4 Ways to Improve Your Overall Happiness

Here in Ada, it's pretty cold and dreary every day. This can really take a toll on people's mental states and well being. It's pretty common for people to feel extremely sad and even develop depression in the winter months. Most of the feelings of happiness and excitement are gone due to the lack of activities and events during the winter, you see this especially in Ada during this time of year because of the cold, snow, and ice. With a lack of social interaction and things to keep you busy, you often fall in a slump of watching Netflix by yourself in your room 24/7. In order to avoid these sad feelings, here are some tips to help you boost your happiness and confidence during these cold, sad months.

1. Surround Yourself With Supportive Friends
Surrounding yourself with supportive and positive friends will boost your mood the absolute most. Your mood and personality become that of those around you so if you and your friends are constantly hyping each other up and pushing each other to do bigger and better things your happiness and confidence will build straight from that. Knowing that there are always people that have your back and are there for you no matter what is the best form of happiness you can feel.

2. Find What You're Good At and Do it Often
Doing what you love, especially when you know you're good at it can be such a good and healthy feeling. Whether it be music, sports, scholastic accomplishments, writing, art, etc if you're good at it, and you have free time do it. Most people spend all of their time moping or just binging Netflix which can lead you to feel less productive. Accomplishing things that you're proud of will boost your self-esteem.

3. Listen to Music That Makes You Feel Good
Listening to music, especially upbeat music, is almost guaranteed to boost your mood. An article written by Psychologies states that just 25 minutes every day for at least 10 days will help to prevent back pain and make you sleep better, and better sleep leads to an overall boost in energy and happiness. From personal experience, listening to music that boosts confidence and makes you want to dance or sing along to it can boost your mood as well. Feeling empowered through music can be such an incredible and spirit-lifting feeling. 

4. Be Kind to Others
One thing that many people don't realize is that just simply complimenting someone on something, or just smiling at people passing by can make you feel so much better about yourself, and it can improve other's days as well. One phrase that I have taken into my everyday life is "Girls Supporting Girls" which I coined from Youtube personality, Adelaine Morin. To me that means either complimenting someone's outfit, smile, work they have done, or even just commenting something positive on their selfie they post. I try and make this an everyday habit because it just makes me feel good just to see other people happy.  You never know what someone is going through, or if they're feeling down so just taking a quick moment to make their day even the slightest bit better is something they will remember.