“What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens.”

1. Journal Your Gratitude and Achievements

Start a journal to track gratitude and accomplishments. Write down three things you’re grateful for and three things you achieved each day.

2. Start Your Day with Coffee

Coffee consumption is linked to lower rates of depression. If caffeine isn’t your thing, try a good-for-you drink like green tea.

3. Plan a Getaway

Whether it’s camping with friends or a trip to the tropics, planning a vacation can boost your happiness for up to 8 weeks!

4. Work Your Strengths

Do something you’re good at to build self-confidence, then tackle a tougher task.

5. Keep It Cool for Better Sleep

The optimal sleep temperature is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your room cool for a better night’s rest.

6. Take the First Step

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. Identify something you want to improve and take that initial step.

7. Get Creative

Experiment with a new recipe, write a poem, paint, or try a Pinterest project. Creative expression is linked to overall well-being.

8. Show Some Love

Nurture close, quality relationships. They are key to a happy, healthy life.

9. Treat Yourself to Dark Chocolate

Enjoy a couple of pieces of dark chocolate every few days. The flavonoids, caffeine, and theobromine in chocolate can improve alertness and mental skills.

10. Share Your Story

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” – Maya Angelou. Share your mental health journey on social media with #mentalillnessfeelslike.

11. Appreciate the Present

Sometimes, we don’t need new activities to find joy. Focus on enjoying the ones you already have. Being optimistic means focusing on the positive as much as possible.

12. Try Coloring

Feeling anxious? Spend 20 minutes coloring a geometric design. It can help clear your mind and reduce anxiety.

13. Take Time to Laugh

Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy, or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.

14. Go Off the Grid

Leave your smartphone at home for a day. Disconnect from constant emails and alerts, and spend time with someone face-to-face.

15. Dance While You Clean

Dance around while doing housework. It reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increases endorphins (the “feel-good” chemicals).

16. Yawn Away

Studies suggest that yawning helps cool the brain and improves alertness and mental efficiency.

17. Relax in a Warm Bath

Take a warm bath once a week. Add Epsom salts to soothe aches and pains and boost magnesium levels, which can be depleted by stress.

18. Write It Out

If something is bothering you, write about it. Expressive writing can reduce symptoms of depression.

19. Spend Time with Animals

Time with pets lowers cortisol levels and boosts oxytocin, which stimulates happiness. If you don’t have a pet, visit a friend who does or volunteer at a shelter.

20. Practice Mindfulness

“What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” – Henry David Thoreau. Stay present with mindfulness practices.

21. Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Explore your local attractions. You might be surprised at what you find in your own backyard.

22. Prep for the Week

Prepare your lunches or pick out your clothes for the week. It saves time in the mornings and gives you a sense of control.

23. Eat Omega-3s

Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. They are linked to decreased rates of depression and schizophrenia. Try fish oil supplements, wild salmon, flaxseeds, or walnuts.

24. Practice Forgiveness

Forgive others, even if it’s just the person who cut you off during your commute. People who forgive have better mental health and greater life satisfaction.

25. Find the Silver Lining

“What appear to be calamities are often the sources of fortune.” – Disraeli. Try to find the positive aspect in a recent unfortunate event.