Happiness can often seem out of reach, something that’s difficult to define or achieve. Whilst a deeply personal experience, what brings joy to one person might not work for another. This begs the question, are there any simple universal ways to uplift your spirits?
Paul Dolan, Professor of Behavioural Science at the London School of Economics, believes there is.
On today’s blog, dedicated to the debut episode of Greatest Minds, we’ve set out to explore some small, very do-able, research-backed steps you can start doing immediately to feel happier.
Listen to Music
We all know that a sad song can make us feel emotional, while an upbeat tune can energise us. This isn’t just in your head—research shows that music has a significant impact on our psychological well-being. Music deeply connects with our emotions, so incorporating more of it into your daily routine can effectively enhance your mood and help manage stress, especially when you choose the right tracks.
Go Outdoors
Being outdoors doesn’t require intense physical activity or exercise; simply spending time outside can boost your mood and reduce anxiety. A walk in the park, sitting in the sunshine, or just enjoying the fresh air can make a difference. Regularly stepping outside, even for short periods, can significantly enhance your overall happiness and wellbeing.
Spend Time with People You Like
Make time in your schedule to spend with people whose company you genuinely enjoy. These relationships give us a sense of belonging and community, which are essential for happiness. Not only can they boost your mood in the moment, but they can also create lasting feelings of contentment.
Help Other People
Helping others isn’t just good for them, it can also boost your own happiness. Acts of kindness, whether small or large, can lead to a greater sense of fulfilment and purpose. These gestures contribute to your sense of purpose and elevate your mood.
Have New Experiences
Life can easily become stagnant and routine if we let it. To keep things exciting, it’s important to seek out new experiences. Visit a new place, whether it’s a different country or just that new restaurant in town. Try a new hobby or join a club to meet new people. Don’t let your life become a series of tasks to complete. Always be looking for new things to discover and adventures to have.
Laugh
This one might seem the most obvious, but beyond signalling our happiness, smiling actually releases endorphins (chemicals that make us feel good) and reduces stress. Take every opportunity to laugh, whether it’s watching a funny movie or joking with friends. Humour is a vital part of our overall wellbeing.
A Talk About Time
Now that you have this list, some of you might be thinking, “but I don’t have time for these things, I’m too busy.” And yes, while it may seem like you don’t have enough time to pursue activities that bring joy, this is a dangerous misconception.
As Paul Dolan puts it:
“Beyond basic levels of income, for many people, it is about the allocation of the scarcest resource they have which is time.”
Time is one of the most valuable and limited resources we have, yet it’s often mismanaged or taken for granted. The relationship between time and happiness is crucial. While financial stability is important, once basic needs are met, it’s how we allocate our time that truly affects our happiness.
The reality is that we have more control over our time than we think. By being intentional with how we spend our days, we can prioritise the activities that matter most to us.
Though we know overall happiness looks different to every individual, these small simple actions are guaranteed to make anyone feel a bit better. Happiness is not always in the big changes, grand gestures, or expensive trips, sometimes it having dinner with close friends or sitting in your garden.
Happiness might be closer and simpler than you realise!
For more information on Paul, you can find him here at: https://pauldolan.co.uk/ or get in contact with him on his various social media channels!
