Five Things to Increase Short-Term Happiness

Paul’s Tips has a great list of five things you can do to increase your short-term happiness:

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Here is my list of things to give you a short-term "hit" of happiness. Of course, these things won't solve your long-term problems, but they are useful tricks to giving yourself some relief when it all seems too much.

Each is virtually guaranteed to give you some satisfaction, but they won't work unless you try them. Sometimes, misery and depression can all become a bit too comfortable. Taking action, however minor, can appear like too much effort. It's so much easier just to hang around the house feeling bad, than doing something about it. At least with your misery, you know what to expect - and even better - it doesn't take any effort. Right?

So before you read my list, make a promise to yourself that you will do one of the below right now. The lazy, miserable part of your mind will almost certainly dismiss them as useless. It will try to suck your energy and glue you to the chair, bed or couch. No matter how much your internal pessimist tries to talk you out of it, pick one of the below and go and do it the very second you finish reading.

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Here’s the list:

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1. Go out for a walk
2. Do something fun that you haven't done in a long time
3. Do something creative
4. Complete some minor chore that you've been avoiding
5. Get in contact with an old friend or acquaintance you haven't seen for a while

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Read more details on each of these after the link.

I have to say, this list seems like a great set of ideas of things that can increase your short-term happiness. I’ve inadvertently done all of these over the last few weeks and have to say my experience is that these work!

Hattip Lifehacker.