9 Ways to Create Happiness Right Now

9 Ways to Create Happiness

I’ll be the first to admit that happiness doesn’t come naturally to me, certainly not all the time. Some days I just wake up a little sad (or angry that my alarm was so rude), or whatever it might be and sometimes find myself having to work at finding happiness. And if I can’t seem to find it nearby, I have to work hard to create happiness. As cheesy as it may sound, it’s the truth.

It’s super important to get out of your grey-aired funk and find happiness and here are some of my personal tried and true methods for creating happiness, right now:

1. Exercise and endorphins. There is a Legally Blonde quote that will always stick with me, no matter how old I get. “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands,
   they just don’t.” But in all seriousness, exercise does make you happy and there are oodles of science and studies to back it up. Talk about an instant mood booster. This is also why finding a Montrose apartment with a beast of a gym is a top priority for me. Encore Montrose has a two-story gym with all the latest equipment. And even if you have 20-minutes, you can do any of these at-home workouts.
2. Pick your battles. I am so guilty of obsessing over a work email that felt disrespectful or a situation that in the grand scheme of things, truly doesn’t matter. I’ve learned that giving myself a 5 – 10-minute break to see if I’m still amped up and then proceed from there. A lot of things will anger me or frustrate me, but I have learned I need to choose wisely over what I will allow to affect me and voice to others. Talk about a work still in progress.
3. Biting my tongue. I have realized this is key for me and goes right along with #2. Even though sometimes I will feel justified in speaking out or telling someone how I feel, I know it doesn’t always serve a purpose. I know my parents told me to think before I speak a long time ago, but I’m just now realizing it.
4. Simplicity. Clutter and disorganization are a major cause of unhappiness and often times cutting out some of the clutter will lead you to much happier times. Whether at work or home, create a soothing and amazing space that allows you to relax and revel in some downtime. Here are some primers on how to have the perfect cozy night in.
5. Don’t cheat sleep. If you’re suffering from FOMO, realize that sleep is a key to happiness. Unless you’re some rare breed of human who can happily operate on no sleep. I’m the rare breed that if I’m lacking sleep or food, I’m an angry individual (so consider yourselves warned).
6. 

   Photo and DIY: Studio DIY

   DIY girl’s night. Seriously. I get this sounds cheesy, but it’s worked for me. Having any excuse to get together with a good girlfriend or two (I have anxiety when too many girls get together at once, swear) and doing a little DIY action is super fun. Wine should be included, obvi. Here is my Pinterest DIY board, for a few ideas to start you off. Or if you want an afternoon out, consider doing a mural tour with these Montrose Houston murals. I try to have a friend over at my Encore Montrose apartment at least every other week, just to check in with each other, cook dinner, drink wine and maybe do a DIY project. This could also be a guy’s action movie night, steak night with the boys, Bible study, etc. Just spending quality time with quality people will do wonders for your mood.

7. Take action. Just thinking about being happier or things that will make you happier rarely work. Take some action and do something. If you’ve been dreaming of a beach vacation, start saving and book a ticket. If you’ve been salivating over that new restaurant, figure out how to get a reservation and dress up and enjoy the evening. Take a page out of Nike’s book and Just Do It. (Unless it’s something harmful or illegal, then maybe don’t.)
8. Chug some H20. You’re probably thinking you’d rather chug champagne or a cold beer, but honestly. You should know by now that water cures pretty much everything. It’s another one of those instant mood boosters, plus it makes you feel full (so you won’t feel the urge to gorge on a donut) and is great for your skin!
9. Turn on the tunes. Taking a page out of my mom’s book, good music, which we probably all define differently can really turn your mood around or let you work out your anger or sadness. That’s one reason I love living alone and having my own apartment. I can crank up my favorite Pandora station and just work through my stuff.

To get serious for a minute – I do believe all of the above can help you create happiness, but like I said, I know it takes work. I lost my best friend to suicide and know that “drinking water” or jumping on the treadmill isn’t the answer to serious and ongoing depression. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help or consider getting on meds if you’re feeling sad or lonely. Let people know you need them.

There is a hotline you can call 24/7: 1.800.273.8255.

Happiness is also loving where you live and your surroundings, that’s why I love living at Encore Montrose. This is part of a sponsored series with Encore Montrose, sharing what I love about this fun Houston neighborhood. Our Montrose apartments host regular resident events, which I also think is key to happiness. Meeting your neighbors and loving where you live is so crucial to overall happiness. These luxury Houston apartments are offering leasing specials, so stop by for a tour and tell them Jayme (or The Blonde Side) sent you! Hurry and here’s my pro tip – ask for the Champagne Tour.