Update! Listen to Dr. Shannan Crawford as she helps us to understand how to love and accept ourselves. We can move beyond our pst mistakes and shortcomings and move into the wonderful life we are intended to fully live. Listen as Dr. Crawford explains how to feel happier right now.
Are you feeling down today? Is your heart heavy and your spirit defeated? Are you lethargic and weepy? Is your motivation lacking? Are you having trouble seeing a brighter future? Don’t despair. You are not alone. We all have these feelings from time to time. But there are some things we can do to take charge and feel better. Let’s talk about how to feel happier right now.
However, if you are feeling down and you need help right now please connect with someone who can help. Talk to a friend, a family member, a teacher, a councilor, or a medical professional. And please, if you are having thoughts of self harm, call the number below to get real help right now. Your life matters and there is hope for you.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours
800-273-8255
5 Ways to Feel Happier Right Now
1. Smile
I know you probably don’t feel like smiling right now. That’s ok! Even a fake smile works. Your smile tells your brain that you are happy. You’re wonderful brain will kindly respond by releasing your feel good hormones. These released endorphins, serotonin and dopamine signal your body that you are happy. You will feel happier! It’s scientific!
Make it a habit:
Do this every morning. It really works. Whether you feel like it or not, smile upon waking. Try to make that smile go all the way to your eyes. And truly, before you know it you will have a real life happy smile on your face. Even if that smile doesn’t make it all the way to real, your brain will still help you with some happier feelings.
Let’s try it. Yes right now. Even if someone is watching you it’s ok. A smile is a beautiful gift to share. Ok. One, two, three —SMILE!!! Hold it right there. Keep that smile going for 30 seconds. Count them.
Feeling better? Let’s move on to #2 of 5 Ways to Feel Happier Right Now.
2. Practice Gratitude
I am so sorry that you are feeling down. I have been struggling with some sadness right along with you. Almost everyone I know has been experiencing something hard it seems. I have found that these practices actually work for me.
Even though life can get really hard, you do have some blessing in your life. Can you think of 3 things that you are thankful for? I know this is a hard practice, especially when you are feeling really sad, but just try it with me. I am doing it with you while I’m writing, and I must admit it is helping me feel better.
That’s because focusing on positive things helps your brain move out of sad and depressing thoughts into uplifting ones. How does it do that? Practicing gratitude releases dopamine, which makes you feel really good, and serotonin, which helps you feel happy and relaxed. It’s worth a try, right? So let’s give it a go, ok?
Make it a Habit:
While you are smiling, (yes, we are practicing smiling while we practice gratitude), think of 3 things you are grateful for. Say them out loud. Take your time and think about why you are thankful for each one. And keep smiling! By now you should be feeling at least a little better!
What do you think comes next? This is my favorite, although when you are feeling really sad, it’s a little more difficult. Let’s try it anyway! Ready?
3. Laugh Out Loud
Now that we have begun the process of telling our brains and bodies that we are feeling happier, let’s take it to the next level and experience some even greater healing benefits. We are wonderfully made. We are complex and designed to heal when we are sick or hurting.
Laughter releases endorphins, making us feel lighter and happier. It also release serotonin and dopamine. Laughing is basically a natural antidepressant! All the good things with no unwanted side effects!
Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
4. Get Your Sunshine and Vitamin D
If you are able, hop up and get outside. Let the sun warm your skin while it absorbs some beneficial Vitamin D. Deeply breathe in the fresh air. Take in nature. Notice all of the colors of green in the trees. Watch them sway in the breeze. Notice the patterns of the wind as it blows through the branches. Listen to the birds sing, the children playing, the animals scampering. Look up to the sky and Thank God for giving you such beauty to enjoy and thank him for creating you. Ask him to give you purpose for today. Find more about your purpose in life here.
5. Move Your Body
Science tells us that exercise can boost our feelings of happiness and wellbeing as well as medication. That’s not to say you shouldn’t take medication if you and your doctor decide it is right for you. Anytime your sadness lasts longer than two weeks, please speak to your doctor or mental health professional. We all need to stay on top of our mental health.
We invite you to find the true source of joy and happiness. Please watch the GREAT NEWS FOR VIDEO on this page.
