This article was co-authored by Adam Dorsay, PsyD. Dr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist in private practice in San Jose, CA, and the co-creator of Project Reciprocity, an international program at Facebook's Headquarters, and a consultant with Digital Ocean’s Safety Team. He specializes in assisting high-achieving adults with relationship issues, stress reduction, anxiety, and attaining more happiness in their lives. In 2016 he gave a well-watched TEDx talk about men and emotions. Dr. Dorsay has a M.A. in Counseling from Santa Clara University and received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2008.
There are 27 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
This article has been viewed 147,532 times.
Happiness means different things to different people. Some people find joy in roller coasters and bungee jumping, while others find happiness in something as simple as a good book. What makes you happy is going to be unique to you, but there are several easy ways to improve your sense of happiness regardless of what you enjoy doing in your spare time. Whether you’re looking to improve your attitude or you’re simply seeking a quick fix when you’re feeling blue, here are some options to help you become a better, happier person.
Steps
Expert Q&A
-
QuestionCan money bring you happiness?Adam Dorsay, PsyDDr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist in private practice in San Jose, CA, and the co-creator of Project Reciprocity, an international program at Facebook's Headquarters, and a consultant with Digital Ocean’s Safety Team. He specializes in assisting high-achieving adults with relationship issues, stress reduction, anxiety, and attaining more happiness in their lives. In 2016 he gave a well-watched TEDx talk about men and emotions. Dr. Dorsay has a M.A. in Counseling from Santa Clara University and received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2008.
Licensed Psychologist & TEDx SpeakerIt depends. Spend your money on experiences, not things. The memories you have of a family vacation will far outweigh the joy of a fancy new outfit. You'll feel happier engaging in the activities more than if you just bought something.
References
- ↑ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09603123.2019.1577368?journalCode=cije20
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_nature_makes_you_kinder_happier_more_creative
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_be_happy_fine_print
- ↑ https://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1631176_1630611_1630586,00.html
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/positive_thinking_makes_a_difference
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
- ↑ https://munewsarchives.missouri.edu/news-releases/2013/0514-trying-to-be-happier-works-when-listening-to-upbeat-music-according-to-mu-research/
- ↑ https://uhs.umich.edu/tenthings
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2863117/
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/kindness_makes_you_happy_and_happiness_makes_you_kind
- ↑ https://www.dartmouth.edu/wellness/emotional/rakhealthfacts.pdf
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4853817/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2018/05/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-day-off
- ↑ https://time.com/collection/guide-to-happiness/49947/happy-thoughts-here-are-the-things-proven-to-make-you-happier/
- ↑ https://www.psychologicalscience.org/journals/pspi/pdf/pspi411.pdf
- ↑ https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/02/how-scent-emotion-and-memory-are-intertwined-and-exploited/
- ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/224575
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/well/move/even-a-little-exercise-might-make-us-happier.html
- ↑ Adam Dorsay, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 11 April 2019.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/social-support/art-20044445
- ↑ Adam Dorsay, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 11 April 2019.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-management.htm
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2255
- ↑ https://time.com/collection/guide-to-happiness/4728315/science-says-pet-good-for-mental-health/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26383099/
About This Article
To be a happier person, try to adjust your attitude by appreciating the big and the little things in life. For example, say “Thank you” more often or keep a gratitude journal. Alternatively, pay attention to any sights, sounds, or smells around you, since this will refocus your mind on the present moment instead of on the past or the future. To cope with stress, create time to engage with your interests to figure out what brings you joy. Alternatively, try spending your money on new experiences like festivals or travelling, since you’ll create memories that will outweigh any material purchases. For more advice from our Counselor co-author, including how to relax your mind and body, keep reading!