20 Ways to Get Happy (Almost) Instantly!

If you aren’t feeling like yourself lately, not to worry. Knowing that times are stressful and the unexpected often occurs, here are ways to help you get back to happiness almost instantly.

Mar. 9, 2015 Yahoo! Health

Play a game (not on your phone): Get your family together, invite some friends over, and have a game night. Not only will you be surrounded by good company, but friendly competition usually guarantees a good time and a good laugh.
Smile: When in doubt, smile! Not only is it contagious, but smiling also helps relieve stress, boost your mood, and release endorphins.
Go for a walk: If something isn’t going well at work or home, step outside and take a walk. It doesn’t have to be long, but a quick stroll will help you get fresh air and clear your mind.
Call a friend: Don’t text; dial! Calling a close friend is a great way to talk over your worries and get advice from someone you trust.
Try something new: Stop your rut by switching things up. Try a new gym class or restaurant, or take a new route to work in the morning.
Unplug: Calm your mind by turning off your tech and escaping social media for a minute or two.
Sing (out loud!): We give you permission to sing in the shower, car, anywhere. We promise you’ll feel better — with or without a record deal.
Volunteer: Nothing beats the feeling of helping others. Make a difference and meet a few friends in the process by checking out VolunteerMatch.
Make a gratitude list: It’s often easy to focus on the negative or those things you don’t have. Quickly boost your mood by jotting down the things you are grateful for, both big and small.
Eat up: Start cooking those fava beans; they make you happy! Since this bean contains high concentrations of an amino acid known as L-dopa (dopamine), it will boost your mood and decrease depression.