10 science-backed up ways to be happier right now

Author bio: Rana Tarakji is an entrepreneur and a blogger at Stylerail 

According to researchers - including Ryne A. Sherman of Florida Atlantic University and Sonja Lyubomirsky of University of California, Riverside – around 30% of Americans adults alone are not very happy. Whether you think of happiness as a state of mind or something fleeting, we all have times when we feel down and might need a small push in order to get to our happy place again, without resorting to binging, addiction, spending money, or overeating.

In fact, according to Science Daily, encouraging your own positive emotions can put you in a happy state, and increase your overall life satisfaction.

Science has once again impressed us by proving that there are simple techniques to get back on your happy train almost instantly. Continue reading below to learn about a few easy and simple tricks that can convince your brain to make you feel more happiness right away.

Laughing

Laughing can make you shift your focus from the negative in your life onto something positive and ironic. After all, what is life but a big old joke anyways! Laughing, in fact, takes your brain into entertainment mode, which instantly allows you to experience more happiness. 

Being thankful

Being thankful is not always an easy task to accomplish, but it can bring us to realizing that we are blessed and allow us to look at the glass half full. The best way to be thankful is to think of how your life has improved across the years. If this has not been the case with you or if you are having a tough time finding the glass half full, think of other people, around you if possible, who have not been as lucky as you with certain areas of their lives. Think of how god has given you special traits or characteristics, we are all special in our own unique ways

Loving

Loving something or something - whether a boy, a girl, an animal or a hobby - can inspire you and fill a small hole in your heart. Relationships, friendship, hugging and showing affection towards each other, are all known to increase our happiness.

Get a pet or take up a new hobby if you just got out of a relationship or had a social falling out!

Smiling

Similarly to laughing, smiling can trick your brain and eventually convince it that life is not so bad. See a friend that makes you smile, watch your favourite TV show for a few hours, or read up on some good news.

Meditating

Yoga and meditation have been proven to be effective when it comes to happiness because they help you clear your mind and start off thinking fresh.

Clearing our minds and meditating can truly be a positive experience because it refreshes our bodies and minds and reminds us to relax and not take things too seriously.

Giving

Being generous can awaken certain feelings and emotions within ourselves, some of them being satisfaction, kindness, content and being proud. These simple emotions make us happier.

It helps sometimes to think of how nobody is perfect and of how everyone's truly got something missing in their lives, and consequently to lend a helping hand by donating or giving a gift to someone or something that makes a difference in their lives.

Socializing

One of the most proven ways to be happier is to find someone or certain people that make you smile and laugh, that you can talk to and that will understand you and be empathetic towards you.

Experiencing

Sometimes, you just need to get out of your comfort zone and experience something new, whether a hobby or a person, a career or a way of thinking.

Exercising

Exercising is, again, one of the most science-backed up ways to experience more happiness, although the reasons for this vary from one theory to another.

Exercising is known to release hormones that result in more happiness and satisfaction and is, in fact, highly recommended for people dealing with sadness or depression. Find a sport that you're likely to stick to or that fits into your lifestyle the most and follow through!

Relaxing

Sometimes, the best time to relax is when you don't have time for it, or when you think you should be doing the exact opposite! Relaxing, similarly to mediating, can allow your body and mind to take a break from stress, anxiety, worries and to-dos. Find some time to take a nap or indulge in a hobby or game. Research has suggested that 'playing' is an essential part of being productive as well as happy in one's life.

Finally, these 10 simple tricks, if performed correctly, can help you achieve more happiness almost instantly. If you’re going through depression, it’s always a good idea to consult a friend or a professional such as a life coach or a therapist.

The following happiness infographic by life coach spotter provides some simple science-backed tips to feel happier almost instantly.