four simple acts that will make you feel good

Being nice. It is easier said than done. Especially when the weather is windy and rainy, you dropped your cell phone, and your morning cup of coffee spilled all over your brand new blouse. Those little annoyances can impact our mood…. and the way we treat other people. Suddenly everyone seems like the enemy. Everyone is testing our patience, pushing our buttons, and is on our last nerve. It doesn’t have to be that way. Are you in a bad mood? Sick and tired of everything and everyone? Try one of these four simple acts. They are guaranteed to make you feel good.

1) Smile At Someone For No Reason At All

It is so easy to ignore the world around us. To throw on our headphones, look down at our smart phone, and zone out. This is your chance to do something different. Shine a little light! Spread some cheer! Okay, it might sound a bit silly, but a small act can make a huge difference. Not just to your mood but to the mood of those around you. The simplest way to make yourself (and others) feel good is to smile. Smile at someone for no reason at all. Smile to be polite. Smile to be open and friendly. Whatever you do? Just smile. Smiling has been found to increase feelings of happiness.

2) Write a Thank You Note

We all have reasons to be thankful. Maybe a friend let you borrow their briefcase for a job interview. Or your sibling lent you some cash when you were in a tight spot. Sit down and think of someone in your life that has helped you out lately. Write them a thank you note. It could be for a specific reason…. or simply for their years of love and support. Writing the note will be good for your soul. It will remind you of how lucky you truly are. Plus you will brighten the day of the recipient. A little gratitude is a wonderful way to perk up your day.

3) Say So Long To Your Seat on Transportation

It is the middle of rush hour. Despite the hoards of fellow commuters, you managed to snag a seat on the subway, bus, or streetcar. Score! Good luck has finally come your way. Guess what? This is your chance to pass it on. Don’t turn your head when an older person walks by. Or when a mother and child struggle to find a handrail. Get up and give up your seat on public transportation. Sure, your back might be aching. You might be tired and grumpy. But doing a good deed for another human being? That will make you feel amazing. 

4) Donate What You Can

We all know that volunteering is a wonderful thing to do. Dedicating your time to a worthy cause always makes you feel good. Unfortunately? You might not have time to volunteer at the moment. Hours at work are long and responsibilities at home are never-ending but that’s okay. Just donate what you can. That could mean giving old clothes to charity. (This helps you de-clutter your space and help those in need at the same time!) Or you can donate small pockets of time by babysitting a child in the neighbourhood for an hour or so. There are so many options! Find small ways that you can make a difference today. 

Sensing a pattern? Doing something kind for someone else is the best possible way to turn things around. Your mood will change. You will feel happier. Grateful. Appreciative. Good. Why stay in a bad mood all day long? Try one of these simple acts of kindness…. and pay it forward.