Imagine this: the world around you is on fire, and you’re sitting there with a wide smile on your face. It may seem far-fetched, but this is one scenario that can help you get through even the toughest of times. Here are some practical ways to be happy through even the worst situations.
Take Yourself on a Date
You’ve been working hard, and you deserve a reward, so why not take yourself on a date? No, it’s not weird; it can be a thing now if you lead the way! A date with yourself can be just what you need to feel better after a long week of unrelenting stress. Yes, spending time with yourself can be just as good, if not better, than going on an actual date with another person.
Need some date ideas? Try some of the ones below:
Self-Care Date
What better way to bolster your happiness than with some time alone for bodily rejuvenation? Set some time aside to invest in your own health and wellness. You can wash away the day with a hot bubble bath, focus on your health with a nutritious meal and an immune support supplement and give yourself a face mask, manicure, pedicure, or anything else you can imagine!
Dinner Date
Remember that fancy restaurant you always wanted to visit? Well, now is a great time to do it! Make a reservation, pull up in a nice outfit, and order a delicious meal along with a glass of wine.
Movie Date
Take yourself to the movies tonight with a bucket of popcorn and overpriced soda pop! A ticket will reserve your spot for an hour or two of fun at the movie theater.
Concert Date
It’s time to do a little head-banging to your favorite bands tonight! A local concert is a perfect opportunity to start jumping for joy to your favorite tunes. The atmosphere will have you bouncing and hollering to the beat.
Shopping Date
Shopping therapy is quite effective at lifting your mood, even if you’re just window shopping! The local shopping mall has plenty of merchandise ready for you to feast your eyes upon them. Bring home a few souvenirs from your trip for memories and a nice end to the day.
Who needs a real date when you can take yourself out? These date ideas can help you see the brighter side of life in a pinch.
Smile Often
Smiling has a strange effect on your mood: it actually seems to stimulate happiness! Yes, smiling can subtly alter your mood without your knowing it, the same way a change in music can influence your emotions. Some people even take things to the next level and smile whenever they fall flat on their faces or feel emotional distress! The next time you feel anxious, depressed, or otherwise unstable, try smiling and see what good can happen afterward.
Say Thank You
Did you wake up to a ray of sunshine this morning? Say thank you. Gratefulness can be the ace up your sleeve to lighten your spirits in any situation. Here are some moments where you can practice gratefulness:
- When you wake up to a peaceful, calm morning
- When you wake up to an empty notification bar on your smartphone
- When you find some money or spare change on the sidewalk
- When you leave the house without forgetting anything for once
- When your friends invite you out for fun this upcoming weekend
- When you stand on a scale and see that you lost weight
- When you get to work or school before everyone else and have some free time
There are plenty of times when you can be grateful for the current situation, whether big or small. Try to discover reasons to be grateful in any event.
Reflect on Your Past Accomplishments
You’ve come a long way from where you started, make no mistake about that! Have you forgotten how terrible your life was in recent years? Yes, you are quite resilient for surviving those situations, and you’re still getting stronger. Take some time today to reflect on your accomplishments in life and let yourself be proud of what you’ve done so far.
Life can sometimes bring you down a notch, but you don’t have to let it keep you there. You can be happy, even when the world seems to be falling apart. Try some of the above activities to bring yourself a dose of happiness whenever you feel the necessity.