In today’s modern, fast-paced world it’s really hard sometimes to unplug from the stresses and strains of life to find things that make us happy. As adults we have a lot to deal with; bills to pay, children to feed and errands to run. For many of us it’s really easy to be down and unhappy about life. Sometimes there’s nothing better than just having time dedicated solely to the act of making you happy.
So here’s a list of 10 great things that don’t cost anything that you can do today to make you happy. All they cost is time. You’ve got some of that right?
1. Watch a great film
Pick something you really like. It doesn’t have to be something that makes you really think or even be a tear jerker; it might be just a good fun film or a kids film that takes you back to your youth. Whatever brings a smile to your face will work.
2. Do some exercise
Nothing gets those endorphines pumping through your brain than some exercise. Get yourself up and going. Go for a run, go for a swim, or go for a walk. Hit the gym for an hour or so and burn up those calories that have been hanging around since the holidays. Whatever you end up doing, you’ll feel great afterward.
3. Cuddle up with someone you love
Just sitting and chilling on the sofa with the one you love is a great way to make you feel happy. I love it when I can cuddle up on the sofa with my girls or my wife. We talk or watch TV or simply just sit together and let time pass us by.
4. Listen to some great music
You know the feeling when that great song comes on the radio? It can take you back to a different time, invoking long lost fond memories or can lift you up out of your negativity and put a smile on your face. Personally I love to put on my favorite tracks on during the drive to work on a cold and miserable Monday morning.
5. Be grateful
A sure fire way to fix a smile on your face and give you a nice warm feeling in your belly, is to think about what you’re grateful for. Are you grateful for your family, your kids, your job, your house, your health, your car, your safety, your friends or simply that you have the privilege to take breathe every day? Try thinking about what you’re grateful now and see for yourself how it makes you feel.
6. Read a good book
Find a chair, pick up a page turner and just read. Try that book you haven’t managed to get to yet or reread that classic that you can always immerse yourself in. My favourites are the fantasy novels by David Gemmell. As soon as I turn over the first page, I’m transported away to another time and place. They never fail to make me feel happy.
7. Write
6 months ago, I wouldn’t have put this down on my list of 10 things to make you happy. However, since starting 6aliens.com back in November of 2009 I’ve found the joy that can be found from writing. Even if I’m not writing a post, there’s fun to be had in pouring out your consciousness on to the page, even if it’s to be outlet for all your thoughts. You don’t need to publish anything but just getting your thoughts and ideas out of your head can really brighten your day.
8. Laugh
Go on you know it makes you feel better. Watch a funny film. Go see a comedy show. Or just jump to no 9.
–The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter
9. Call an old friend
You know that friend you haven’t spoken to in ages? The one you’re always promising yourself that you’ll call? Remember those laughs you used to have, the shared jokes and memories that help to strengthen your friendship? So instead of remembering, pick up the phone and have a catch up with that someone who always makes you smile and has a good laugh with you about old times.
10. Meditate
This one I’ve been work on for a while. I recently tried to reset my mediation habit by making sure that I take time to sit with my thoughts once a day. When I do I always feel happier and more content with things afterward. Try it for yourself. Even if you don’t manage to clear your thoughts in the time you have, just allow yourself to process the thoughts and ideas so your brain can make sense of everything swimming around up there.
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About the Author: I’m Ben Lumley, a blogger from the UK who writes about self development at 6aliens.com. Why not connect with me on Twitter @benlumley6 or if you liked this article then why not subscribe to my RSS Feed?
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