Everyone wants to feel happier, right? So why can it be so hard sometimes?

Work, school, family, friends, significant others are everyday things that can enhance your day or stress you out. Then there are the material things around you causing clutter, chaos, and creating more and more decisions in your day. You only have a finite amount of energy and the more decisions, stress, and negativity you encounter, the quicker you’ll be drained. You’re probably exhausted just thinking about these things. And then you look in the mirror and there are all of those interior factors like self-doubt or negative body image running through your head. So stop right there! Negativity only breeds more negativity. Instead of focusing on all the of the things that may cause you stress, anxiety, worry, fear, anger, jealousy, and any negative feeling, take a deep breathe and follow these steps to feel better almost instantly. Are you ready to be happy?

1. Get Rid of Negative Influences

Ask yourself: Does this bring me joy? If it doesn’t, don’t do it. Or get rid of it. Get rid of the clutter in your life. If you have problems getting rid of things, then reframe the question to, “Do I want to keep this?” instead of “Do I want to get rid of this?” You’ll know what you want to keep pretty quickly and the rest will become clearer. You’ll feel much less stressed when there’s less and only beautiful, joyful things surrounding you. You’ll have less decisions to make and feel much more energized. You also need to get rid of the negative influences that are on your screens everyday. If you’re on social media and specific people or places are making you feel jealous or annoyed, but you don’t want to unfollow them, then look up something or things that do bring you joy and follow a bunch of those accounts and hashtags. Pretty soon, you’ll only see things that bring you joy. Become aware of what you feel. When negative thoughts come your way, switch your focus to something that brings you joy.

2. Refocus to Positive Thoughts

Focus on each of the following words:

1. Peace
2. Love
3. Joy
4. Gratitude

Think of something, someone, a time or place that makes you feel these things. Think about the why this person, place, thing, action, or whatever makes you feel that way. Remember it. Focus on each word and then what makes you feel it. This will elevate you.
For me, I try to put my life in perspective. Hard times have fallen on me, and I don’t know my path yet. This can make me feel lost, but instead I reframe it in my thoughts. I’m on a journey that I keep striving for each day. I’m on a path to be the person I want to be in a year and the next year. I’m healthy. Most of my family is healthy. I have the ability to take care of myself, both physically and emotionally. I can eat healthy and I can workout. I am free. I have the ability to walk and I can go on a hike. I can read. There are so many things that I have to be grateful for and the bad becomes overshadowed.

3. Write It Out

If you don’t have a journal, I highly suggest getting one. You need to physically write it out whatever is on your mind and in your heart with a pen and paper. Find prompts if you can’t think of anything to write but otherwise it’s very cathartic; write down your hopes, goals, dreams – just by writing them, you’re 60% more likely to achieve and manifest them. Dream big. Think positively. If you can’t think or feel positively, just start writing. Whenever I feel like I’m in a funk, I’ll let it all out. Half of it’s legible in the end, but I feel so much better. Write until you feel lighter. And don’t forget to write when you’re happy, too. When something big happens in your life or you think something is going to happen, document it. Write down feelings of when you’re falling in love with someone or even with yourself. It’s crazy to look back into your mind from different times in your life. It really puts things in perspective sometimes and sometimes it just makes you laugh. It’s totally worth it.

BONUS TIP:

If you’re like me and you’re feeling a little less motivated sometimes, put on a documentary or nonfiction show. Learning new things and experiencing fascinating and uplifting things can inspire you or just make you feel like you’re accomplishing something.

These are my suggestions for feeling happier instantly and as a way to make you happier overall long term. What do you do to get happy and stay happy?
Thanks for reading!