“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” -  Jim Rohn

Being aware of your happiness levels is important. Between work, household routines and general life admin, it can be easy to get caught in the daily grind and forget to check in with yourself; how do you feel? Are you comfortable? Content? Is there something you could do to boost your happiness? If you feel the need to upgrade your joyfulness, here are a few ideas you can utilise at almost any time:

Get active

It’s well documented that exercise releases the endorphins associated with feeling more positive, so a quick fix for low mood is to get moving. It doesn’t need to be a strenuous activity, even a simple walk could help to get your blood pumping and raise your happiness levels without breaking a sweat.

Spend time with your pet

Studies show that stroking a pet like your cat or dog helps to lower blood pressure and make you feel calmer which, in turn, increases feelings of happiness. Going a step further, playing with your pet - such as throwing a ball or exciting them with a fun toy - is thought to increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain, which are known as feel-good chemicals.

Go out in nature

In 2015, a study compared the brain activity of participants after they walked for 90 minutes in either a nature setting or an urban setting. Those who did a nature walk had lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain known to ruminate on negative emotions, meaning getting out into nature could be one of the easiest ways to boost happiness in a hurry.

Do a good deed

When we give to charity or help someone do something that they might have otherwise struggled with, our brain releases endorphins and our pleasure centers light up, which work together to make us feel good. While it may sound selfish to say it, helping others helps you in return, as you feel the positive and happiness boosting effects of contributing in some way.

Spend time with a friend

Sometimes boosting your happiness is as simple as chatting with a friend. Going for coffee with someone that you haven’t seen in a while who can make you laugh and listen to your stories, can instantly boost your happiness levels. Often it’s the instant human connection we have been craving, which is why we feel so positive afterwards.

Enjoy a day off

When was the last time you took a day off work? If your tasks have been getting on top of you recently, it may be time to take a step back and enjoy a day at home, or doing any of the above suggestions to boost your happiness. Taking your foot off the pedal and enjoying some time to yourself could drastically increase your happiness levels.

Apply your Be Happy Balm

Having a travel-size ‘sunshine in a stick’ is always a sure-fire way to boost your happiness quickly. Our award-winning HAPPY Aromatherapy Balm is delightful Grapefruit helps lifts your spirits, while Lemon Myrtle energises and refreshes, and Spearmint is both uplifting and positive, this blend is the perfect pick-me-up when you need it most.

What are your go-to happiness boosting tricks? Let us know if you try any of the above, or if you have more ideas you’d like to share.