Here are 5 proven methods that you can use to make yourself happy almost instantly after being emotionally drained or suddenly shifted by situations like break-ups, losing friends, and being stuck in your house with your family for months because of COVID-19.
1. Cook your favorite meal! (Or a meal that you’ve always wanted to make)
Take some time to do something new, which will occupy your mind from the unpleasant feelings you’re experiencing. I highly recommend cooking a new dish. I also recommend using a recipe so that you have less of a chance to mess it up and make yourself even unhappier than you are already feeling.
I find that I enjoy making quick and easy one pot meals, exploring how to make healthy meals delicious, and making my comfort foods. Comfort foods and dishes you have already mastered are always a win.
It should also make you feel happy that you are in essence, performing an act of self-love by cooking yourself a meal and creating a special moment in your day.
Bonus: If you make more than enough, you can share it with your loved ones.
3. Exercise to your favorite workout playlist
According to Australian Fitness Academy, exercise “will have both a positive chemical effect on your brain reducing stress and improving mood, as well as resulting in lasting positive benefits for the brain and body.” Combining this benefit to the effect of listening to great music multiplies your potential for an output of happiness feelings.
2. Write about unwanted unhappy feeling in a journal
I journal digitally, because if I’m angry and need that outlet, it enhances my experience to hear my rapid, fuming taps on the keyboard when I really get into it.
You can save it or delete it, your choice. Some people like to save their journal entries to look back on what they went through and feel grateful for overcoming it.
When you take the time to not avoid your feelings and your reality, but rather put it into words, I guarantee it will flow and it will feel satisfying.
4. Nap
Napping is a natural refresh button.
This may not be doctor recommended, and I want to note that frequent napping could be a sign of depression. However, I’m not ashamed to admit that I love naps. Whenever I’m feeling like less than my best self, I find solace in knowing that I can take a moment, turn off my body and reset my mind.
5. Yoga and mindfulness practice
Yoga connects to exercise, but its effect makes it deserve a category all it’s own. Yoga and mindfulness are practices, and benefits can best be obtained through consistency.
Mindfulness may not be picked up in one session. It’s key elements require you to connect you mind to your body, commit to being in the present, and ground yourself in inner peace.
My experience practicing mindfulness during an unpleasant feeling was productive and insightful. I realized that I took time in that moment to assess my situation, acknowledge my feelings as valid, and move on to accept that whatever I was going through is only a moment out of countless moments of the uphills and downhills in life.
I hope that if you try one of these practices you will realize that you have the power to make yourself happy.
You deserve to be happy. Happiness is in you. It belongs to you.
Note- if you’re experiencing chronic unhappiness I strongly suggest that you seek out counseling initiatives which will aid you and empower you to take control of your happiness.
If you try any of these methods I’d love to hear if they worked for you, if one worked more than another, or any other methods you use to reclaim your happiness!