The world is embroiled in chaos.
Covid-19 deaths are rising.
We are separated from our friends and stuck in chaos.
The United States has an incompetent president.
Police brutality is wide-spread.
There is not much to be happy about these days. When we do feel happy, it flickers away, like a small flash of light in the dark. It’s not wonderful to be stuck at home with your family constantly nipping at your heels and chewing at every move you make. And, eventually, it’s like you’re floating in an endless sea of gray.
Being happy is more important than ever for our mental health.
Here are 5 ways to feel instantly happy that I have found to be very helpful:
- Blast your favorite song on repeat. Or upbeat songs.
Songs naturally lift your mood and get your foot tapping. Play your favorite song and the effect is almost instantaneous and much more powerful. Upbeat songs have the same effect. (“Life in Color” by Onerepublic).
If you find yourself constantly listening to mopey music, your mood plummets. (I listen to mopey music while I write. That must be why a lot of my characters die.) - Absorb the sunlight.
You are not a plant so you cannot absorb the sunlight. What I mean by this strange sentence is get out into the sun and just sit/walk/stand there. Let the sun rays rain over your like a pot of money. Not only will it make you feel warm on the outside, it will make you feel warm on the inside, since blue skies and bright lights are scientifically proven to raise your mood. - Talk to your friends.
Or text them. I’m more comfortable texting them, and I often find myself embroiled in conversations about conspiracy theories regarding plants. Yes, I know it’s strange, but it always puts a smile on my face. - Hug your pet!
Spend time with your pet. It’s known for releasing oxytocin, a hormone that is often associated with a warm, fuzzy feeling known as being happy. Or, if you are like me and don’t have a pet, spend some time watching cute animal videos on Youtube. You’ll find yourself smiling within the first few seconds. - You have to mean it.
Like everything in life, you have to have a specific goal in mind. In this case, your goal is to be happy. In order to be happy, you want to be happy.
Lots of love, and stay happy,
Jess
Chaos of Life 