How To Be Happy Now: 15 Happy Hacks :)
We all want to feel happier—but between daily stress, packed schedules, and endless to-do lists, it can be easy to forget that happiness isn’t something we have to wait for. The truth is, small shifts can make a big difference. Whether you’re feeling a little blah or just looking to boost your mood, these simple, feel-good hacks are designed to help you be happy now.
How To Be Happy Now
Everyone just wants to be happy. It’s something all humankind has in common—the desire for happiness.
Happiness is the ultimate reason why we want to lose weight and why we want that new job. It’s the reason we want to find love and the reason we want that new handbag.
So we’ll be………happy.
Happiness is not as hard to attain as some might think. I believe everyone is capable of being happy right here, right now.
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Of course, there are times in our lives when we have troubles or go through trials. During those times, it can be difficult to experience joy.
However, other times we’re just in a funk. We’re in a bad mood, and we don’t really know why—I want to help you fix that.
How To Be Happy Now: 15 Tips For a Happy Life
Life is too short to waste on being unhappy or grumpy, especially for no good reason at all.
So keep reading to discover 15 mood-boosting hacks!
1 | Stop Thinking Negatively
Many of us, without even realizing it, bring ourselves down with our own negative thinking. Learn to be more mindful of your thoughts. Don’t allow yourself to think negatively.
Thinking negative thoughts doesn’t do you any good. Thinking negatively can have very harmful effects on your mental health as well as your physical health.
I recommend reading this article, How to Lower Cortisol Levels Naturally, to learn how negative thought patterns can increase cortisol levels, which, over time, can contribute to various health issues.
Get in the habit of thinking positively. Get in the habit of expecting something great to happen.
If this is an area where you struggle, I highly recommend reading Who Switched Off My Brain? Controlling Toxic Thoughts & Emotions By Dr. Caroline Leaf.
I’ve personally read this book and I highly recommend it. Research shows that as much as 87% to 95% of mental and physical illnesses are a direct result of toxic thinking.
In this best-selling book, Dr. Caroline Leaf clearly communicates 13 ways to detox your thought life and live a life of physical, mental, and emotional wholeness.
She also has another book called Switching On Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking and Health. I haven’t read this one, but it has amazing reviews on Amazon.
2 | Get Outside
Studies have shown that improving your hormone D (widely known as vitamin D) levels can lead to an improvement in your mood. One of the easiest ways to improve your hormone D levels is to spend time in the sun.
Our bodies create hormone D when our skin is exposed to the sun. So, how much time should you spend in the sun? Well, that depends on your skin pigmentation.
The lighter your skin tone, the less time you need to spend in the sun. The darker it is, the more you will need. On average, you should aim to get 30-60 minutes of sunshine without sunscreen every day, depending on your skin tone.
I recommend reading this article, The Power Of The Sun: Healing Benefits Of Sunlight, to learn all about the other amazing healing benefits of the sun.
There is also just something about being in nature and breathing in the fresh air. Don’t underestimate the mood-boosting benefits of taking a nice walk through your neighborhood or hiking through nearby trails.
One of my favorite ways to find some new outdoor adventure ideas is through Airbnb.com. They don’t just offer vacation rentals, they also have experiences.
Some of the popular experiences near me in Southern California include a guided hike to the Hollywood sign, hiking with wolves (yes, real-life wolves), hiking with rescue dogs, and much more!
3 | Try a Mood Boosting Supplement
There are numerous natural supplements and herbs that can significantly enhance your mood. A few of my favorites are saffron, 5-HTP, and Joy filled by Happy Healthy Hippie.
I recommend reading this article, 10 Amazing Benefits of Saffron, to learn more about this amazing plant and how it helped me during a particularly challenging time.
I’ll be writing an entire blog post about mood-boosting supplements soon! However, for now, if you’re considering natural supplements, I highly recommend reading The Mood Cure by Julia Ross.
This book is amazing! It includes an individual mood type questionnaire that can help you figure out which natural supplements will work best for you. I love this book and I can’t recommend it enough!
4 | Surround Yourself With Happy People
We’ve all heard the saying, “misery loves company”. Unhappy people sometimes want to make those around them just as unhappy as they are.
Similarly, happy people tend to make those around them happy. When you surround yourself with joyful people, their joy somehow begins to rub off on you.
Plus, spending time with others—especially those we feel connected to—can significantly boost happiness. Human beings are wired for connection. When we’re around people we enjoy, our brains release feel-good chemicals like oxytocin (the bonding hormone), dopamine (the pleasure hormone), and serotonin (the mood-stabilizing hormone).
These chemicals help us feel more relaxed, supported, and joyful.
Meaningful social interactions also reduce stress, ease feelings of loneliness, and give us a sense of belonging. Whether it’s laughing with a friend, having a deep conversation, or just being around others who lift your spirits, quality time with people can recharge your emotional batteries and remind you that you’re not alone.
5 | Take a Course in Happiness
Udemy.com offers many courses and classes on happiness. Think of them as therapy sessions, but at a fraction of the cost.
First-time customers will receive up to 90% off their first course, and Udemy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
One of their best-selling courses on happiness is called “30 Day Challenge to a More Productive and Much Happier You,” taught by Chris Haroun, an award-winning MBA professor, venture capitalist, and author.
You can enroll in the course for only $19.99. Check it out!
6 | Stop Comparing
I believe it was Theodore Roosevelt who said, “Comparison is the thief of joy”. I’m not sure if truer words were ever spoken.
When we continually compare ourselves and our lives to others, we often bring ourselves down without even realizing it.
Comparison often happens automatically. Start noticing when you’re doing it—especially on social media or in conversations. Awareness is the first step to change.
7 | Get Some Sleep
Sometimes the best cure for a bad mood is a good night’s sleep or even just an afternoon nap. Studies have shown that sleep loss leads to increased negative mood, and I’m sure anyone who has experienced sleep problems would agree with that.
Make sure to get 7-8 hours of good-quality sleep every night. If this is a struggle for you, read this post for tips on how to get a better night’s sleep.
8 | Reflect & Be Grateful
When things begin to go wrong in our lives, it can be so easy to focus on the negative and forget about all the good. During these moments, we need to refocus our attention from the negative and back on all the things we’re grateful for.
No matter what difficulties you face, there is always something to be grateful for. So keep a gratitude journal and write in it every day, or simply just take time every day to think deeply about all the goodness that surrounds you.
This 5-Minute Journal is a great tool to help you develop an attitude of gratitude. I really like this 52 Week Gratitude Journal as well!
9 | Get Moving
I started working out to get in shape, but I actually stuck to my workout routine because of the profound effects it had on my mood. Watch the video below to learn more about the brain-changing benefits of exercise.
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to boost your mood. When we work out, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in our brain increase. Exercise also reduces the stress hormones in our bodies.
Aim for 30-60 minutes of exercise 3-5 days a week.
I recommend reading this article, 7 Life Changing Benefits of Regular Exercise, to discover how regular exercise can improve your mood and transform your life!
10 | Cry It Out
There are times in life when we just need to have a good cry. Life is hard. Sometimes we try to do too many things, and it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed and tired.
But we can’t just hold it in all of the time. It’s okay to cry and admit you’re stressed out.
Did you know there are actually three types of tears—basal tears, reflex tears, and psychic tears. Psychic tears, the tears you cry as a result of an emotional response, contain a natural painkiller called leucine enkephalin.
So, there is actually scientific evidence that crying can help you feel better.
11 | Do More of What You Love
People are busier than ever. There’s work, grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry, running the kids here and there, and so on and so on.
When was the last time you spent the afternoon doing something you truly enjoy?
Busier is not better. Life can’t just be about work and money. We have to make time for things that bring us joy.
Take some time to truly figure out what makes your soul happy and learn to say no to the things that don’t.
12 | Change Things Up
The one thing in life that is inevitable is change. Change is something that can not be avoided.
We can grow discontent and unhappy when we find ourselves in a rut. Although we may not realize it, our minds, bodies, and souls desire change and growth.
When we start a new hobby, change careers, remodel our home, whatever the change may be, excitement and passion begin to grow in us.
We begin to feel alive again. So ask yourself if it’s time to make a change in your life!
13 | Recognize What Is Bringing You Down & Fix It
Sometimes the reason we’re sad is not a mystery. Sometimes there is something in our lives that’s quite obviously hindering our happiness.
Maybe you’re unhappy with your job, your appearance, or your living situation. Perhaps you’re in a bad relationship. Whatever the reason is, don’t accept the idea that there is nothing you can do about it.
Pinpoint the problem and develop a plan of action. If you dislike your job, consider exploring a new career path. If you’re in a toxic relationship, consider ending it or seeking counseling.
Also, if you’re in this situation, don’t forget tips 1, 8, and 12. Try not to focus on the negative, be grateful for what you do have, and recognize when it’s time to make a change.
14 | Do Something Nice For Someone Else
When you help someone—whether through a kind act, a listening ear, or volunteering—your brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. These are the same chemicals linked to happiness, connection, and even reduced stress.
VolunteerMatch.org is an excellent resource for finding volunteer opportunities. I also love using Airbnb.com to find service opportunities, as well, believe it or not.
Many of the experiences I mentioned earlier actually involve local nonprofits.
For example, the hiking with wolves experience was created by an animal rescue organization called Wolf Connection. They take in wolf-dog hybrids bred in captivity that were confiscated due to animal cruelty, rescued from the fur trade, or who simply needed a new, permanent home.
Not only does hiking with the wolves help give them exercise, but 100% of what you pay goes directly to the nonprofit organization, which then supports the health and care of the wolf pack.
There are many similar experiences on Airbnb. You just have to look around.
15 | See a Therapist
If you find that none of the tips on this list work for you, I would suggest speaking with a therapist.
There are actually many websites that offer online therapy. Such as OnlineTherapy.com. You can click here to learn more about it and use this link to receive 20% off your first month.
I hope these tips are helpful to you. I personally try to implement many of these tips on a daily basis.
As someone who has dealt with anxiety and depression, I have to work extra hard at guarding my mind and keeping it extra healthy.
If you’re dealing with depression or having suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help.
Although you may find some improvement from some of the suggestions I’ve made, I am not a medical professional, and you should consult a doctor for proper care.
Final Thoughts
Happiness isn’t some far-off destination—it’s something you can tap into right now, in the middle of your real, everyday life. By making small mindset shifts, practicing gratitude, connecting with others, and being kind to yourself, you can start creating more joy from the inside out.
You don’t need to wait for everything to be perfect to feel better. Just start where you are, take one small step, and watch how happiness begins to grow.
If anyone has a tip about how to be happy now that wasn’t mentioned, please share it in the comments. I’d love to hear it!
