6 Ways to Feel Happier This Summer

Everyone's version of happiness is different. Whether happiness means having a close group of friends that you can rely on or simply accepting who you are, achieving a more fulfilling life is possible. Here are six steps that you can take to feel happier in your daily life.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

You probably know that your diet plays a large role in your physical health, but did you know that it can impact your mental health as well? Eating a nutrient-rich diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber can cause your brain to release dopamine and norepinephrine, hormones that are responsible for increasing energy levels, improving concentration and regulating mood.

However, be sure to stay away from refined sugars, fried foods and saturated fats. Although they may be tasty, they can promote inflammation, feelings of depression and mood swings. One study found that sugar can feed harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Considering that your gut is so closely linked to your brain, you can see why this can have a negative effect on your mood. Adding mood boosting probiotics to your diet can help you offset the negative effects of sugar.

2. Get Your Body Moving

You've heard it a hundred times before, but exercising is one of the best ways to boost your mood. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that can:

• Improve self-esteem
• Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Enhance sleep quality
• Strengthen the immune system

If you're finding it difficult to motivate yourself to exercise, ask a friend or family member to join you. In addition to making the experience more enjoyable, they can also hold you accountable for sticking to a regular schedule.

3. Practice a Hobby

Finding a creative outlet is a great way to give your life meaning. Research has shown that those who regularly engage in a hobby are less likely to suffer from depression and stress. This is because having a purpose in life can give you something to look forward to every day and therefore improve your mental well-being.

Whether you decide to try out a new recipe, sketch a landscape or pick up a musical instrument, finding a creative outlet can allow you to expand your horizons by taking part in something you truly care about.

4. Write in a Gratitude Journal

Writing in a gratitude journal is another great way to boost your mood. One study found that people who wrote about what they were grateful for reported feeling more optimistic and less critical than those who wrote about neutral events.

To start, jot down a few things that you're grateful for from the previous day. This can be as broad as your family or friends, or as specific as the tasty lunch you had yesterday.  Don't overthink it; there are no rules when it comes to journaling.

5. Practice Meditation

There are many different types of meditation to try, from loving-kindness to transcendental. It can even be as simple as sitting with your own thoughts and taking deep breaths for five minutes. Not only can meditation improve your self-esteem and allow you to better sort through your emotions, but it can also lower stress levels, relieve pain and strengthen the immune system. 

Additionally, one of the best things about meditation is that you can practice it wherever you are, unlike other hobbies that require extra space or expensive equipment.

6. Help Others

One of the most effective ways to make yourself feel happier is to help others. Research has shown that extending a helping hand promotes changes in the brain that are associated with happiness. Additionally, those who volunteer often report having higher self-esteem. Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can improve your emotional well-being.

Although achieving a happier and more fulfilling lifestyle can seem difficult, it doesn't have to be if you start with small steps. Following these six tips can help you create healthy habits that'll boost your mood.