5 Unexpected Things That Can Really Make You Happier

Winter is approaching, and the sun is about to go away for several months, so now’s the time to think about building some things into your life that will keep a smile on your face and a perk in your step. The beauty of attempting this during the winter is that you’ll develop some habits that will actually make you a bit happier throughout every season of the year!

The big expenses and indulgences that happen infrequently, and are difficult to incorporate into your life consistently, are not going to appear in this discussion. Instead, we felt it was important to recommend five everyday things that can be done, quite easily, without having to worry about budgeting money for the expense or significant time.

Here are five unexpected and simple things that can make you happier.

1. Smile

This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many hours (and sometimes days) we go without smiling. The world is busy, work can be stressful, and we underestimate the benefits of smiling.

But when you activate that particular part of your face, you also generate a positive feeling in your psychological system. So every time you find yourself in a place with a mirror, smile at that person you see there. And wear that smile as often as you can!

2. Smells

And by smells, we mean good ones! There have been recent studies that certain common smells like vanilla or pumpkin pie scents attract more of a positive response than fancy perfumes and colognes.

Go buy some candles with your favorite scents, and keep them around you as much as you can.

3. Chats

Chatting with people who make you happy can be an underestimated item in the fundamental elements of happiness. When you speak with friends, laugh often, and experience that feeling of acceptance, you’re achieving an important aspect of mental wellness, which is a sense of belonging and community.

4. Get a pet

Dogs and cats, in particular, have been shown to make people happier. They’re very present and forgiving, and love to relax (and often display a great example of how to do it).

Approximately 3 million dogs and cats are waiting for adoption in municipal animal shelters across the nation, so find out where your local shelter is, or use a site like Petfinder to track down your next best friend!

5. Get a classy shaving set

There’s nothing like a little bit of luxury in the morning, so why not get a luxury shaving kit and start your day with an exercise that makes you feel you’re involved in quality living?

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