Unlock Joy: 9 Proven Habits to Boost Your Happiness
- Irena Moore
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Feeling stuck in a funk? Yeah, it happens to me too! Happiness sometimes feels like a faraway, imaginary place that some people say they’ve been to, but never tell you which road takes you there! OR the road seems impossible to get to, and it seems super long and windy! What if I told you it’s simpler than you think?
But first, let's define happiness. According to Zhanjia Zhang and Weiyun Chen (2018), “happiness, as a positive component of mental well-being, is generally defined as a subjective state of mind characterized by enjoyment and contentment reflecting an individual’s overall subjective well-being”, and by subjective well-being, they mean how people think and feel about their own lives. So, this is pretty much saying, happiness is all in your head and in your body, right? That’s what I’m taking from this. So, then how do we do it? Here are 9 powerful ways to boost your happiness and bring the sunshine back into your life.
Take care of your basic needs- Boosting happiness doesn’t have to mean chasing some elusive dream. It starts with the basics. Get enough sleep, eat real food, and drink water like your plants depend on it (because they kinda do).
Do something creative- Even if it’s just doodling during a Zoom meeting—because self-expression is soul fuel. Being creative can bring you a sense of achievement and boost your self-esteem.
Represents rebirth, growth, and purity Smile- Even if you don’t feel like it at first. Your brain might just fall for it. Smiling can actually trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, lifting your mood. It also signals safety and positivity to others, often creating a ripple effect of connection and shared joy.
Be a good human- Hold the door, text your friend back, tip well. It really doesn’t hurt to be nice to other people! Helping others strengthens your sense of purpose and connection, both of which are key ingredients for lasting happiness.
Move your body- Whether it’s a workout or a five-minute kitchen dance party. Just do it!
Meditate- Doing so boosts happiness by calming the mind, reducing stress hormones, and helping you become more present in the moment. It trains your brain to focus on what’s going right instead of spiraling into what-ifs and worst-case scenarios.
Be in community- We’re wired for community, not isolation. Happiness thrives where people laugh, support, and show up for each other.
Ready to take a step toward feeling better? Pick one activity from the list above and give it a try today to boost your mood. Share this with someone who could use a lift, and drop a comment below to let us know what you’re doing TODAY to feel like your happiest self!
Zhang, Z., & Chen, W. (2019). A systematic review of the relationship between physical activity and happiness. Journal of Happiness Studies: An Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being, 20(4), 1305–1322. https://doi-org.middlesexcc.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s10902-018-9976-0
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