Have you ever wondered what makes you smile? Perhaps it’s your family, pet, the sun, a beach vacation, or that long awaited and very desperately needed hug. Finding ways to smile even among chaos will reduce your stress levels and help you to feel happier. Some research shows it can even boost your immune system and enable you to live longer.
You could wait for something pleasant to happen that will put a smile on your face. However, with all these benefits in mind, you can also speed the process along. Here are a few ways to help make yourself smile.
Smile Because You Feel Good
You’re more likely to smile when you’re feeling strong and fit. Invest in your health and wellbeing. Take time each day to nurture yourself.
Try these activities:
Eat Healthy
Plan nutritious meals and snacks full of whole foods. Limit added sugar and salt.
Exercise Regularly
Stay active. Find a variety of workouts that you enjoy, so you’ll want to stick with them.
Sleep Well
Make sleep a top priority. Go to bed at around the same time each night. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet.
Spend Time Outdoors
Green spaces tend to lift our spirits. Have a picnic at a local beach or park. Hang a bird feeder in your backyard. Spend your weekend camping, mountain climbing, or in your garden.
Listen to Music
Create soundtracks you can listen to while exercising or running errands. Sing along with your favorite tunes or experiment with new genres.
Get a Hobby
Doing something you love helps you to achieve flow, a feeling of being fully engaged and energized. Think about your childhood pastimes or browse magazines for ideas. Maybe you’ll want to paint landscapes or play bocce ball.
Take Breaks
Pausing throughout the day reduces stress and increases your productivity. Slow down to drink a cup of tea or stroll around the block.
Smile Because You Are Spreading Happiness
Being generous can give you a warm glow on the inside and a big smile on the outside. Look for opportunities to share your blessings.
Spread some happiness with these activities:
Listen Closely
A little attention can delight someone as much as any expensive gift. Show that you’re interested in what others have to say. Make eye contact and validate their feelings.
Volunteer Your Services
Support worthy causes. Walk dogs at a local shelter or be a volunteer coach.
Help Your Neighbors
Offer to help disabled and elderly neighbors with their grocery shopping or yard work. Introduce yourself to new families and host activities for children.
Throw a Party
Extend your hospitality. Start a tradition of monthly potlucks or annual barbecues. Introduce your friends to each other.
Share Your Creative Output
Cook for a friend. Make photo frames or scented candles if you prefer crafts to cooking.
Write a Letter
When was the last time you received a personal letter? Brighten someone’s day with a handwritten note, especially children and seniors.
Buy Local
Many small businesses are struggling. Help them out by buying from neighborhood shops and restaurants whenever possible. Post positive reviews online and tell your family and friends about your favorite finds.
Form a Circle
Invite others to join you in being philanthropic. A giving circle lets you pool your money and other resources to support projects that you care about.
Other Activities To Make You Smile . . . Can You Add More To This List?
- Enjoy a movie with family or friends
- Play or snuggle with a pet
- Let your kids tell you a joke
- Take a personal day to do whatever YOU feel like doing
- Perform random acts of kindness
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Peace and Blessings,
Dawn