Changing your mood to feel happiness can be surprisingly quick and easy when you possess the right tools, strategies, and methods.

All of us experience days when we feel out of sorts. You just wish you were in a better mood.  You’ve had days like that, haven’t you? Perhaps you tried to get yourself into a better state of mind but struggled to achieve it.

Sometimes we get stuck in our own emotional dumps and forget how easy it is to feel happier. Try theses seven simple ways to lift your mood. I find them useful. and perhaps you will too… Some of them may surprise you!

 

Happiness Tip 1. Go for a walk.

Most people know that going for a short daily walk is one of the best forms of exercise. When you are feeling down it is even more beneficial. If you can, go into a natural environment with plants and birds. What do you notice first? The different shades of greenery, the fresh  smell of country air, the sounds of birds, or the sunlight shining through the trees? Make it real by taking a short stroll.

Happiness Tip 2. Listen to quality music.

Music can shift a listener’s state within moments. It’s effect can be nearly magical. Dig out a CD you haven’t listened to in ages or long forgotten tune on your MP3 player. Tune in your radio to your favorite station. I like iTunes® radio and put several favorite pick me up stations in my playlist.

Happiness Tip 3. Open yourself to discovering something new.

Read something (printed, not on line) different than what you would normally read. There are a ton of different types of magazines can you get these days. Visit your local library or browse through a magazine rack.  Pick up or buy a magazine you wouldn’t normally buy. You may discover something wonderful.

Happiness Tip 4. Find something to laugh at.

Laughter is one of the best ways to lift your spirits. Find a humorous book, or watch a comedy. Even better, try to learn a few new jokes and tell them to others. 

Happiness Tip 5. Simple breathing meditation.

Breathing meditation is a great exercise that you can do anywhere.  Simply allow yourself to sit comfortably with your back straight. Now close your eyes and become aware of the flow of air into and out of your nostrils. That’s all there is to it. Do this for 10-15 minutes. Notice how pleasantly surprised you can be at how you feel afterward.

Happiness Tip 6. Doodling for the fun of it.

Most people can remember when they were young and used to doodle for hours. Kids love drawing silly little pictures. Drawing is not just for kids or artists.  Whoever you are get some pens, pencils, crayons or whatever you have and just draw for the fun of it. Notice how your state of mind shifts.

Happiness Tip 7. Practice Gratitude.

The fact that you are reading this article suggests that you are probably much better off than most people on this planet. There are many human beings that barely have access to the basics of survival.

Look around your surroundings and write out a gratitude list for the things and people in your life. This one really works great for me.

These pretty simple tips are not profound or life changing. When all you need is a quick pick me up these tips just might fill your need. Putting simple ideas, methods, tools and techniques into action will help you achieve change more quick and easily–surprisingly so at time– than you imagine.