16
Laugh as Often as Possible
It turns out laugher really is the best medicine. Getting your laugh on has many benefits—including stress relief, says the Mayo Clinic—but a 1993 study published in the journal Psychological Reports also found those who used humor as a way to cope tended to be more positive and happy overall.
17
Watch Some Funny Videos
Speaking of laughing, one way you can get yourself giggling is by watching some funny videos. That’s exactly what researchers had participants do in a 2014 study published in the journal of Advances in Mind-Body Medicine and it worked, making them less stressed and happier overall.
18
Declutter Your Life
Simplicity can definitely be a good thing—especially when it comes to happiness. If your apartment has turned into a mess, take some time to get rid of what you don’t need and organize the rest. Having a freshly cleaned space will get your head in a much better space—and you’ll feel so good after seeing the finished product.
19
Actually Use Your Vacation Days
It’s easier said than done, right? With tight deadlines and an endless to-do list, a vacation might feel like it’s nearly impossible, but take your well-deserved time off: A 2010 study published in the journal of Applied Research in Quality of Life found even though it seems stressful, vacationers felt super happy before their trips. There’s nothing better than getting excited about an adventure ahead you.
20
Wear Something You Feel Confident In
Those days when you take your time getting ready in the morning and slip on an outfit you feel your absolute best in are the days you feel the happiest, right? Ditch the clothes that don’t make you feel confident from your wardrobe and leave the ones that do: When you feel like you look good, your happiness levels shoot through the roof, too.
21
Read a New Book
Instead of spending your extra time on the couch watching Netflix, sit down with a new book you’ve been wanting to get your hands on. Being totally immersed in those pages will make you feel relaxed and refreshed—and make you a lot happier in the process.
22
Wear More Yellow
If you don’t have much yellow in your wardrobe, it’s time to stock up: A 2001 study published in the Journal of General Psychology found the color yellow makes adults feel all sorts of happy—hello, sunshine color!—so spending your day in a bright shirt or toting around a pretty bag will instantly lift your spirits.
23
Volunteer for a Cause Close to Your Heart
No matter how busy your schedule is, always make time to volunteer for a cause that’s important to you. Your kindness will make an impact on others, and your work will give you a happiness boost too: A 2013 study published in BMC Public Health found volunteering not only improved participants’ well-being and life satisfaction, but was also linked to decreased depression. Good vibes all around.
24
Put On Your Favorite Feel-Good Movie
You know that movie that makes you feel all the feels every time you watch it? If you’re in need of a happiness boost, put it on—and grab some popcorn. Watching your favorite scenes again will make you smile and you’ll feel joyful pretty much the instant it starts playing.
25
Unleash Your Inner Bob Ross
Something as easy as grabbing a paint brush could make you feel incredibly happy. A 2011 study published in the journal Arts & Health found participants who did some painting—either by themselves or in a group—were much happier than those who worked on a puzzle. Sometimes all you need to raise your spirits is to let your brain wander. Fun fact: Did you know that Bob Ross was one of these 30 Celebs Who Served in the Military?
26
Take a Break from Technology
Throughout the day, you’re probably on your computer, phone, and Apple Watch—maybe even all at once. A 2012 study published in the journal Developmental Psychologyfound those who spend a lot of time using multiple different types of technology are less happy than those who don’t spend as much time in front of the screen, so don’t be afraid to shut off.
27
Cut Your TV-viewing by 50 Percent
Watching your favorite show might feel good in the moment, but all that time staring at the screen can start to affect your happiness. A 2008 study published in the journal Social Indicators Research looked at 30 years of national data and found those who spend the most time watching TV are actually the unhappiest. It might be time to finally lose the remote for good.
28
Keep Challenging Yourself
It’s easy to get bored in a routine that’s the same every day, and that boredom can lead to unhappiness. But when you need an instant mood boost, simply give yourself a do-able challenge: By giving your brain something new to do, you’ll feel ridiculously satisfied once you finish, making you feel happy.
29
Take a “Sick” Day
Everyone has done it, and sometimes that day off is so necessary. When you’re feeling stressed and could use a break, call in sick or take a personal day for a little me-time. Having some time to yourself away from your desk will make you incredibly happy—just don’t do it too often or you might not have a desk to go to.
30
Show More Gratitude on a Daily Basis
Your mom was right when she always made you say your “pleases” and “thank yous.” A 2014 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found even something as simple as thanking a cashier at the grocery store or writing a thank-you note can make you feel happy.