It can be hard to know how to cheer yourself up, especially on a particularly tough day. But your sadness isn’t the end. Keep reading and follow these!
Being happy is sometimes easier said than done. Happiness is not a continuum, but rather a series of ups followed by downs. When you know how to cheer yourself up, then you know how to turn that frown upside down.
You may not need a life overhaul, major change, or a total revamp… or you just may. This is one of the significant life skills you need to equip yourself with if you want to survive all the tough and dark days ahead.
Why is it important to know how to cheer yourself up?
When you know how to cheer yourself up, you can turn around your day easily. While it’s difficult to control your emotions and force yourself to feel something you clearly don’t, you can always see the bright side of things. On a particularly hard day, you can learn to recognize the things that can make you smile and find the rays of sunshine that can transform your day into a better one instantly.
Cheering yourself up doesn’t have to be anything extensive, and it can be as simple as grabbing your favorite coffee or going for a walk. We often overlook the simple things when cheering ourselves up, but it plays a vital role.
Learning to find joy in the little things makes all the difference between a happy life and a sad one.
Of course, happiness will always be a choice, but it isn’t something you wait to happen in your life. Even on a tough day or situation, you can do things to adjust your outlook on life towards a positive one. [Read: How to make yourself happy: 20 habits of incredibly happy people]
How to cheer yourself up – The best ways to fill your life with happiness
Even the happiest among us go through times when we need a few moments of joy and some cheering up. If you are someone who is going through a rough time and you need something to make your heart soar, these are the best things that will do the trick.
1. Go for a walk
Natural human drugs can make anyone feel better. Hormones are released into the blood, and they signal the brain to feel happiness. Serotonin, a major mood enhancer, is released when you exercise and get the heart racing. Walking can be a therapeutic and relaxing thing to do if you want to know how to cheer yourself up.
When you sit with your thoughts for a prolonged period of time, it makes you dwell on your negative emotions. And during times like these, walking is a healthy distraction to help you get out of your own head! [Read: How to be happy in life and live life to the fullest]
2. Watch a movie by yourself
Most people think you have to go to the movies with someone else to have a good time. However, it’s so liberating to go to a movie by yourself with nobody influencing your thoughts or feelings.
Movies are great as it also keeps you out of your own thoughts on the duration of the film. Skip out a little early from work to watch that silly, stupid movie to brighten your afternoon.
Don’t feel like stepping out? The second-best alternative would be to lounge at home and watch your favorite show. Of course, it’s not as joyful as actually stepping out, but it’s a good alternative nevertheless.
3. Call an old friend
We all have “that” person in our life who can make us smile and cheer us up. If you’re feeling down, pick up the phone and reconnect. It always helps to rant your thoughts and problems to that one friend you trust with your entire being.
This is the kind of friend who’ll make you feel better after you tell them something that bothers you and will have your back, no matter what. Knowing there’s someone out there who can still make you feel good about yourself is golden. [Read: What is a true friend? The 18 characteristics that define a really good pal]
4. Invite a friend to happy hour
Nothing can erase a bad day more than a good cocktail with someone at happy hour. The best part about it is that you can get your buzz on and still be home in time to get a good night’s rest. It’s an underrated way on how to cheer yourself up, but it’s definitely one of the best *and extremely fun* ones!
You’ll never forget about the day you went to happy hour with a friend to cheer yourself up. The best part? It’s going to work as you’ll feel better in no time! [Read: I feel lonely – 30 ways to connect and overcome feelings of loneliness]
5. Play hooky
Whether it is going to the movies or just not getting out of bed and hanging out in your pajamas, playing hooky and taking a day off work is an excellent tip for how to cheer yourself up when you just can’t bring yourself to work on a mentally exhausting day.
It’s an excellent way to relax and pause on any responsibilities for the day. If you’re feeling particularly down and don’t feel like doing anything at all, playing hooky is a great way to make yourself feel better!
6. Just smile
There are specific muscles in your face that trigger emotions. Even if you are feeling down, faking it by smiling can literally turn things around. Even if smiling is the last thing you feel like doing at the moment, just give it a try!
Sometimes faking a smile can encourage you to feel even just a little bit better about yourself. [Read: How to smile more often – 6 baby steps to change your life forever]
7. Sit in the sunshine
There is a connection between your mood and your exposure to the sun. If you are low in Vitamin D, it can mess with your happiness. This is why it’s easier to feel excited and good about life in the summer than in any other season. If you want to know how to cheer yourself up, give yourself your daily dose of sunshine!
If you don’t want to worry about sunscreen, it only takes about ten minutes for your body to absorb enough to make you happy. We promise you that you’ll feel better in no time.
8. Do yoga
Perhaps your block to happiness is a lack of flow of energy in your chakras. Yoga can get your blood pumping, loosen up your muscles, and make you feel more connected to the world around you. It’s one of the most relaxing things you can do for your body, and it also counts as a physical activity *which means more endorphins*!
In a world guided by cell phones and social media, quieting it all down and finding your inner peace can help you re-focus and find your happy face. [Read: 12 benefits of exercise on your mind, body, and libido]
9. Volunteer
Nothing is better if you want to know how to cheer yourself up than to volunteer. You’re shifting the focus from yourself to others. Since volunteering is an act of selflessness and generosity, it’s a great way of making yourself feel better while also helping others!
It can also help to put your own insignificant problems into perspective. Volunteering to help someone else in need is an excellent way to find the cheer that lies within. [Read: 5 ways volunteer work can help heal depression]
10. Pay it forward
Paying someone’s toll charge, their admission in line, or for their two items of groceries can bring you internal bliss. It might not make sense at the moment, but it can shift your perspective about everything.
We’re often so focused on our own lives that we forget to do what we can to help others around us. The little bit it will cost you will gain you an abundance of goodwill and cheer. [Read: Pay it forward – 20 positive ways to create a chain of goodwill in your life]
11. Splurge on something you have been wanting *AKA retail therapy*
Sure, we all need to save for a rainy day. But, every once in a while, an impulse buy can be better than a drug. There’s a reason why they call it retail therapy – because buying things *even things you barely even need* can lift your spirits.
Buy those shoes, grab those clothes you’ve always wanted! If it cheers you up, why not go for it? If you are feeling a little down, retail therapy is the best way to lift your spirits and make you feel like things are doable again. [Read: 13 happy things you need for a perfectly happy life]
12. Go for a hike
If you are close to a hiking trail, strap on your shoes and hit the trails. Not only will the endorphins make you feel better, getting your heart rate up will help stimulate your mood-enhancers to make you feel better all over.
If you haven’t tried hiking before, this is your window of opportunity to try something new! The nature and environment will cheer you up for good.
13. Take a bike ride
Nothing but you and the open road is another great tip for how to cheer yourself up. Make a goal or don’t; just hop on your bike and see where it takes you.
If you have a favorite spot, bike there and sit awhile. Going for a bike ride is another physical activity that you’ll have fun in, and you’ll make yourself feel better with.
14. Order takeout
Really, who doesn’t love pizza or takeout food? Match that with binging your favorite Netflix show, and you’ll cheer yourself up right away!
Pizza or Chinese food is an excellent way to drown your sorrows and make you feel better. Don’t think about the calories or your health for once – just focus on making yourself feel better.
15. Watch a baby or kitten YouTube video
Sometimes, there is seriously nothing that can make you feel happier or cheer up your day more than watching a baby laugh or a cat do something stupid! Watching cute animals will always make your day because of how adorable they are!
If you want to know an effortless way on how to cheer yourself up, then this is one way to do that. With millions of Youtube clips to choose from, there is no shortage of feel-good videos to lift you. [Read: 16 things you need to give up to have a happier life]
16. Adopt a pet
What can cheer someone up more than finding something that needs them and loves them unconditionally? This is one of the best ways if you want to know how to cheer yourself up. Studies also show that people who own pets are healthier all around, both mentally and physically. *all the more reason to get one!*
It also will get you out of the house, which can lead to meeting new people and getting some exercise and fresh air. You never know, you could meet another pet owner and become friends with them. [Read: How to make new friends as an adult – 15 ways to do it right]
17. Flirt
Feeling a little down about yourself? Flirting is a great tip when it comes to knowing how to cheer yourself up – it’s one of the best ways to get someone to make you feel good about being you.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re flirting over text or in person, feel free to do it! Don’t be as concerned with embarrassing yourself as you are with cheering yourself up. It’s a bonus that your flirting skills might work on your crush! [Read: How to flirt with your crush – 15 easy ways to make them fall hard]
18. Change your sheets
Climbing into a fresh and nice-smelling bed is a great way to not only make your night more restful, but to wake up feeling much more cheery and spry.
There’s nothing more satisfying than going into bed with fresh sheets and pillowcases! It sounds unusual, but it really is one of the simple joys to make yourself feel better! [Read: How to feel happy – 13 proven strategies for instant happiness]
19. Clean your apartment or house
Okay, there is absolutely nothing fun about cleaning your house. But, sometimes your apartment can start to mimic your brain. It’s easy for your thoughts and emotions to become such a mess when your space is absolutely cluttered.
By cleaning your apartment or house, you will feel better afterward! Gaining a little perspective and control can help you feel better and pick yourself up from the dumps. [Read: The best things to do when you’re stuck at home & feel productive]
20. Spend some time with a child
Find the inner you and the happiness of being unencumbered by spending time with a small person. They can help you to see life in a whole new light. Kids are one of the purest and most innocent companies you can have, and being just around them is one of the best ways on how to cheer yourself up.
Their innocence is just absolutely refreshing! Borrow a friend’s child or visit your niece or nephew. Just the look on their face when they see you is sometimes cheery enough. [Read: 25 memorable life lessons to perfect your life]
21. Do something you are good at in front of others
If you feel like you can’t seem to get ahead at work, or do anything right, doing something you are good at in front of others can make you feel accomplished. This is such a confidence boost and will work wonders in making yourself feel better.
Are you good at painting or maybe dancing? Don’t hesitate to show your talent off to the world! You know what your abilities are, so show them off to make you feel cheerful. [Read: The rules of life – 22 secrets to never be unhappy again]
22. Soak in a warm bath
Imagine just letting your skin soak in the heat and warmth after such a stressful day. There’s a reason why saunas and jacuzzis are a part of a relaxing spa experiance, after all!
Let yourself soak in a warm bath, and the best part is you don’t have to rush yourself! You can even put on some music to make the best out of that warm bath.
23. Watch a sitcom show
You can never go wrong with watching an episode of FRIENDS, Modern Family, The Office, or any of your favorite sitcom shows. Not only are they really funny, but they always manage to make you forget your problems *at least at the moment*!
Go grab that popcorn, sit on your favorite couch, and binge a season of your favorite sitcom show! You won’t regret this. [Read: What makes you happy? It really might not always be what you think]
24. Have a dance party
There doesn’t need to be an occasion for you to have a dance party and do whatever moves you want with nobody watching! It’s so liberating to have a dance party to all your favorite songs, especially with nobody to criticize your taste in music or your dance moves.
So get up, blast your playlist at max, and enjoy yourself! Having a dance party is also a great way to get endorphins in your body to make yourself feel good.
25. Make a gratitude journal
If you’re looking for ways on how to cheer yourself up, having a gratitude journal is incredibly helpful! If you don’t have one yet, then you’re definitely missing out. A gratitude journal, from the word itself, allows you to focus on things you’re grateful for rather than the things that are lacking in your life.
It’s easy to complain in our lives, but a gratitude journal will allow you to have a shift of perspective to cheer yourself up. [Read: How to be grateful – 15 authentic ways to appreciate and express it]
26. Have some chocolate
People always tend to feel better after eating chocolate! If you want to feel better instantly and get rid of all that stress, then chocolates are the key to turning your frown upside down. Don’t think about the calories or your health for once.
It’s not going to hurt you if you indulge yourself in some chocolates. Also, chocolates are proven to have dopamine in them, another hormone responsible for making you feel good.
27. Play video games
You don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy video games. If you want to know how to cheer yourself up, then playing video games is not only incredibly fun, but it’ll distract you enough from your thoughts.
This new virtual reality is the escape you need from your problems, even if it’s just for a little while. Just make sure not to constantly use video games as an escape from your problems! [Read: 14 really quick stress busters to recharge your mind]
28. Spend time on your passion
There’s nothing better than doing the things you love. It doesn’t matter if people don’t particularly understand your passion; go ahead and enjoy doing what you love!
If you’re into painting, then go ahead. If you love the outdoors, why not go for an adventure? This is your window of opportunity to do the things you love. [Read: How to find your passion – 13 secrets to seek it in simple things]
29. Meditate
Meditation is one of the most underrated ways on how to cheer yourself up, but it works! It distracts your mind just enough to help you accept and let go of your negative thoughts and emotions. It takes a lot of self-awareness to do this, but it’s a great relaxation and calming technique, specifically for anxiety and stress!
30. Take pictures of yourself
It’s a great confidence boost to have a complete makeover while looking your best – and take lots of pictures! You can even have a photoshoot and fashion show all by yourself, and nobody’s going to judge you for it. [Read: The sensuous selfie – The best selfie poses to show yourself off effortlessly]
So, how to cheer yourself up?
It’s not the easiest thing in the world to cheer yourself up, but with these tips, hopefully, you’re halfway there! Just remember that there’s more to life than your moments of darkness and sadness. As the saying goes, this too shall pass.
[Read: How to stop being sad – 15 steps to alter your sad state of mind]It makes you human to feel sad at times, and that’s completely okay. With these tips for how to cheer yourself up, you’ll bring that smile back in no time.
The post How to Cheer Yourself Up: 30 Ways to Find Your Inner Happiness is the original content of LovePanky - Your Guide to Better Love and Relationships.
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