15 Ways to Feel Happier and More Positive


businesswoman walking briskly

Put Some Pep in Your Step

Scientists say walking tall with swinging arms helps you feel more positive. Even if you're not feeling happy, a spirited stroll can help you fake it till you make it.
Swipe to advance
smile close up
2 / 15

Slap on a Smile

Want to lift your spirits? Lift the corners of your mouth. When you smile like you mean it, you can change your brain’s chemistry and feel happier.
Swipe to advance
volunteer group building house
3 / 15

Volunteer

Find ways to get involved in your community or help out a friend in need. You’ll help yourself, too. It can improve your mental health and well-being. Win-win.
Swipe to advance
cookout with friends
4 / 15

Make New Friends

It makes you feel good to spend time with people who care about you. So be open to new relationships, whether it’s someone you meet at the office, gym, church, or park. But be sure to maintain those lifelong connections, too. Studies show the more connected you are, the happier you are.
Swipe to advance
woman writing in journal
5 / 15

Count Your Blessings

Write down everything that’s good in your life. When you make an effort to look on the bright side, it helps you stay focused on the positive.
Swipe to advance
woman doing pushups
6 / 15

Break a Sweat

It can take as little as 5 minutes for exercise to put you in a better mood. Moving your body also has good long-term effects: Regular exercise helps keep depression at bay.
Swipe to advance
supportive hands
7 / 15

Forgive and Forget

Are you holding a grudge? Let it go. Forgiveness frees you from negative thoughts and makes more room in your life for inner peace. And that brings you happiness.
Swipe to advance
woman meditating outdoors
8 / 15

Practice Mindfulness

Meditate for an hour a week. It’ll give you a dose of joy, peace, and contentment. It’ll also create new pathways in your brain to make it easier for you to feel joy.
Swipe to advance
woman listening to music
9 / 15

Turn on Some Tunes

Music can have a powerful effect on your emotions. Pick your favorite music mix and get into the groove. You’ll get a real feel-good vibe.
Swipe to advance
man sleeping comfortably
10 / 15

Get the ZZZs You Need

Most adults need 7 or 8 hours of sleep each night to stay in a good mood. You’re more likely to be happy when you get enough shut-eye.
Swipe to advance
mom dropping off daughter at school
11 / 15

Remember Your “Why”

When you have a sense of purpose -- why you work, exercise, or do something good for someone else -- it gives your life meaning. In the hurry of a busy day, it’s easy to lose sight of that. So take a moment to bring it to mind. Happiness is about more than momentary pleasure. It’s also in the satisfaction of pursuing your goals.
Swipe to advance
man looking in the mirror
12 / 15

Challenge Your Inner Critic

You know that inner voice that loves to point out everything that isn’t so great? Try to notice when it takes control of your mood. Sometimes it has a good point and is letting you know about something that needs your attention. But other times, it’s wrong, or it makes things seem worse than they are. Ask yourself, “Is this true?”
Swipe to advance
man writing in notebook
13 / 15

Tackle Your Goals

Ask yourself if they are realistic and within your reach now -- or at least, things that you can start to work toward. Then get really specific about what the goal is -- not “to work out more” but “to walk 30 minutes a day, three times this week,” or “I’ll have a salad for lunch twice this week.” Write it down, and reward yourself for every step you take toward that goal!
Swipe to advance
senior adults drinking red wine at party
14 / 15

Seek Positive People

“Emotions are contagious,” as the saying goes. So you want people in your life who are confident, upbeat, and healthy. You’ll probably find that it rubs off on you, leaving you feeling better. And then you can pass that on, too.
Swipe to advance
man in psychological therapy session
15 / 15

Ask a Pro

If you feel a lot less happy than you used to, even after you try the tips in this slideshow, it’s time to call an expert. Book a session with a counselor to talk about how you feel. If depression is the reason you’re down, there are treatments. Even if you’re not depressed, you might learn some helpful things about yourself and your challenges -- and end up feeling better than you thought you could.
Swipe to advance