Graduation posts have been flooding my news feed this week. For me that means a lot of my peers graduating from Law School, or some other prestigious Masters degree… While I still sit in the same cubicle. Even though I know logically why I made the post grad decisions I have so far, the FB bombardment of choices I could have made have been bringing me down this week.
To avoid making a $50,000 rash decision to go back to school to feel better about myself, I instead put together this list of 15, much more sensible (and cheap!), ways to feel happier with where I am right now.
Here are 15 easy ways to feel happier:
1. Make a Playlist. For yourself, for a mood, for a friend, for a boyf, for your parents. Something about crafting a great playlist is incredibly soothing. And at the end of it all, you’ve got some amazing music to listen to.
2. Laugh. Listen to a comedian you know you really like, call your really funny friend, go to the Chive or Buzzfeed or whatever your comedic choice is. A quick laugh is sometimes all you need.
3. Eat Something Sweet. I know people say you shouldn’t use food as comfort but…….. god dammit it’s the best comfort there is. Don’t indulge too crazy, but have some skittles or gummy bears or a mini Snickers. Whatever it takes!
4. Work up a Sweat. Have you ever heard someone leaving the gym or coming back from a long run say they feel worse than when they started? No. Never. Why? Because endorphins make you happy (and happy people just don’t kill their husbands). Even if it’s just a walk, you’ll feel happier, I swears.
5. Shop. #sorryimnotsorry. Shopping releases endorphins– just like exercising. Sometimes more gratifying, depending on if you’re talking to me or my credit cards. Even buying something as small as a headband can really cheer you up.
6. Bake. Mixing butter and milk and flour and chocolate can be the happiest thing in the world. Try out a new recipe, or go with a simple funfetti cake (if it ain’t broke…). You don’t have to eat the whole thing (please, don’t). Bring it to work the next day or give it to your roommate. It will be appreciated, and is guaranteed to brighten up your day!
7. Light a Candle. So simple, right? I tell you what. It makes everything better.
8. Plant Something. Notice a trend here? Make something! The process will make you happy, but so will the outcome. Bonus points if you can keep whatever you plant alive. Extra, extra happy bonus points if you plant something you can later EAT!
9. Write a Letter. There’s nothing more cathartic than writing a letter. Write a cute, funny letter for your best friend you haven’t seen in a few months, write a love letter to your lovah, write a letter to yourself on things you are grateful for. Take 20 minutes to write, and even if you don’t send it, happiness will ensue.
10. Unplug. Turn off your phone, computer, ipad, kindle (ok not your kindle but only if it’s just an actual book not an extension of the iPad ya cheaters!), tablet– Unplug!! Take happiness in being disconnected, if only for an hour.
11. Punch Something. There’s definitely a kickboxing studio near you, and the first session is like, probably, free. Go!!! Punch a bunch of things. Endorphins and punching out anger? Yes, all of the yes.
12. Go for a Drive. Lately I’ve been taking the long way home, sometimes even looping around if I’m listening to a particularly good song. It can be the very best part of my day.
13. Drink a GOOD wine. I mean, a GOOD wine. Or fine wine, whatever. Is there any better feeling than popping open a ten dollar bottle of wine (this is my idea of fine wine y’all), just for yourself. Not only will you feel happier, but you’ll also somehow feel like you’ve made it in the world. And also, you’ll get a little drunk.
14. Read Something. I find that reading something interesting, where I feel like I’ve actually learned something, can make me feel a little bit happier. Like that dull, unproductive day was just made useful.
15. Get Fancy. Even if you’re not going anywhere– shower, blow dry your hair, use that deep conditioning treatment you’ve been holding on to for a special occasion, get a deep clay mask, put on a sexy outfit or night gown. It may seem weird at first, especially if you’re really just sitting on your couch, but it will make you happier to be at your very, very best.
[Lead image via Maxim Blinkov/Shutterstock]
