“What’s Something Small You Started Doing That Makes You Drastically Happier?” (86 Answers)

According to the 2023 Global Happiness Survey by Ipsos, on average, two in three people are happy. That's quite good, wouldn't you say? Ongoing wars, the current political climate, doom scrolling, and dystopian-esque economic situation might get anyone down. It can be hard to find things to be happy about. Especially everyday.

That's why we've got some inspiration for you. One Redditor under the username 05tn3021 asked other netizens what small things they gather inspiration and energy from to get through the day. The people did not disappoint – there's almost five thousand comments under that post as of today! So scroll down to see some little steps we could all take in order to feel a little bit better every day.

#1

Slowing down at work. I don't need to respond to every email right away, or make sure everything is up to date constantly. Some things can just wait.

Image credits: Rollthembones1989

#2

Bedtime routine. I worked on it and now its solid and I can fall asleep in less than 20 minutes. For an insomniac worry wart , its been life changing getting solid sleep and made me so less c**ty.

Image credits: bellabbr

#3

Stretching every day has helped a great deal. Doesn't always have to be a lot.

Image credits: tumchie

#4

Not working until I am on the clock and stopping work when I'm off the clock. My time is my time.

Image credits: el_monstruo

#5

Reading books before going to sleep instead of watching TV.

Image credits: Numerous_Sugar_7055

#6

Deleted social media. Stopped thinking about the past. Those two things have been huge in increasing my well-being.

Image credits: DragonElephantCat

#7

Cut out toxic people!

Image credits: Il_Magn1f1c0

#8

Solo travel. I never used to travel because it was hard to coordinate with others, and when I did, I had to plan something everyone going would enjoy, often sacrificing what I wanted to do. Now, I try once a year to go on a trip that I want just for myself, with no one else to please. Last year, I went to a farm and hung out with some awesome animals and painted. This year, I'm going to a concert and staying in a nice hotel downtown.

Image credits: ima_little_stitious

#9

Realizing the difference between when I actually screwed up and when someone is taking their frustrations out on me, and then asking what's actually wrong bc this isn't a proportional response to the issue.

Image credits: SUGARDUNKERTON956

#10

Whenever there’s a BOGO for any cat or dog food in my local grocery store I buy some. When I have a few collected, I deliver to a local shelter. They are always so grateful and I feel wonderful.

Image credits: Greenis67

#11

I set my iPhone to only accept calls from people in my contacts.

Do I miss an occasional call that I need to take? Yep. They leave a message, and I call them back. If it is a business or organization that I deal with semiregularly, I add them to my contacts.

The important thing, for me, is that I get ZERO spam/scam calls anymore. Well, ones that ring through, anyways.

On average, I was getting over 30 of them every day.

I am much happier with this setup.

Image credits: froebull

#12

Started declining invitations I didn't feel like attending such as going out with people I don't like that much, big social events with a lot of expectations, activities with friends that I wouldn't like to do if they weren't going... And all of that with a simple "no thanks, I don't actually feel like it because X". No excuses, no easy lies such as "that day's my grandma's birthday", no fake feelings like "awww I wish I could BUT". Being the owner of my free time and learning to say no without needing to give further explanations has done wonders for my mental health.

Image credits: rock-mommy

#13

Baking with my daughter a couple times per week. Pies, cookies, different kinds of breads, etc. We have so much fun doing it together and then we get to enjoy eating what we make too!

Image credits: dk-niles

#14

Wipe my counters and put away the dishes every night no matter how tired I am.

The energy boost from getting up to see a neat kitchen is not to be underestimated.

Image credits: AdaraRoseOmnibus

#15

I stopped reading the comments on social media. I thought it didn’t effect me and was just entertaining, but man did it make me depressed with the state of humanity.

Image credits: tifsport88

#16

Volunteering. Find out what kind of volunteering activity interests you and do it. It can drastically change your happiness level. I drive a shuttle van for seniors and volunteer at a community kitchen. I'm so happy doing them and I look forward to doing them.

Image credits: EEXC

#17

Doing one chore or errand every work-day so I can actually enjoy a day off, rather than having to catch up on all the cleaning and errands no one wants to do on off-days.

Image credits: Grownfetus

#18

I found a friend who is interested in the same things I am who is intelligent and open-minded at my age this is quite an accomplishment. We go to lunch once a week usually spend about two to two and a half hours just talking about the things we love sharing ideas no politics no gossip. I am immensely better a different person you could say.

Image credits: WolfThick

#19

Stopping caring what others think of me.

Image credits: BrawndoTTM

#20

Instead of deleting social media, I unfollowed probably 70% of the people on my list so I don't get inundated with everyone's life and start comparing it to my own. I can then go and catch up on people when I feel like I have the mental clarity to do so, and not be bombarded with it when I'm doom-scrolling at 3:00 a.m. and wondering what I'm doing with my life. It really made a big difference, and I got to keep all of my hobby groups and can share my hobby stuff when I want.

Image credits: czerniana

#21

Started incorporating daily walks into my routine. It might sound small, but the fresh air and movement have done wonders for my mood. Highly recommend listening to your favorite podcast or playlist too.

Image credits: CulturedBoldne

#22

Audiobooks. I get them free from my library app and listen to them to and from work, and when I do chores like dishes and laundry. Suddenly, I don't mind taking the time to fold my clothes perfectly because I'm being entertained while doing so. I also never had time to sit and dedicate time to reading, but this way I can consume books on the go. I read four books in 2021. I read two books in 2022. I read four books in the first six months of 2023. Then I got into audiobooks and read 17 books in the last six months of 2023. This year's looking even better. I'm already on my fourth book since New Year's!

Image credits: PrecariousThings

#23

Cleaning up as I cook. I often felt very overwhelmed with a dirty kitchen and a ton of dishes to do once I was done with cooking a meal. I started to make it a habit to clean up as I cook, and it instantly became more manageable when I'm done and can enjoy my meal instead of stressing out about the mess.

Image credits: AcidNeonDreams

#24

Coming to terms with clothes I no longer wear (for whatever reason) and donating them to shelters.

Image credits: MARRIEDT0THEOIL

#25

I finally at 78 years of age admitted that I was gay and got a very nice FWB my age and we get together once or twice a week have great sex for a couple of hours then go to lunch and talk to I am immensely happy.

#26

I brought my son a dog when he was struggling post lockdown. It helped him almost instantly but I didn't realise how much having him helped me too.. Being around animals and nature are so underestimated as a cure for the modern world's detachment or rather it's attachment to meaninglessness.

#27

Realizing that I can choose what I think about. If I catch myself thinking about something that’s making me anxious, I simply choose to think about something else (unless it’s immediately necessary). If it’s something that’s making me sad, I sit with the emotion rather than trying to intellectualize it.

Image credits: EZEZEYEY

#28

I'm only allowed to insult myself with G-rated 'curse words.' If I realize I forgot an errand or missed an email, I'll think, 'Good job, you goose,' or, 'Aw, you've messed this up, dillweed'. Then, instead of dwelling on berating myself, I'm smiling because 'goober' is just a funny insult.

Image credits: Kyoukon

#29

I started doing 10 push-ups when I got really stressed out or couldn’t solve a problem. It was something I could do quickly, and it makes me feel like I accomplished something. Also, it gets the blood pumping and gives a small rush of endorphins. It makes a world of difference when I remember to stop and do push-ups when I get overwhelmed.

Image credits: etsprout

#30

Stopped commenting on political articles online. Too many pointless arguments really ruin the day.

Image credits: Glozboy

#31

Realizing I don't have to always go places with friends. It's okay to do things solo.

#32

I wouldn't say that it has made me drastically happier, but feeding my birds and watching them brings a peaceful joy each day.

Image credits: DustyBubble656

#33

Putting my phone on the charger in a different room. I’m finding it easier to sleep and quicker to get out of bed. Overall, my mood has been loads better.

#34

Undressing the moment I get home from work, swaping that piece of s**t uniform to comfy soft clothes legit makes me chill out and smile just to think about it.

Image credits: Tsundere_Revy

#35

A few months ago, I picked up one of those cheap floral bouquets while on a grocery run. I really enjoyed arranging them, smelling them, watching them bloom over the next ten days.

So next grocery run I bought another.

Now every grocery run I buy myself a $7-12 bouquet. I trim them, i rearrange including last week's blooms that are still in great shape. I envision having my own sunroom or greenhouse to grow my own flowers sometime in the future.

It brings an inordinate amount of joy. ?

#36

Daily fruit smoothie. I was eating zero fresh fruit before. Stopped falling asleep at my desk midday.

#37

I quit my religion/cult and my anxiety walked out the door. It was life-changing! I quit putting my happiness and decisions in 'god’s hands' and started just focusing on what I wanted and I got so much better. I feel in total control of my life.

#38

Rescuing a kitten.

#39

Forcing myself to do more arts and crafts. I've been in such a creative slump for so long. It's still difficult at times to be creative, but when I am doing it, it makes me so happy.

#40

Saying no way more often and learning not to feel guilty about it. Strong boundaries have definitely made me happier, though I wouldn’t say this is a small thing for everyone.

#41

I tend to be a procrastinator. I know enough about myself to not let things pile up because then they seem insurmountable. But sometimes it does happen. What I have learned is to prioritize but not in the sense of always doing the most important or time sensitive things first. I put one or two smaller, easily accomplished and not too time-consuming tasks first so I can easily and quickly knock them off and the seamlessly slide into the big tasks, momentum having been established.

#42

Weaned off of caffeine. When I was a teenager it was energy drinks + coffee. 18-20ish hears it was a lot of coffee since I worked at a coffee shop. After quitting my job, I was too cheap to buy the yummy coffee so I’d just have a black coffee at home. Then I started drinking black tea. I’m currently pregnant and just ran out of my black tea but I’m moving so I didn’t buy more. Therefore I switched to what I had of my green tea, and then decided to switch to just ginger tea altogether or any other caffeine-free tea. I feel so much more stable and plain water is the best thing you can drink for reliable energy.

#43

I put my phone on do not disturb. It lets 2 calls back to back go through in case it’s an emergency, but I realized I was stressing about making sure I got back to someone RIGHT NOW. If it’s a text it can wait. Forcing myself not to listen to news/videos at certain times, but rather music. Essentially scheduling in relaxing time. Going for walks in nature is the best one though. And also I force myself to not look at my phone. Every bit of technology is screaming for our attention at every given moment. If you’re always focused on something, then you’re actually never focused on anything. The times we’re “bored” are great for kinda recalibrating my adhd brain.

#44

I stopped making things out of my control my problem.

#45

I'm trying to stop judging folks, and instead, I say to myself, 'I don't know their story.' Trying to be more understanding and empathetic has taken a huge burden off my heart.

#46

I decided to answer every spam call with my best pirate impression. Now, telemarketers probably think they've dialed the wrong century, and I've found my inner pirate swagger. Cheers!

#47

Taking depression medication.

#48

Okay, these are *really* small, but...

1) Wearing gloves while washing dishes.

2) Wearing earplugs or noise-cancelling earbuds + audiobook/podcast while vacuuming or drying my hair.

3) Watching a favorite TV show while folding laundry.

Basically I tried to minimize the sensory discomfort and boredom of regular chores, and now I almost look forward to them.

#49

This is truly really small. I started wearing my smart watch to bed because I wanted to see what the sleep monitoring was about. That was fine, it took a little getting used to but I got to the point where I didn't notice it on my wrist or anything. I then realized I can set alarms on my watch that vibrate and don't make a noise. I feel like it is much more pleasant waking up to a slight vibration on my wrist instead of the noise of an alarm, or of the noise of the phone vibrating against my nightstand. I also learned I could do this for naps, want to take a 30 min nap, I can quickly set a timer on my watch and feel confident I will wake up. I have tried to convince all my friends to do this but they don't see any value in it.

#50

Also when I walk my dog I’ve started listening to sound baths and practicing mindfulness. I try to notice everything… different colours, how the ground feels beneath my feet, the breeze in my hair, the way the sunlight filters through the trees. I pick up interesting leaves and rocks to look at up close and see how they feel in my hand. I probably look nuts, but I always come back feeling so relaxed having given my brain a break from anxieties and stresses.

#51

Not drinking during the week. Makes Fridays buzz feel earned and like I deserve it.

#52

Getting half an hour of exercise every day.

#53

Choosing to focus on positive aspects of my marriage.

Learning to communicate without getting angry or overwhelmed.

Cutting out toxic family from my life.

Hanging out with my dad once a month to reconnect and strengthen our bond.

Forgiving myself for abusing my body with food so I can become healthier.

Learning that I can improve my life daily with small habits.

#54

Actually touching grass.

#55

Going to bed early.

#56

I developed the motto of "sometimes you just need a cookie." When I'm stressed, pissed or super busy, I take the time to sit down and eat a cookie. I savor it as best I can and use that little bit of downtime to relax and destress even for a minute. I focus on the cookie, not the problem(s). In my opinion you can't really be in a bad mood when you're eating a cookie.

#57

Drinking enough water - I didn't realize how much of my body discomfort daily was just dehydration.

#58

Keep a gratitude journal. I write down three things I'm thankful for every day.

#59

Meditating and being fully present wherever I am.

#60

I now make my bed in the morning. Every single day. It only takes 5 minutes and every night, when I am ready for bed it makes me feel a little happier, like when I go to a hotel.

#61

Before my feet hit the floor in the morning, I forgive everyone I need to in order to move on in my life and not carry around stuff from relationships. It really starts to work after a while.

#62

Paying close attention to not get defensive in conversations with my wife.

#63

Using a week's vacation to take every Friday off for a month in the summer.

#64

Giving up alcohol.

#65

A consistent sleep schedule. Seems like one of those super obvious things we always know we should be better about. Very noticeable difference in how easy it is to wake up and actually be energized first thing in the morning. 

#66

Yoga. Even just for 20-30 minutes a day.

#67

Giving myself permission to spend entire days in my PJ's on the weekends. IDK why I felt the pressure to be so ACTIVE on my time off. PJ days are the best days.

#68

Napping in the afternoon on weekends.

#69

Cleaning my room every week. Used to clean my room whenever felt like it, but having the consistency of having a clean room has brought me happiness whenever I enter it.

#70

Smiling to myself. Like physically smiling randomly. Really helps.

#71

I have a pillow scent spray. I think it’s a very light cucumber citrus scent. I put it on right before I get in for bed, and then I have the lovely scent while I read and fall asleep. Surprisingly, it's a really nice thing to give myself every day.

#72

Bought indoor plants.

#73

I started being more assertive and actually asking people if something's wrong instead of making assumptions and letting it bother me.

#74

Paying bills first, getting every single debt out of the way, doing every unpleasant chore ASAP. It's so much more of a weight knowing something unpleasant has to be done than just getting it set aside and enjoying the rest of my evening in next to total peace. I hate debt like anathema, it feels like a millstone around my neck.

#75

Started talking to myself like a human being. I didn't realize how hateful I was to myself, and it was all in my head, my inner voice was a C**T!

#76

Enjoying my morning coffee in bed on a fuzzy pillow, fleece blanket and even wearing some fuzzy socks. I started doing it about 4 years ago during the worst/darkest months of my life as a way to just find strength for the day. So much was out of my control, but that short time wrapped up in all the comfort and coziness available allowed me to feel something good. I still do it now even though those difficult days are behind me. I also give that piece of advice to friends or family when their world is upside down. You can’t underestimate the power of feeling softness when everything else feels so hard.

#77

Oil painting for an hour a day.

#78

I've been doing DIY house stuff. Landlord finally got us a new carpet (11+ years) and now I just want the rest of the house to look as nice as the floors. I've been having so much fun learning about different tools, materials, etc. It's so satisfying to rip off an old quarter round. Lol

#79

Telling myself "I love you, baby girl" & "you are so beautiful", I'm so much happier, especially when I look at myself in the mirror my heart is filled... ?

#80

I started finding something or someone to be grateful for every day and began accepting people or things in my life for who or what they are in the present moment.

#81

Started learning the names of the plants and birds I see every day.

Sounds dumb but I live in a metro area and was treating the nature around me like visual white noise. Once I started learning the names of what’s around me, I started really seeing it, and then I suddenly saw it everywhere. That kind of noticing has really enriched my life. I love walking past a bush and thinking “forsythia!” like it’s a friend I recognize. It makes me feel like I’m part of my environment rather than just existing inside it.

#82

I started logging everything I eat on the Lose It! app.

I was struggling to drop 20lbs for MONTHS. I was so careful but the weight wasn't budging. Then I started keeping track of Every. Single. Bite. for this app.

You have to weigh and calculate everything you eat. That means no more random snacking because, frankly, I'm just too lazy to figure out how many calories are in a handful of my mom's homemade granola.

Dropped 7lbs in 2wks. My clothes are more comfortable and I'm happier.

I'm HUNGRY, but I'm happier.

#83

Listening to jazz or classical music while I do anything I want to focus on, like work or relaxation. I'm not one to be able to work in complete silence, and this kind of ambiance gives me the soothing noise but not the words where I'll sing along. Unless it's Frank Sinatra.

#84

Lifting weights.. It was hard at the beginning but now I see the benefits of it..

#85

Being very very organized and having a routine. It relieves so much mental load that i prepped and planned everything and all i need to do is exist or be somewhere at a certain time. I found out a good majority of my depression and anger from previous years was just inability to control my seemingly chaotic environment so once i became proactive about controlling it, all the legos fell into place like tetris.

#86

Using the kindle I inherited from my mom. I had basically stopped reading but my previous love for it has been reignited. It has also reduced my other screen time significantly, which can only be good.

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