5 Daily Tips to Boost Happiness (& Write More)

Have you ever woken up feeling groggy and unmotivated, with the dread of your commute to work weighing on your chest? Do you ever wish you had a way to be happier?

Life can get us all down from time to time. That's just life. But we don't have to allow it to drain our positivity and happiness, which can be easier said than done.

By adding just a few small happiness boosters in your day, you can ensure that each day will be happier. The best part is that this momentum will only increase with each passing day, making your life more positive and fulfilled overall.

Give these 5 daily tips to boost happiness a try, and you may find yourself able to write more:

Tip 1: Be Grateful For What You Have

All too often, it can be difficult to remember all the things we are lucky to have - like a safe place to live, a car in good condition, an iPhone 7, and food on the table - especially when there are so many ads bombarding us each day with all the cool new things we don’t yet have.

Reflecting on what you do have, instead of focusing on what you don’t, is a more positive mindset that frees up your brain power for more important tasks. This not only allows you to feel happier and down-to-earth, but your sunny outlook will also spill over into other aspects of your life as well.

When you wake, list three things you are grateful for in your life. It can be anything, like your boyfriend holding open the door for you or the stranger in the store parking lot who waited for you to cross.

Then, each night list three things that made you smile that day. Little things, such as the feeling you get when you come home from work to your dog’s excitement that you’re finally home or when your morning coffee tastes especially amazing, make a huge difference.

Tip 2: Take A Wellness Tip From Native Americans

Holistic and natural tips can enhance happiness, decrease stress levels, and improve your overall health without the use of harsh medications or harmful effects.

Many Native American tribes, who tend toward a culture centered around utilizing mother nature for the mutual well-being, have found a simple way to increase their happiness daily. Based on the belief that sweat lodges have multiple benefits, Native Americans experienced the benefits of what is now called a cold splash hydrotherapy technique used for depression and anxiety.

Basically, people would hang out in a sweat lodge for a while before dunking themselves in a nearby lake or river. The cold water would feel amazing after the sweat lodge and create an unexpected feeling of awe, a weight lifting from one’s shoulders.

Tip 3: Leave Your Work Life At Work

No matter how much you love your job, there are days that suck.

And if you work in customer service, you know all too often that each day is a gamble because you never know what type of person or issue you may encounter next (which is especially true during a full moon).

Believe it or not, there are people out there that are terrible to everyone around them, from waiters to bank tellers.

No matter your profession, some days are just rough, and it can be especially difficult to turn off your frustration after a rough day.

Leaving work where it belongs, at work, is different for many people. However, those that can successfully do so are happier because their minds are more at ease.

Some turn off their brains with a glass of wine at happy hour. Some work out after leaving the office, and others use meditation to reset the mind.

Find what works best for you, without being afraid to try out a few different techniques first. Remind yourself not to dwell on work outside the office as well. I prefer to create a mental (short) list of my daily accomplishments, which gives me the fulfillment I need to move on from work mode.

Tip 4: Smile When It’s The Last Thing You Want

As you’ve probably heard, compassion, kindness, and generosity create a ripple effect that stems from one person to another as it expands to encompass and positively benefit others.

The reach of one tiny act of compassion, like smiling at a stranger, can create a larger impact on society around them. All you have to do is take the initiative.

If you’re having a bad day, smile anyway. No, especially if you're having a terrible day. 

Smile at the toll booth person during your commute, smile at the homeless man waving on the corner, and smile at the barista who made your morning joe. Be genuine. Trust me, they will appreciate it.

Tip 5: Try Out A Life Hack

Personally, I live by life hacks. Not only do they offer awesome new ways to better organize minuscule closet space, but life hacks also save the day when it comes to just about anything.

Your happiness and peace of mind may be directly impacted as a result of a successful and helpful life hack. With them, each day will breeze by easier.

Lifehack.org offers a wide range of advice. Practical advice, like initiating an exercise routine, getting more sleep, and spending less time using technology, or wellness advice, such as meditation, spans the pages.

And while health and wellness are all obviously great advice for anyone, my favorite hacks involve remembering to spend your money on experiences rather than things and helping others for at least two hours per week.

There are many, many ways out there to boost your happiness levels, all of which are easy to initiate and add to your daily life. Give something new a shot, and share your favorite happiness hacks in the comments!