10 Ways To Be a Happier Person

With the way the world is right now, we could all benefit from being a little bit happier once in a while. So, let’s learn how to be a happier person.

Being happy is not something that you can force upon yourself. It is not something you can achieve overnight. Mastering how to be a happier person takes work, time, and patience.

Whether you struggle with minor depression, anxiety, stress, or just some rough days, there are ways to be a happier person. Now, if you have depression or other mental illnesses, these steps may not be enough for you and that is totally normal. Speaking with a licensed professional and receiving a treatment plan along with these lifestyle changes should help you.

# Acknowledge what you’re thankful for

Whether you are religious or not, take a few minutes before bed to say thank you. Rather than praying or asking the universe for something, say thank you for what you have.

You can thank God, the universe, or yourself. List three to five things that you are thankful for each day. This can be anything from your family to your pet and your job. Outwardly acknowledging the things that make you happy reminds you of them.

# Let go of small annoyances

This is something that interferes with almost everyone’s level of happiness. You could be having a great day, but then you get stuck in traffic because one truck doesn’t know how to make a left turn. Then, you let it affect your mood for the rest of the day.

You take that annoyance home with you. You may lose your patience with your kids or partner. And you may decide to order out instead of cooking for yourself because you feel you deserve it after dealing with that. Instead of letting that one small external thing ruin your mood for the entire day and even affect others, let it go.

In the moment you feel the anger building or that desire to curse or hit the horn or even roll your eyes, just breathe. Tell yourself that this is not worth the rest of your day’s happiness.

# Look at the silver lining

We all have bad days. Things go wrong. That is just the way life goes. But, try to see the bright side. I know how cliche that sounds but stick with me. This works with small things and big.

For example, today my kitchen blinds broke. But, I have been wanting to replace them for years for aesthetic purposes. I never did because the ones I had were fine. So even though them breaking wasn’t great, it was a sign I can now get the new ones.

The same goes for bigger things. For example, last year the job I had ended abruptly. It was devastating and scary to not have assurance I would be able to pay my bills. But, a week later I was offered a better job that fit my experience and paid better. I would not have been able to accept it if I was still in the old position.

Actively thinking this way tricks your brain to automatically think of the good.

# Accept what you cannot change

As much as we would all love to have control over everything, we don’t. We can’t control our boss’s mood swings or when we get a flat tire or when our best friend goes back to their ex.

So, instead of blaming others for our unhappiness, accept these things are out of our control and not let them affect us.

# Do small acts of good

Sending out happiness to others brings it back to us through the act and through the universe. Pay for the person behind you in line. Compliment your cashier’s hair. Generously tip your waitress that seemed overwhelmed.

# Do not compare yourself to others

This is something that affects us all especially in today’s digital culture where you see everyone’s highlight reel. It is easy to compare our entire lives to the best parts of others’, but it isn’t realistic.

Not only is that an unequal comparison, but it is also not beneficial at all. Everyone is at a different point in their lives. It has nothing to do with where you came from you, your age, or your job. We all take different paths and move at different paces. [Read: How to be comfortable with yourself and stop comparing your life]

# Put down your phone

You may think that scrolling through Instagram and Twitter is making you happy, but not only is it giving you neck wrinkles and achy eyes, but it is not healthy. Sure, it is great to connect with people all over the globe, but take time away from your phone every day.

Instead of reaching for your phone in a waiting room or the grocery line, observe your surroundings. Notice the baby in the cart in front of you smiling. If you want to know how to be a happier person, you need to realize that boredom is not the worst thing in the world, being pulled from reality into your phone is.

# Share happy stories

We often come home from a long day and rant. We talk about the traffic or how our coworker came in late again. Instead of this, share good news. Talk about how Betty in Marketing is expecting a baby or how your mail carrier finally saved up for his dream vacation. Sharing good news shares happiness.

# Smile at strangers

The power of a smile is indescribable. A simple smile at a stranger you passed on the street or shared a waiting room with can make someone’s day. Smiling at someone gives them an invitation to smile back.

# Spend time with animals

It is scientifically proven that being around animals enhances your mood. Whether that means spending more time with your pets or volunteering at a shelter, being around animals naturally perks you up.