31 Simple Things You Can do to Be Happy
19 Mar 2014
Over the past few years, my definition of happiness has changed as I've changed.
Life has taught me that simplicity is the key to happiness. Anything else is simply icing on the cake.
In honor of the United Nations' declaration of March 20th as the International Day of Happiness, I took some time to reflect on what happiness to me really means. To get you started on re-thinking happiness, here's a list of 31 simple things you can do to be happy:
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Smile.
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Hug your child and see who can out-hug the other.
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Call your mother. (Okay, it will make her happy.)
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Dance like no one's watching. (And who cares if they are anyway?)
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Snap your fingers and sing along with Pharrell "…Because I'm Happy…"
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Forgive someone.
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Send a card to a loved one. (The kind that needs a stamp and a mailbox.)
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Show gratitude. Every day.
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Exercise.
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Be silly.
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Be still and do nothing. Just for a day.
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Appreciate the lessons you've learned from your mistakes.
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Build something with Legos.
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Help someone reach a goal.
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Draw or paint. (No talent necessary.)
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Plant some flowers. (Even if you have a brown thumb like me.)
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Reconnect with an old friend.
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Give away stuff you don't need to people who do.
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Turn off the news.
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Pursue your dreams.
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Say "I Love You" to those you care about.
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Send a "Thank You" note to your parents.
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Mentor a young person.
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Watch the sunset. Or sunrise. Or both.
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Pray.
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Stop caring so much about what everyone else thinks.
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Get rid of clutter.
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Try something new you've been putting off.
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Let go of being in control.
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Laugh. Hard.
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Thank God.
What does being happy mean to you?
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Great post. I love anything that promotes happiness π Life is too short to be any other way. And I LOVE the Pharrell song. I dance to it with my kids regularly..LOL.
Thanks Martine! Me too π Keep dancing…
My daughter's 1st grade teacher plays this track for them almost everyday. Good thing my family knows I'm a hugger. Love that best.
That's actually a great idea to start your day with this song! I'ma have to borrow that. And yes, sis, you ARE the hugger. I learned from you π
Great tips! Happiness is a choice driven by the things we choose to do and not do! These all can make you feel good in some type of way!
This is an awesme list. I want to get some leggos right now. π
Go for it Joy…do what makes you happy π
Love this! Sharing.
Thanks for sharing Stacey!
This is a wonderful list. I couldn't help but smile just reading it (also I love that your mom comments on your blog!!:)
I've done most of these things! Guess that's why I'm always smiling!
Heather…I'm with you. Keep smiling…it's contagious!
Great list full of reminders. Funny how so many have to do with thinking of others first. Thanks!
Isom, it's so true that doing for others helps fill your well…and your #happiness prescription π
Maybe we can merge #4 and #5 (love that song)! I always lose at #2…my daughter loves to hug! Great post!
Jay, my daughter is a pretty good hugger too—although for her, she thinks it's supposed to turn into a wrestling match after π
Get rid of unhealthy food and eat whole food that you cook yourself. Your body will thank you.
Mom, you are so right! Getting rid of wheat has really made a difference in my energy. Taking care of yourself is so key to leading a full, happy, healthy life. Thanks for the reminder π