7 Simple Things to do to Be Happy ...

1. Take a Walk

Sometimes the best things to do to be happy are right outside your door, literally! Taking a walk can brighten anyone’s mood. Going to a nearby park or reservation is always a great idea (weather permitting, of course!). Taking a walk gives you the opportunity to clear your head and enjoy local scenery. So get up off the couch and take a walk; you never know where you’ll end up.

2. Call up a Friend

Haven’t heard from a friend in a while? Give them a call. It’s always great hearing from old friends. Whether you chat on the phone for hours or meet up for a quick lunch, reconnecting with someone you haven’t heard from will definitely make you happy. Sometimes, talking to an old friend will take your mind off a current situation that’s been stressing you out. Reminiscing can be good, and reflecting on the past with an old friend can bring back some great memories you might’ve forgotten.

3. Exercise

It’s a given that after you exercise you’ll most likely be tired. However, building up the willpower to exercise will most definitely boost your mood. Feeling good about your body is something everyone aims for. Whether it be taking up a kick boxing class or lifting some hand weights in the comfort of your own home, no matter what type of exercise you do, you’re getting up and doing something. After exercising, you won’t only feel more confident and relaxed, but you’ll be a happier and healthier person.

4. Curl up with a Good Book

I don’t know about you, but a good piece of literature can always make me happy. Reading allows your brain to go places it’s never gone before. It inspires you to do new things and educates you in a pleasurable way. Once you find a book you enjoy, putting it down will be a hassle. So next time you’re feeling down, turn off all of your electronics, curl up with a good book and let your mind wander; you never know what you’ll discover.

5. Volunteer

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" Well, what are you doing? Helping out connects you to others. Knowing you impacted someone else's life can be a big boost of self-confidence. What’s a better way to be happy than going out and making someone else feel good? Signing up at local shelters or charity centers will not only have an impact on your community, but also on yourself. Seeing happiness in others will bring out happiness in you.

6. Listen to Music

A great relaxation method is listening to music. Music is universal. Music is therapy. Listening to a certain track can always boost your mood. If stress is taking a toll on you, uplifting music can get you out of that bad mood, fast. And, even if you’re not in a funk, listening to music could easily give you a reason to smile. Make a playlist of your favorite songs, and when you’re ready, rock out.

7. Soak in a Warm Bath

When was the last time you took a bath? Taking a warm bath is one of the simplest things you could do to be happy. After a long, exhausting day, nothing feels better than coming home and relaxing. To make it even better, run a hot bath, light some candles and let yourself free. Soak away the stress and let all of your worries dissolve into the bathtub water.

Wow, just thinking about all of these ideas make me happy! Though this list of things to do to be happy is small, I guarantee it could go on for days. Do you enjoy doing any of these things? What are some of the things you do to be happy?