7 Unusual Things that Make People Happy

You know the typical things that you make you happy, like spending time with friends and family. But there are some really easy things you can do that you might not expect. According to science, these things result in happiness. Check out these unusual things that make people happy.

1. Do Something Nice



Doing something nice for someone is, of course, never a bad idea. Kindness goes a long way. And, while doing nice things for people is a good way to improve another person’s life, it can improve yours as well. Recently, a study found that doing meaningful things made people happier. Compared to another group of people that engaged in pleasure-seeking activities, the individuals that participated in meaningful activities felt as if their lives had a purpose. So, the next time that you’re feeling down in the dumps, volunteer somewhere and see if that doesn’t lift your spirits!

2. Sleep on the Left Side



If you sleep on the right side of the bed, you might want to make a switch. UK studies show that individuals who sleep on the left side of the bed are generally happier and appear to enjoy life more than those who sleep on the right side of the bed. According to the study, sleeping on the left side may cause you to enjoy your job more and be able to handle more stress or more of a workload. So if you want to have a better disposition during the day, try out waking up on the left side of the bed and see if that works!

3. Read a Book



Happiness is just one benefit of reading regularly. Reading books are a great distraction. If life is getting you down, a great book will momentarily transport you away from any problems you are having. Reading inspires creativity and imagination. Not to mention, learning is a good mood booster. You will learn about different cultures, countries, religions and people without leaving the comfort of your home. Reading helps you communicate with other people as well as better understand the world around you. All in all, reading inspires happiness!

4. Spend Some Time Outside



Twenty minutes outside can instantly improve your mood according to science . That’s good news if you have a busy schedule. You can easily squeeze 20 minutes into your daily routine. A breath of fresh air can improve your mood, broaden your thinking and also boost your working memory. If you have a pet, bring them along for the fun! We all know how much fun pets can be, especially if you have a rambunctious puppy who just wants to play and move! It is said that the unconditional love a pet provides to their owners can actually help you to cope with your stress. So next time you get the chance to spend the day outside, bring your pet along for the perfect happiness boosting activity!

5. Be Still

Sometimes you just need to slow down and put life on hold for a few minutes. Meditation is the perfect way to relax your mind and calm your body. It’s a very effective way to live a happier life. And while it will improve your mood in the moment, it also has a long-term, lasting effect of contentment, happiness, awareness and empathy. So stop and take a deep breath. If you don’t feel the effects at first, don’t worry, meditation actually takes some practice.

6. Listen to Some Sad Songs



It seems a little weird that sad songs make us feel happy. But a survey showed that sad songs can allow a person to release, which provides relief from strong emotions. Sad songs also help people empathize with a common feeling, even if the topic of the song is far removed from our lives. Sad music also lets people use their imaginations and it consoles them.

7. Keep a Journal



According to some researchers who conducted experiments, keeping a journal can result in joy later on in life. It’s not just recording the big moments or special occasions, either. Every day, mundane life can unexpectedly make us happy. Writing down daily happenings and reading those entries months or years later allows us to look back on life with a positive point of view. So don’t just write in a diary, try to reread your writing as you go.
These are just a few ways to boost your mood. The great thing is that these simple, but unusual ways to make yourself happy are easy and even free! All you need to do is take a little bit of time for yourself, and maybe others, and your mood will improve!

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#happiness
#insightful
#motivation


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