Articles with titles like this usually offer up simple platitudes for being happy, such as “accept everyone,” or “live a balanced life.” While those ideas are true, they are also basically worthless. Such platitudes are so general that they don’t really give you anything that impacts your daily life. This article is different. I’m going to tell you what scientific research shows are the top 5 things you can quickly do to boost your level of happiness.
5. Write down three things you feel grateful for in your life. They could be big things—such as your children, or small things such as the great burger you had for lunch. By writing them down, you’ll immediately see that there is a lot of good in your life.
4. Do a 90 second “heart meditation” that consists of taking a deep breath and imagining exhaling out the center of your chest. Then, close your eyes and imagine someone you love—such as a pet, child, or friend. Remember special times with this being, and bask in the gratitude that they’re in your life.
3. Spend time with a beloved pet, toddler, and/or nature environment. Pets, young kids, and trees live in the moment they are in. You and I, on the other hand, spend most our time thinking about the past or worrying about the future. If you spend time playing with a pet, toddler, or enjoying nature, some of their ability to be present in the moment will rub off on you…
2. Play a song that you really enjoy and sing along. Here’s something to try: sing along with “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles and try to feel depressed. You can’t do it. By singing along with your favorite songs, you can lift yourself out of almost any bad mood.
1. … And the winner for the single most effective way to quickly boost your happiness is: do an act of kindness for a stranger or friend. Yep, it’s true. When you do a small act of kindness, you feel better, your friend feels better, and the world has a bit more kindness in it. Even something small like saying what you appreciate about someone will immediately boost your level of well-being—as well as theirs.
…So now that you know the top 5 ways to quickly boost your happiness level, do something about it! After all, happy people are less selfish than “normal” people, they’re more productive, they make more money, and they are healthier than the rest of us. One simple way to boost your happiness this moment is for you to forward this article to friends and family. By doing that, you’ll be doing an act of kindness (the #1 booster!!), and helping those you care about feel even happier. What could be better than that? Do it now!
For more free tips on the quickest and most effective ways to feel happier, go to Finding Happiness. On this site, you’ll find free articles and audio downloads for finding greater well-being in your life and relationships.
To get 45 minutes of the best methods for finding greater happiness, go to Finding Happiness and sign up for the free happiness tips.
Jonathan Robinson is a psychotherapist, best-selling author of nine books, and a professional speaker from Northern California. He has reached over 100 million people around the world with his practical methods, and his work has been translated into 47 languages. Mr. Robinson has made numerous appearances on the Oprah show, as well as many other national TV talk shows.
In his public talks and seminars, Jonathan is known for providing people with immediately useful information in a fun and entertaining manner.
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