National Happiness Happens Day is August 8th, and with this in mind, it is only right to list out a few small things you can do to lift your mood.
For many addicts, the focus on tackling addiction pushes any consideration for their own happiness out of the picture. However, it is just as important to keep a positive outlook on life as it is to focus on your sobriety.
No matter what your past may look like, you deserve to be happy and enjoy life. Not only will focusing on your own happiness lift your spirits, but it will aid in your journey in sobriety, as you will begin to realize all the aspects of life which are not related to your addiction that boost your mood. Follow these simple tips, and remember to stay positive!
Smile
Have you ever heard the phrase “fake it ‘til you make it”? If there is nothing in particular that you feel like smiling about, remember this phrase and smile anyway. When we smile, the muscles in our face send signals to the brain that will actually boost our mood.
This might sound silly, but it really works. At least 4-5 times a day, shoot someone a smile (even if this is directed at your pet, or yourself as you pass by a shop window). You will instantly feel a bit more upbeat.
Pencil in a Fun Activity
Having something to look forward to will boost your mood whenever you think about your plan. Even if this is something small, such as grabbing coffee with a friend you haven’t seen in a while, putting tangible events on your calendar is certain to lift your spirits.
A great tactic is having a standing appointment with a friend, co-worker, or family member. Whether it is grabbing lunch every Wednesday, or meeting for a pedicure, make sure to write the activity down and think about it if you are having a rough day.
Show Gratitude
Recalling all of the little things in life that you are grateful for is an effective method to immediately boost your mood. Focus a few moments every day to reflect on what you feel grateful for having. Give it some thought, and don’t forget all of the small things. You can be grateful for a family member who has stayed close to you through the good and bad, or maybe you are just grateful that it was a sunny day and you got the chance to take a walk outside. Nothing is too big or too small.
To take this up a notch further, write a letter of gratitude to someone who you appreciate in your life. Maybe this is a past teacher, a sponsor, or a friend who has kept in touch with you over the years. Whoever it is, they will be happy to receive your note.
Show Kindness
Every small action that we do for someone else will help boost our happiness. Maybe we let someone go ahead of us in line at the grocery store because we see they are carrying more food than we are. Maybe we just give our grandmother a call to check in and remind her we love her. Whatever the selfless act is that you choose, it will improve your sense of well-being and lift your spirits.
Cook Something Delicious
Cooking (or baking) is a relaxing act that boosts the spirit and contributes to our contentment. Maybe there is a recipe you have been meaning to try, or maybe you have a favorite dish that you haven’t found the time to make in a while. Pencil into your schedule exactly what you want to cook. Look up the recipe, and make time to visit the grocery store and pick up all of the necessary ingredients.
To make cooking even more enjoyable, invite a friend or family member over to enjoy your dish with you. Receiving positive feedback on how your cooking tastes will lift your spirits even more. Plus, you will have someone to share in good conversation with while you enjoy your dish.
Make the conscious effort to partake in at least one act every day that aids in your happiness. Whatever your current situation is, you should always place emphasis on being happy and finding joy in the little things. Have a lovely Happiness Happens Day!
