Ten Things That Can Lift Your Mood Today

What does it take to be happy? It depends who you ask, doesn’t it? To my knowledge, there is no standard one-size-fits-all answer. Furthermore, being human, it is normal for us to feel happy one moment and unhappy the next. That’s just what life is, and in fact is the beauty of it.

Regardless of your situation or circumstance, however, here is a list of some simple things you can do to have a momentary hit of happiness. Of course, these will not give you eternal joy and peace, but they are still worth doing. Maybe if you do all of them consecutively, you can get chronic joy. No guarantees though; here goes:

One: Take A Walk Outside

Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But before you even think of dismissing this idea, I challenge you to give it a go, as long as the weather is good. You know, some fresh air can help you clear your head, especially when you see the beauty in the natural flora and fauna. Come on, give it a shot!

Two: Help A Stranger With Something

Do you remember the inner “rush” you feel the last time you helped someone out of the goodness of your own heart? It is not a surprise really, as humans are meant to be social creatures anyway. So put on your creative hat on and think about how you can do something small for a stranger. Who knows, s/he may even end up being your lifelong friend.

Three: Play Your Favourite Songs And Sing To Them

Disclaimer: do it in the privacy of your own room, so that you don’t feel embarrassed or bother other people. There is something therapeutic about working those vocal chords out. Try it, and don’t hold back. Sing loudly and proudly like no one is watching. And if you plan it correctly, no one will be watching anyway.

Four: Go To The Playground And Watch The Children Play

While some of us in our midst can’t stand, or even hates children, most of us do not mind them. If you love children, a trip to the playground will be a wonderful thing. Notice how they play uninhibited. It might put you in a more relaxed mood. Do be cautious however, since we live in this day and age where everyone is seen as a potential sexual predator. No wonder we all feel so stressed, right?

Five: Look At The Clouds

While you are at the playground, you might as well enjoy nature at the same time. If you need to take a break from the children, take some time to look at the clouds and visualise. Its funny how that is a common childhood pastime of almost everyone, but no one ever thinks about doing that as an adult.

Six: Bubbles

No, I’m not talking about champagne bubbles, even though that might work for some people. I’m talking about the childhood activity of blowing bubbles and playing with them. What’s stopping you from doing that as an adult, anyway? Lighten up and blow some bubbles. Aim them at the wildlife for added humour.

Seven: Feed The Birds

Nature can be such a wonderful thing. Starting to notice a pattern yet? Anyways, feeding wildlife might be something we don’t often think about, but it can be awfully therapeutic. In Australia, the habit is to feed the ducks instead of the pigeons. And here in Australia we also have to be careful not to be caught by the rangers when feeding the ducks. Adds to the excitement, doesn’t it?

Eight: Visit The Aged Care Homes

Some people might shudder at the thought of spending time with the elderly. But if you really think about it, why is it such a bad idea? Many of them have a lifetime of wisdom to impart to whoever is willing to listen to them. If you are sick of doing all the talking, let them do it for a change. See, everybody wins!

Nine: Lay On The Grass And Read

Okay, I promise this will be the last nature-related suggestion for this article. We’re almost at the end of the list anyway. If the weather is good, you don’t suffer from hayfever, and you have the luxury of time, this suggestion is certainly worth considering.

Ten: Phone A Friend

Isn’t is weird that as adults, a lot of our social networks fall apart? It’s almost like a curse that we lose touch with many of our friends from our earlier days. Well, guess what? Someone has to make time for keeping in touch, why not let it be you? Find a time when both you and an old friend is not busy, and then chat on the phone. Simple enough, isn’t it?

So, what have you learnt from this list? If you were paying attention, the suggestions that I have given are really simple and basic, but most of us, as “intelligent” adults, have simply strayed from the path that had given us happiness in the past and forgotten all about them. Sometimes, simplicity is the key. So reminisce your childhood days and enjoy nature.

May it bring you happiness!

Mark

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