Happy Tricks

April 9, 2009 2:48 PM

Happyfilter: Little every day things I can do to make me happier?

I've had a tough year. Lots of psychologically daunting and oppressive nonsense, lots of over dramatic emotions and histrionics. I am working through all of it.
What I would like are suggestions for little things you do every day, or little myths you have heard about things that will make a person happier, artificially or actually.

So far, I have tried burning peppermint or lavender oils, lighting candles that smell equally nice, reading for fun (as opposed to school/work reading), indulging (somewhat) in junk food, working out. I've heard that rubbing ones scalp releases endorphins. Keeping my house uncluttered. I know baths are supposed to fall into this category, but I only have a shower.

More things like these?

posted by shadowfelldown to Health & Fitness (53 answers total)

This may or may not fall within the scope of what you are seeking, but I always feel happier when I eliminate TV for a good long while and only listen to music. My best stereo equipment is in my kitchen- which is the hub of my home.
posted by hellboundforcheddar at 2:58 PM on April 9, 2009 [2 favorites]

Previously
posted by ewiar at 3:01 PM on April 9, 2009

Things I try to do every day: seek out the sun. stretch before getting out of bed. pet an animal. smile at a stranger, especially if the stranger is a kid. tell someone you love them. find something to laugh at (you tube videos of LuisCK have helped here lately)
posted by dpx.mfx at 3:02 PM on April 9, 2009 [1 favorite]

- buy yourself something nice that you've wanted.
- scrub yourself and your face with nice smelling stuff that you don't use every day.
- go for a walk on a nice day while listening to nice music. have some iced coffee (or something you like) during this walk.
- make a scrapbook of happy things.
- yoga, if you don't do it already. stay in corpse pose extra long.
- make yourself a margarita (i did that just now and it definitely made me happier).
- do something craftsy, creating things always makes me happy. look up how do make anything and everything online.
posted by KateHasQuestions at 3:04 PM on April 9, 2009 [1 favorite]

Cats, milkshakes, and comic books. Preferably simultaneously.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 3:06 PM on April 9, 2009 [8 favorites]

oh oh! how could I forget! Look at kittenwar.com or any other equally cute site. Always makes me smile and be temporarily happy.
posted by KateHasQuestions at 3:07 PM on April 9, 2009

Go for a walk.
posted by gyusan at 3:07 PM on April 9, 2009

cook yourself really good meals, using the freshest ingredients - especially healthy food that is also delicious. bonus happy points for then sharing them with people you like.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 3:09 PM on April 9, 2009 [1 favorite]

also, if you have cats, talk to them.

For example this is me talking to the cats when I come in. "Hello, stripey people. No, nobody who has stripes is allowed on the counter."

Later when Rosemary P. Cat is sitting on me: "Yes, you are furry and that spot behind your ear is extremely soft. I see you are making slow blinks at me. I will slow blink back."
posted by By The Grace of God at 3:11 PM on April 9, 2009 [25 favorites]

Go for a long walk somewhere beautiful.
Put on some loud silly bouncy music and dance around the house.
Do something randomly nice for someone you know - or someone you don't.
Get an unusually nice hair cut, or do your nails, or something similar.
Seconding turning off the TV.
Spend an afternoon cooking up something yummy and complicated and then eating it.
Go and sit out in your garden at night and look at the stars.
Get into the habit of eating properly most of the time. Eat breakfast, eat fruit, etc. etc.
Don't do something else while you eat. Sit with just you and your food and enjoy it.
Look up local affordable events, gigs and so on, and go to them.
Learn how to do something new.
posted by emilyw at 3:12 PM on April 9, 2009 [1 favorite]

Things that lift my spirits:

* Drinking coffee every morning
* Eating healthfully and occasionally splurging on "junk" food that's made from actual food (e. g., home-made cake or German-style pancakes).
* Taking walks with my husband
* Wearing an outfit that I feel great in
* Playing with my cats
* Reading silly, frivolous chick lit ("Bergdorf Blondes" for example)
* Opening all the windows and letting in some fresh air
posted by Flipping_Hades_Terwilliger at 3:12 PM on April 9, 2009 [1 favorite]

Spend some time outdoors--city park, backyard, nearest forest, whatever, just find a few minutes a day under an open sky
Get a good nights sleep
Breathe deeply
Human touch--give someone a hug, request a backrub
Put on your favorite music and sing. Or dance. Or sing and dance.

But really the thing that works best for me is finding something to laugh at. Preferably something that highlights the absurdity of life and whatever is bringing me down. Find that something and go back to it when you need a quick smile.
posted by motherly corn at 3:15 PM on April 9, 2009

Exercise always makes me feel better, kinda floaty and stuff.

Creativity is a big morale boost for me too, because I have something tangible to show for my efforts.

I also tend to procrastinate, which leads to stress, so even things like cleaning or paying bills makes me happy because of the sense of accomplishment involved.

Social interaction too, although this is more hit-and-miss than the other things I've mentioned because let's face it, people are hit-and-miss in general. Try talking to a stranger. That's invigorating, as long as you or they don't feel creepy about it.
posted by elder18 at 3:15 PM on April 9, 2009

Start a gratefulness journal. Write down one or three things per day that you are grateful for. A study shows this can have a long-term impact on your happiness. Worth a try, it's something I just started and it doesn't hurt, I'll tell you that much.
posted by malapropist at 3:15 PM on April 9, 2009 [7 favorites]

yoga!
posted by liverbisque at 3:16 PM on April 9, 2009

play music! no matter how bad my day has been i can put a smile on my face by picking up my guitar and playing for a while. learning to play could be frustrating (but rewarding!) if you don't already play something though.

otherwise yeah, cats.
posted by christy at 3:18 PM on April 9, 2009

write down all compliments you get, and put them all in a shoebox
posted by KateHasQuestions at 3:20 PM on April 9, 2009 [4 favorites]

Pick one particular dish --- anything you want, a particular kind of soup, a classic stew, omlettes, anything. Just one, though. Then set out to make your home a test kitchen for coming up with the ultimate [blank] recipe. Tinker with the spices, the ingredients, other secret tricks, until it is exactly and absolutely to your own personal specifications. Then no matter what else life throws at you, you wil be able to cheer yourself up with the knowledge that you have the ability to make the absolute perfect best bowl of clam chowder, and you can indulge in that whenever you want.

For me, it's pasta carbonara, proper tea, clam chowder and butternut squash soup.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:22 PM on April 9, 2009 [2 favorites]

Just doing a nice thing for someone every day is what picks my spirits up. It doesn't have to be much. It doesn't have to cost much. You can't expect a thank you. But just knowing you made someone's day a little brighter makes mine a little brighter too. Examples:

Buy a drink for the guy behind you in line in the coffee shop.
Stick in a couple of quarters in a random parking meter that only has a few quarters in it.
Send your mom flowers.
Make some cookies to share with co-workers.
Drop your change at the cash register into whatever jar is helping a needy child or pet.

Sometimes just being outside in the fresh air and being very still in the warmth of the sun does something to my brain and blood cells.
posted by HeyAllie at 3:24 PM on April 9, 2009

Things that make me happy:

1. Do something nice for a stranger. (Today, someone let me cut in front of her in the coffee line this morning. I've gotta pay it forward now.)
2. A really comfortable pair of pajamas for lounging around the house.
3. Pictures of the handful of people on the planet that I really love decorating my drab workspace.
4. Music ... even if I have to sing it to myself.
5. A perfect cup of tea. Strongly brewed, just a hint of cream and sugar. Mmmmm...happiness.
6. If you only have a shower, fill it with fun sponges and great-smelling shower gels. I love fragrances that smell like the beach. (Check out Carol's Daughter at sephora.com for a selection of scents that will totally transport you.)
7. Have a bedtime ritual.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 3:26 PM on April 9, 2009 [4 favorites]

I don't do it, and I'm a pretty cynical person, but malapropist's suggestion of a gratefulness journal sounds pretty cool.

Nthing cats. Gardening, or just being outside in general, and taking the time to look closely at plants. I burn nice incense and immediately feel a little 'lighter.' Listening to music. Making and eating a nice breakfast.

Mojitos!
posted by waitangi at 3:33 PM on April 9, 2009

You may find some things in The Happiness Project. (Personally, I find just reading her enthusiastic style makes me a bit happier.)
posted by epersonae at 3:34 PM on April 9, 2009 [3 favorites]

Regarding working out: Even if you have a routine down that involves working out later in the day, try to do a little bit of exercise when you wake up in the morning also. Even 5 or 10 push-ups. I've always found that it gives me more energy throughout the day and puts me in a better mood.
posted by cheerwine at 3:34 PM on April 9, 2009 [3 favorites]

Socialise - even if you don't feel like company initially.
posted by koahiatamadl at 3:35 PM on April 9, 2009 [1 favorite]

Launder sheets, make bed. Hot bath, shave legs. Warm body + smooth legs + fresh crisp sheets.
posted by rhapsodie at 3:36 PM on April 9, 2009 [5 favorites]

Pennebaker's writing assignment.
posted by DarkForest at 3:41 PM on April 9, 2009 [2 favorites]

Keep a gratitude diary. But then I'm biased on that score.

One thing I find fun is to set my shower to scald, and let the hot water run over my scalp, and vigorously rub it. I get a massive endorphin rush. It's not amusing, per se, but it does make me feel better,

I'm subscribed to several RSS feeds that make me laugh every day. More info.

Give yourself some self love. I'm not necessarily talking about masturbation, though that's good, but more on a par with buying some new shoes you've wanted for ages, or visiting a restaurant you've wanted to go to for ages. Treat yourself.
posted by Solomon at 3:42 PM on April 9, 2009

- Lipsync to love songs and address the lyrics to yourself. Choose positive ones, celebrating love and hotness, like You Sexy Thing, avoid the whiny ones.
- Have lunch with a friend.
- Set up the kitchen timer to 15 minutes, and ask yourself: What do I really want? The moment you hear the answer, take an action that moves you towards achieving what you want. You may not get the final result, and that's OK. Just moving towards your heart's desire brings satisfaction.
- Check out Byron Katie's work and use her process to put thoughts and beliefs on paper.
- Write a thank you note every day, for something that happened that day and send it. Feel free to address some of these notes to yourself.
posted by andreinla at 3:45 PM on April 9, 2009 [1 favorite]

Sing falsetto (because it's sillier than normal pitch). Smile and say hello to people, then smile even more when they are startled and smile back. And don't forget dogs - they are the goofy, ridiculous fun compared to the calm and tranquility of cats (well, those cats who don't see fit to race laps around your house because it's time to race laps around your house). Watch a silly movie you love, and really get into it, preferably with company who can get equally involved in this movie (example: I remember watching Planes, Trains and Automobiles with my family once, and we were tearing up by the end. It's a funny movie, but especially funny that day, for some reason).
posted by filthy light thief at 3:49 PM on April 9, 2009

masterbate. every day.
posted by KateHasQuestions at 3:51 PM on April 9, 2009

Oh, also make sure you are getting enough vitamin D3. D3 deficiency is linked to depression and many other health issues. If you live city life, chances are you are not getting enough sunlight, so you may want to look into this.

Good luck.
posted by andreinla at 3:54 PM on April 9, 2009

Apparently rhapsodie and I have the exact same meaning of happiness. I add to this by saving up podcasts I want to listen to and doing it in bed. An hour of lying in the darkness listening to someone talk is just like having someone read to me when I was a kid.
posted by meerkatty at 3:54 PM on April 9, 2009

I also do the gratefulness notebook thing, and I find it very effective. I really try to write down only things that I am actually feeling gratitude for, not just things that I'm pleased about or just not-worried about. It's good because I find myself being extra aware during the day of things to be grateful for, because I'm kind of mentally keeping track of possible things to write in the gratitude journal that night. An added bonus is that once you've got a bunch of entries you can read back over them all for a supershot of happiness.

Additionally:
Taking walks
being outside during sunset time
cleaning the house, doing dishes, putting fresh sheets on the bed
exercise, for sure
eating healthy things
making a concerted effort to fix the little things in your life that bug you (like WD40-ing the squeaky door hinge, or whatever)
sex
singing or playing an instrument, especially with other people
spending time with your friends, or with people who could potentially be friends
pretending to be happy; i.e. smiling or laughing even though you don't quite mean it (sometimes you can trick yourself)
posted by aka burlap at 3:54 PM on April 9, 2009

Do things you used to do when you were a kid: eat an entire bag of those fluffy white donuts, roll down a hill, go outside to look for bugs, and one that always works for me: color in a coloring book.
posted by Ugh at 3:57 PM on April 9, 2009 [2 favorites]

Recently when I found myself a bit friendless and down, a started to learn to cook. It wasn't really a conscious decision, it just kind of happened. But I've been doing it for awhile now and have really enjoyed it. I think some of the factors that led to this making me happy are:

- learning to do something new because you want to and not because of any amount (even very slight) of obligation
- the creative process - choosing a recipe, deciding to change part of the recipe to how you want to do it, buying the ingredients etc, then followed by the actual tangible result
- sharing (I think this is a key one) the meal with my family. they would appreciate that i cooked (especially mom, since it meant one less thing for her to worry about, also a good feeling), if it turned out well they would praise the meal and my ability to cook something tasty when only just starting to cook (this little ego boost, while quite small, is nice), but also it's just a really nice feeling to make something and then share it with others when you actually get to see the enjoyment they get out of it

So yeah my suggestion would be cooking, or baking, and then sharing it with other people. Try, and learn, new things. Don't get disheartened if it doesn't turn out how you wanted. Look for where it went wrong and focus on making it better next time. And the most important step, share it with other people, even just co-workers or your local old folks home.

Writing this kind of made me realize another thing that has made me happy during these last months. It's just the general (and fairly widely recognized) practice of doing things for other people. Sometimes when people are down they can focus a lot on themselves. It's really refreshing to do nice things for other people (I mostly try to help out my family, not strangers), which I guess is what my cooking thing is about.

Okay this is probably long enough. I hope something in this thread clicks and works for you!
posted by atmosphere at 4:04 PM on April 9, 2009

Everyone has really good ideas. I can't add too much, really, but I think any sort of indulgences -- an extra doughnut, another glass of wine, a few more moments on Cute Overload -- whatever works. I think any sort of indulgences -- an extra-long bath or shower with pretty smelling things, a dinner made with extra-special ingredients, whatever -- go a long way in telling me that I still like the world and want to be a part of it. Just remembering there are things you like and things you like to do can help.

Sometimes it's just about maintenance -- if it's watching several episodes of "Flight of the Conhcords" or listening to "The girl in Byakkoya - White Tiger Field" many (many many) times in a row (your mileage may vary on that one, of course) -- if it works, it works. Anything that's a comfort -- from food to a song to a movie or book -- can go a long way to make me remember I'm OK.
posted by darksong at 4:11 PM on April 9, 2009 [2 favorites]

Do something differently every day. If you usually come in through the garage, use the front door or the back door. Take a different route to work or home or to the store, even if it takes you way out of your way. Go to a different gas station or grocery store. Take a different route through the grocery store, if you usually start at one end start at the other instead. Go somewhere new to take a walk, turn around and walk backwards for awhile. Drink orange juice out of a wine goblet, etc...
I had a therapist give me this as an assignment and it had a much bigger impact on my state of mind than I would ever have thought, it's also very easy and inexpensive to do. I think it bumps you out of your ruts just enough to make you feel like things can change. Anyway, I was amazed at how much of a difference it made.
posted by BoscosMom at 4:32 PM on April 9, 2009 [3 favorites]

Get out: Walk. Cycle. Sit somewhere so you can see the cast shadows slowly change as the sun moves across the sky.

Stay in while pretending you're out: Put some freshly cut flowers in a central place where you can see them easily. Open all your drapes and as many windows as possible, even if it's cold and even for just a few minutes.
posted by maudlin at 4:39 PM on April 9, 2009

What is it with the disproportionate number of cat people here? :)

Alright, then, I'll say it--if you don't have one already, go adopt a dog (of course only if your time/finances/living situation allows). If you do have a dog or get one, enroll in classes with it (basic obedience, agility, whatever). This makes me happy, takes my mind off other things--of course, simply spending a quiet evening at home with my pup is also nice.
posted by mingodingo at 5:01 PM on April 9, 2009 [1 favorite]

I bought a few bird feeders for my front porch and the first thing I do when I get up in the morning is to peek through the window and see all the little birds hopping and flitting about. It truly puts a smile on my face and helps start my day.
posted by MaryDellamorte at 5:05 PM on April 9, 2009

Decorate a place in your home that is not decorated.
Go to a playground and swing.
Drive a pretty drive or a take a pretty walk at dusk.
Get dressed up more than usual next time you go run errands.
Do a somersault.
Go to a bookstore and buy a book you've always thought about reading.
Revisit the books you liked best as a kid. Best if it's a long series- reread them all.
posted by MadamM at 6:22 PM on April 9, 2009

Do you have a bicycle? If not, think about getting one. For me the bike is the best therapy I've found anywhere. In addition to the exercise and fresh air, I almost always see something new when I go out. Where to go depends on the bike-friendliness of your environment and whether there are parks with bike paths or scenic neighborhoods. The other riders, dog-walkers, baby-stroller pushers, people just walking for pleasure, and so on that you meet tend to be nice people as well.
posted by cdc at 7:00 PM on April 9, 2009

Light makes a difference for me, think about getting full-spectrum lights and maybe (safely) installing some more lamps and light fixtures to provide yourself with abundant light.
posted by cdc at 7:04 PM on April 9, 2009

Wear nice knickers and think about the next person who's going to see them.

HAPPY SOCKS!

Party supply stores, especially if you are lucky enough to have one like my local Yankee Trader where you can buy everything from tiny sombreros to Swedish flags to masquerade masks to 50s rhinestone catseye glasses.

Nachos with home-fried tortillas, baked in the oven (NOT MICROWAVED) with each chip lovingly smeared with refried beans and dolloped with sour cream and salsa.

Things I Love Thursday.

Write snail mail.

This is very tricky advice to give, but if you have a substance that you can partake in in a healthy, moderate manner, I think indulging a little, treating yourself to the nice stuff, can be healthy. I'm talking a bottle of Hitachino Nest or a nickel bag of strawberry sticky, not diving into a kilo of coke Scarface style. Obviously this advice only applies to the glass-of-wine-with-dinner crowd, if overindulgence is part of what is making you unhappy, please ignore this.

A pen that writes really nicely and flatters your script is ace, I like Microns and Copic Microliners but I'm an illustration geek.

Have a dinner date with a friend; email them, say, I'd like to cook you dinner, how's Thursday? You're allergic to cashews, right? Dude, no one will outright turn this down. Then you have something to look forward to and shop for.

I want to second MadamM's advice to revisit your childhood books. I'm totally going to start rereading The Great Brain as soon as I finish typing this....now.
posted by Juliet Banana at 7:17 PM on April 9, 2009 [2 favorites]

I have a maidenhair fern. It rewards daily care with beauty. Contemplating this small plant every morning as the light slants through its delicate leaves gives me a positive starting point for the day.
posted by SPrintF at 8:42 PM on April 9, 2009

I nth the advice to talk to your pets. When I'm feeling stressed, especially if I'm feeling stressed out by my parrot, I sit him in my lap and talk to him, or take him around the house and explain how certain things work. He gets really quiet and attentive. If there's something he can operate, like turning on the faucet, I let him try. The whole thing makes me feel content. I think it has something to do with not having to worry about myself for a bit, and because it reminds me how cool some of the things I take for granted are.
posted by Nattie at 10:25 PM on April 9, 2009 [1 favorite]

Get a hummingbird feeder, and put it outside your kitchen window. Every time my wife and I see them zipping around, it cheers us up.
posted by Gorgik at 7:06 AM on April 10, 2009

From social psychologist and author of "The How of Happiness" Sonja Lyubomirsky's blog:

You do not need to attempt the entire list of happiness activities, but should choose to focus only on the 1 to 4 strategies that “fit” you best – the ones that seem most natural and enjoyable to you

Counting Your Blessings

One way to practice this strategy is with a “gratitude journal” in which you write down the 3 to 5 things for which you are currently thankful – from the mundane (your flowers are finally in bloom) to the magnificent (your child’s first steps). Do this once a week, say, on Sunday night. Keep the strategy fresh by varying your entries and how you express them as much as possible. And if there’s a particular person who has been kind or influential in your life, don’t wait to express your appreciation. Write them a letter now, or, if possible, visit and thank them in person.

Practicing Acts of Kindness

These should be both random (let the dad with the crying baby go ahead of you at the check-out counter) and systematic (read a newspaper to an elderly neighbor). Being kind to others, whether friends or strangers, triggers a cascade of positive effects – it makes you feel compassionate and capable, gives you a greater sense of connection with others and earns you smiles, approval and reciprocated kindness. These are all happiness boosters.

Nurturing Optimism

This strategy involves such practices as looking at the bright side, finding the silver lining in a negative event, noticing what’s right (rather than what’s wrong), feeling good about one’s future and the future of the world, or simply feeling that you can get through the day. One way to practice this strategy is to sit in a quiet place and take 20 to 30 minutes to think about and write down what you expect your life to be 10 years from now. Imagine that everything has gone as well as it possibly could. You have worked hard and succeeded at accomplishing all of your life goals. Think of this as the realization of all of your life dreams. Then, write about what you imagined.

Learning to Forgive

Let go of anger, resentment, and feelings of vengeance by writing – but, not sending – a letter of forgiveness to a person who has hurt or wronged you. The inability to forgive is associated with persistent rumination or dwelling on revenge, while forgiving allows you to move on.

Increasing “Flow” Experiences

When you’re so absorbed in what you’re doing that you don’t notice the passage of time, you are in a state called “flow,” a term coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. So, become fully engaged at work, at home, and at play. Try to increase the number of flow experiences in your life, whether it’s completing a project at the office, playing with your children, or enjoying a hobby. Seek work and leisure activities that engage your skills and expertise.

Investing in Relationships

One of the biggest factors in happiness appears to be strong personal relationships. Indeed, having the support of someone who deeply cares about you is one of the best remedies for unhappiness. Thus, this strategy involves putting effort into healing, cultivating, and enjoying your relationships with family and friends. Act with love, be as kind to the people close to you as you are to strangers, affirm them, share with them, and play together.

Avoiding Overthinking

Remember the book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff? There’s a time to think about the bad stuff in your life, but dwelling on your problems excessively is unhealthy. Very happy people have the capacity – even during trying times like a parent’s chronic illness – to absorb themselves in an engaging activity, stay busy, and have fun. To practice this strategy, pick a distracting, attention-grabbing activity that has compelled you in the past and do it when you notice yourself dwelling.

Savoring Life’s Joys

Pay close attention and take delight in momentary pleasures, wonders, and magical moments. Focus on the sweetness of a ripe mango, the aroma of a bakery, or the warmth of the sun when you step out from the shade. Some psychologists suggest taking “mental photographs” of pleasurable moments to review in less happy times

Taking Care of Your Soul

Studies show that religious and spiritual people are happier and healthier than others, though researchers don’t yet know why. Perhaps the social support of belonging to a close-knit religious group is valuable, as is the sense of meaning and purpose that comes from believing in something greater than yourself. If you are so inclined, join a church, temple, or mosque; read a spiritually-themed book; or volunteer for a faith-based charity.

Committing to Your Goals

People who strive for something significant, whether it’s learning a new craft or raising moral children, are far happier than those who don’t have strong dreams or aspirations. Find a happy person and you will find a project. However, being dedicated to any pursuit won’t make you happy if you’re just doing it for superficial reasons such as making money, boosting your ego, or succumbing to peer pressure.

Using Your Body: Exercise, Meditation, Smiling, and Rest

Getting plenty of sleep, exercising, stretching, meditating, smiling and laughing can all enhance your mood in the short term and promote energy and strong mental health. Practiced regularly, they can help make your daily life more satisfying and increase long-term happiness.

Conclusion for today: The secrets to happiness are simple to learn, but not simple to carry out. However, with determined effort and commitment, anyone can learn practices and habits that will help them achieve higher levels of happiness and – even more important – to maintain those levels. You shouldn’t just “pursue” happiness – you should “construct” or “create” it yourself.

posted by AceRock at 7:17 AM on April 10, 2009 [18 favorites]

Along the house-cleaning line, if you haven't moved for a while, getting rid of/find good homes for things that you haven't touched or used in three years can be surprisingly salubrious.
posted by of strange foe at 10:18 AM on April 10, 2009

Empty your wardrobe out onto your bed/floor. Make new outfits out of things you don't usually pair together and wear something different (in the new-pairing sense) every day. Always makes me feel better - it's like I've gone shopping for free!
posted by skaye at 2:50 PM on April 10, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks for all the great suggestions!
(Feel free to keep them coming)

So far my favorite is the bird feeder, though I'll also try the gratitude journal because why not.
posted by shadowfelldown at 3:47 PM on April 10, 2009

There's no difference between "artificially happier" and "actually happier". Happier is happier, as long as it's sustainable.

I might give a look to the Positive Psychology movement; basically, if something bad happens, attribute it to a short term problem or a deficiency you can fix. If something good happens, attribute it to a long term thing, not a short term event or a turn of luck.

Take credit for the things that go well. Figure out ways to change what isn't going well, or figure out things you *can* make go well. Don't worry about getting discouraged; just keep moving.

Strangely, what makes individuals happy in the long run is similar to what makes successful entrepreneurs.
posted by talldean at 8:04 AM on April 12, 2009

These suggestions are based on the idea of happiness coming from accomplishment, so YMMV.

I haven't seen this one yet - one thing I do is keep a list of things I want to get done, both on paper at work, and online for home/traveling. Some of them are ludicrously small (e.g., "print out recipe") but I don't weight them at all. When I'm feeling down, I like to be able to finish something - and cross it off the list: a tangible sense of accomplishment.

My dad suggested to me that he was going to print out a calendar with three check boxes on each day, marked "no smoking", "vegetables" and "walk" - he's recovering from heart surgery. Each day that he does any of those things, he gets to check it off. It's hard to recognize your own accomplishments - especially if they seem small when you're accomplishing them. Looking back over a month - or two! - of check marks most days will help you realize how much you get done and how valuable that is.
posted by mccn at 8:23 AM on April 14, 2009 [1 favorite]