Most people spend 80% of their lives running from task to task doing things that they don’t enjoy. Work. Responsibilities. Browsing mindlessly on your phone…
I spent years of my life thinking happiness was going to come once I got someone’s validation or reached some absurd “milestone in life.”
Then I realized happiness isn’t something you chase — it’s something you choose. Every day.
Today we’re talking about 15 simple ways you can stop saying “someday I’ll be happy” and just start doing things that make you happy NOW.
15 Ways to do What Makes you Happy
1. Know What Makes You Happy
Ok, but what does make you happy? The key is figuring out what lights you up and going after it.
- Write down times you felt happy or joyous.
- Identify activities that invigorate you versus drain you.
- Stop making other people’s priorities your own.
Know yourself first. You can’t pursue happiness if you don’t even know what it looks like for you.
Read also: 8 Simple Ways to Make Yourself Feel Happy
2. Make Time For The Things You Love
Life is 100% about priorities. If you want to spend more time doing things you enjoy, you must make the time for it.
- Schedule time each week to do something you love.
- Cut down time spent on responsibilities or things that don’t serve you.
- Treat happiness like a meeting on your calendar.
Your time is precious. Don’t give it away.
Read also: 12 Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery
3. Learn How to Say “No”
You’ll never please everyone. You have to understand that if you want to be happy.
- Learn to say no to obligations that don’t excite you.
- Stop people pleasing just to get someone else’s approval.
- Remind yourself that every time you say yes to someone else, you’re saying no to yourself.
Saying no is empowering. It’s your right as a human being to choose what you want to do.
Read also: 15 Reasons Why Saying No is a Life Skill You Need to Learn
4. Do Little Things Daily That Bring You Joy
One of my favorite songs by Jason Mraz is called “Life Is Wonderful.” The opening lines talk about taking little things in life day by day and finding wonder in them.
Listen to your favorite song on your way to work. Brew your coffee how you like it. Go outside for some fresh air.
Doing simple things that make you happy will increase your overall happiness over time.
5. Work on the Things You’re Passionate About
Do you like to draw? Sing? Write stories? Learn a language?
Whatever your passion is, dedicate time each day or week to do something you love. If you have no passions, find things you enjoy and spend time on them.
- Take a class or learn online.
- Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to bettering yourself at something you love.
- Do it even if you’re “bad” at it. You’ll get better with time.
Passion is fun. It’s what fuels you to want to wake up every day and be better.
6. Get Rid of Toxic Relationships
Ah yes, bad friends. We all have them. People who bring you down no matter how hard you try to lift them up.
If there are people in your life that make you unhappy on a consistent basis, cut them off. Life’s too short to waste time with toxic people.
Fill your life with positive people who help you grow.
7. Practice Gratitude
When was the last time you took the time to sit down and reflect on all the amazing things in your life?
I know it’s easy to focus on the negatives in life. But what about all the things you’re grateful for? Try starting and ending your day by listing 3 things that went well.
When you practice gratitude, you train your mind to look for the good in life.
8. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Your mental and emotional happiness goes hand in hand with your physical health.
- Exercise. Any type of movement creates happiness hormones called endorphins.
- Eat healthier. Don’t punish yourself with junk food—eat food that fuels your body.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep not only helps your body, but your mood as well.
Self-care is important. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
9. Spend More Time Outside
Have you ever noticed how you feel after a long day at work versus walking in the park?
Mother nature is magical. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but being outside reduces your stress levels and improves your mood.
Take your work outside. Go for a walk and appreciate your surroundings.
10. Don’t Materialize Joy
Joy doesn’t come from buying the newest iPhone or clothing trend. Trust me, I love shopping as much as the next person.
But if you constantly rely on things to make you happy, you’ll never be happy.
Invest in experiences that will last a lifetime: travel, concerts, festivals, seminars.
Memories and mental riches will always be more valuable than material things.
11. Play
Adults forget how to play. We get so wrapped up in the “real world” that we forget how fun life can be.
- Dance like no one’s watching (even if you’re by yourself).
- Play your favorite video game.
- Allow yourself to have fun and be childish once in a while.
Let loose and remember what it’s like to have fun
12. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Social media has made this issue worse than ever. Everyone’s life seems so perfect online—but that’s because nobody posts their dirty laundry.
As humans, we have this innate desire to be better than the next person. But constantly comparing your life to others will leave you feeling never good enough.
Practice gratitude. Spend more time working on yourself than worrying about others.
13. Help Others
Helping others actually makes you happier. It’s true.
- Do someone a favor.
- Volunteer at your local community center.
- Smiles are contagious and you’ll feel better for helping others.
We all could use some kindness in this world. Give and you shall receive.
14. Challenge Yourself
Trying new things and going outside your comfort zone is incredibly rewarding.
- Take up a hobby you’ve always been afraid to try.
- Travel to somewhere you’ve been meaning to go.
- Take that promotion at work you’ve been wanting.
Each time you push your limits, you grow as a person. Watch how happy you’ll become when you improve yourself.
15. Be Yourself
The biggest barrier to happiness is trying to be someone you’re not.
- Stop living for other people’s expectations.
- Say what’s on your mind. Speak your truth.
- Do what you want to do. Dress how you want to dress.
Express yourself however you choose. Don’t let society’s standards dictate who you are.
True happiness comes from within. It’s not about one big life decision you make. Instead, happiness is the result of little daily decisions you make that prioritize yourself.
You choose to be happy or you don’t. We all have the same amount of time in a day. Choose how you spend yours.
FAQ
Will little things really make me happy?
Yes! Taking small actions each day that bring you joy will increase your overall happiness.
Isn’t it selfish to make myself happy?
Absolutely not. You have to take care of yourself before you can care for others.
How do I know what makes me happy?
Think about things that make you excited to jump out of bed in the morning. Take notes on how certain activities make you feel.
Do I have to change my way of thinking to be happy?
Definitely. If you’re always focused on the negatives in life, you’ll never be happy. Train your mind to seek out the good in life.
Do I have to change my entire life to be happy?
Nope! In fact, making small changes to your daily routine can have a bigger impact than you think. Wake up 30 minutes early to meditate or listen to your favorite podcast. Take a walk on your lunch break. These small decisions add up!
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