5 Small Things that Make a Big Difference in Your Happiness

I think there are so many things we try to get accomplished to be successful. We want our house clean, our meals planned, our kids well-behaved, our work outs complete. We want our jobs to be great, our personal items organized, and our budgets actually stuck to. We want it all. It is as simple as that, whether you're a mom, dad, have one kid or six. If you are single or married for 50 years... we all want to feel at the end of the day we DID something worthwhile. And about 90% of the time we don't feel that sense of accomplishment. We often feel like failures stuck in a never ending to-do list.

Of course there are days I am grateful I hit the gym... or rather the shower. There are plenty of days I am proud there is a hot dinner ready when my husband gets home. There are days I am sure, you are proud of the paper you wrote or the craft you completed. I think we all find happiness in a few things every day...

But how do we feel like every day was successful? How do we end the day with a true feeling of happiness?

In my opinion it starts with these 5 small things, that make a big difference...

1- Smile. 

It is as simple as that. Smiling has been proven to change your mood and your confidence. It makes you feel attractive, and look attractive. It makes you relax a little more and stress a little less. Smiling makes you feel welcoming, and often brightens other peoples days, your children, your spouse, co-workers, and even strangers. We tend to be more subject to happiness when we allow ourselves to smile. It truly is a miracle written all over your face... so smile today :)

2- Help someone else.

It could be as simple as holding the door for someone else. It is handing a dollar to the homeless man, or better yet serving at the homeless shelter. It could be as little as letting a frantic mom with small children get in line in front of you, or as big as paying off a strangers layaway at Christmas time... Helping makes us feel like we are making a difference in someone else's life. And we are. So today, and everyday, do something for another person... not for personal gain, but out of the kindness of your heart. 

3- Be Grateful.

There are so many things to complain about in this world, and a traffic jam because of an accident isn't one of them. Be grateful it wasn't you. Show gratitude when someone does something kind for you. It takes some practice, but if you can change your thinking about the world and be humbly grateful for the things you have, the people in your circle, and the world where you reside, I truly believe your happiness level would rise exponentially. We often feel entitled to things. Instead of being thankful for the life we lead, we find things to complain about... little things like our coffee wasn't made right, or our clothes are old. We tend to think life isn't good enough or fair enough, we think our husbands aren't helpful, or our kids are crazy... What would your life look like if, when you found yourself complaining, if you immediately stated three things you were thankful for in any given situation? I believe it would make a huge difference in the outlook on your life, and your mind would start to see the good in all things. Try it, and see what happens.

4- Exercise. 

I know we have all heard it and if you're anything like me you tend to think watching an episode of Downton Abbey would be far more gratifying... but it has been proven that even as little as 7 minutes a day could battle depression, improve body image, and help you have an overall satisfying feeling of accomplishment. I am not even talking the gym, home work out, or strenuous jog. I am literally saying that spending 10 minutes outside walking with your children, or twice around the block with your spouse would make you feel more confident. I am saying that if you allow your body a quick 10-15 minute movement period during the day, you will feel happier and healthier. I think we all could come up with that little of time. I know I will. 

5- Alone Time. 

And no I don't mean watching a show or finally getting 5 minutes to scroll through Facebook during nap time. I mean truly being alone.. in your heart and head. Some people meditate. Some people pray. Others just sit there and do nothing... but I believe in this technology driven world, where rarely a minutes goes by without something being watched, texted, or sent... we truly need to just breathe, and be alone. I don't do it enough that is for sure. Often being alone allows you to relax and find your own self in the chaos of this world. Being alone has been proven to alleviate stress and calm nerves. Meditation has huge health benefits for the body, and prayer for the soul. I believe if everyone spent some time alone, it would have huge impacts in the home, work, and everywhere in between. Start with 10 minutes. Be alone... and see what happens. 

I am certain there are more things to do to be happy. I know there are more things that I could do that would make me feel accomplished. But these five things are ones I am trying to work on every single day. They are simple, but effective. I want to go to bed every night with the knowledge that I made a difference in my own life, and others. To me, that is enough.