious? The fastest and simplest way to instantly cheer yourself up is to surround yourself with happy and positive people. They will lift your spirits. As I said, happiness is incredibly contagious.
If you don’t believe it, science is here to back me up. A 20-year long study conducted in Framingham, MA, which included a group of 4,700 people revealed that happy people are indeed contagious. Anyone who hangs with these happy souls gets an instant spike of joy.
2. EXPERIMENT AND PUT ON SOME RED LIPSTICK
It might sound weird to you, but there are actual studies to back this up. In 2011, researchers from Harvard University and Boston University found that women who wear make-up feel much more confident than others. Also, they were perceived to be more competent and reliable.
3. MASSAGE YOUR CALVES
The calves are the parts of our legs that are responsible for our movement – jumping, running, jogging, walking, standing, strutting, etc. So, taking care of them is incredibly important for our overall health.
Massaging your calves will not only increase your blood circulation and help return the venous blood to the heard, but it will also lower your blood pressure in a second.
4. SPEAK UP AND SHARE YOUR ISSUES
My forever motto. Don’t go to bed angry.
In order to find happiness and maintain a peaceful life, you should be able to communicate and share your struggles with the one you love. By this, I certainly don’t mean that you should start complaining, but instead focus on resolving one issue at a time.
Don’t get passive aggressive, don’t bottle your emotions up.
According to a study published by The Journal of Social Psychology, people who resolve their problems are likely to experience long-lasting happiness and serenity in their relationships.
5. TURN UP THE VOLUME AND ENJOY IN YOUR FAVORITE SONG
I can’t even remember how many times this particular hack helped me to get in my zone. I mean, is there anything better in this world than music?
Not to brag, but once again, studies show that people who intentionally listen to cheerful songs that share a positive message are more likely to smile than the ones who choose other types of music.
Rock that surround system and enjoy yourself!
6. SPEND YOUR MONEY ON SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT
Happiness cannot be bought, but studies show that you can find happiness in spending money on other people. A 2008 study gave a group of participants a $5,000 bonus and challenged them to use it to help other people. The results were incredible. Those who used at least a third of it to help others scored higher on their happiness test.
So, it doesn’t really matter if it’s a friend, a partner or a random stranger in need, helping people is an exceptionally rewarding activity.
7. START COLORING
Doodling, crafting, drawing or creating of any kind has the power to stimulate the brain and pause the stress cycle in order to help you focus on the present moment.
The best way to relax, calm your senses and indulge in your fantasy world is to spend more time creating.
8. MAKE PLANS WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Simply anticipating a get-together with your friends can give your brain the energy it desperately needs to survive a stressful period. According to Michelle Gielan, the process is called anticipatory savoring.
You get excited about a future event, but that overwhelming excitement manifests in the present moment. Suddenly, your day is so much better.
