14 Tips to Be Happier (15 photos)

Summer is over, autumn is quickly passing by, and cold, long nights with minimal sunlight lie ahead. It's easy to catch the seasonal blues. But there is no need to sink into gloom and go into hibernation mode until spring. There are plenty of great ways to feel a little happier—or at least give your mood a quick boost. Best of all, these tips are backed by science!







1. Write down what you're grateful for every day.

Keeping a journal has long been linked to positive emotions. Taking time at the end of the day to write down everything you are thankful for can help you become more organized and feel a little happier overall.





2. Share what made you happy with friends and family.

Studies show that sharing good news with loved ones boosts your own happiness and strengthens social bonds. Just remember that sharing is a two-way street, so make sure to listen to the good things happening in your friends' and family's lives, too.



3. Surround yourself with blue.

Science shows that shades of blue can sharpen your focus and reaction times while creating a sense of calm and serenity.



4. Make time for meditation in your schedule.

Meditation takes time and effort, but the results are worth it. Studies show that meditation helps "reboot" the brain, lowers stress levels, and increases overall life satisfaction.



5. Spend money on others.

Simply hoarding money for yourself is quite selfish and won't do much for your mood. Spending money on others, however, lifts your spirits and brings positivity into your life. Treat someone to a movie, buy a surprise gift for a loved one, or simply pick up the check for lunch with friends.



6. Don't skip exercise, even if it's just a quick workout.

Exercise helps lower stress levels, and even a brief workout offers big benefits. Physical activity has also been proven to improve body image, even if there are no visible external changes yet.



7. Live every moment to the fullest.

Living in the present moment is one of the main paths to happiness. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future can make you anxious, while focusing on the here and now can make you feel instantly happier.



8. Drink more water.

Research shows that even mild dehydration can cause irritability and lower life satisfaction. So make sure to drink the recommended daily amount of water—around 8 glasses a day.



9. Get a good night's sleep.

A good night's sleep builds resilience against negative emotions and helps your body produce stress-fighting neurotransmitters. Just don't overdo it—sleeping too much can also be harmful and contribute to depression.



10. Take walks in the fresh air.

Even short 30-minute walks outdoors help boost happiness levels and bring a sense of peace. Plus, it helps your body absorb vitamin D, which supports your health in various ways.



11. Set achievable goals.

This is one of the most reliable ways to lift your mood. Goals don't need to be overly ambitious or unrealistic. Simply setting achievable targets and reaching them will soon make you feel much happier and more successful.



12. Smile more often.

A smile won't magically cure depression, but if your day has been feeling average, a simple smile can shift your mood in a positive direction. And smiling at someone often earns you a smile back, creating a cycle of good feelings.



13. Listen to your favorite upbeat songs.

Listening to your favorite dance tracks can easily chase away sadness. The trick is to actively listen and engage with the rhythm—background music won't give you the same mood boost.



14. Finally, spend less time online.