www.huffpost.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
151.101.66.114
Public Scan
Submitted URL: https://click.convertkit-mail.com/n4upeqwn8vtvh89mwlec6h7o055gghl/kkhmh6hlrwgqkvtl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaHVmZnBvc3QuY29tL2VudHJ5L3NtYWx...
Effective URL: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/small-things-that-people-say-made-them-drastically-happier_l_661426fbe4b02bf8071858dc?utm_...
Submission: On June 10 via api from CA — Scanned from CA
Effective URL: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/small-things-that-people-say-made-them-drastically-happier_l_661426fbe4b02bf8071858dc?utm_...
Submission: On June 10 via api from CA — Scanned from CA
Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM<form class="newsletter__input"><input type="email" class="newsletter__input__text" name="email_address" aria-label="Enter your email address" placeholder="address@email.com" value="" aria-describedby="newsletter-error" autocomplete="email"><input
type="submit" class="newsletter__input__submit js-cet-item" aria-label="SIGN UP" value="SIGN UP">
<div id="newsletter-error" class="newsletter__error"></div>
</form>
Text Content
Skip to Main Content × MAIN MENU U.S. Edition NEWS U.S. NewsWorld NewsBusinessEnvironmentHealthSocial JusticeCrime POLITICS Joe BidenCongressExtremism OPINION ENTERTAINMENT Culture & ArtsMediaCelebrityTV & FilmBooks LIFE Style & BeautyFood & DrinkParentingTravelWellnessRelationshipsMoneyHome & LivingWork/LifeShopping VOICES Black VoicesQueer VoicesLatino VoicesIndigenous VoicesAsian VoicesWomen's Voices HUFFPOST PERSONAL VIDEO FOR OUR PARTNERS The Good Life HOROSCOPES NEWSLETTERS PYRAMID SCHEME (WORD GAME) INTERNATIONAL U.S.U.K.EspañaFranceΕλλάδα (Greece)Italia日本 (Japan)한국 (Korea) FOLLOW US Terms | Privacy Policy Part of HuffPost Wellness. ©2024 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. × WHAT'S HOT ‘F**KING SICK OF IT’: ROCK LEGEND ROGER DALTREY GOES OFF ON WHAT’S ‘RUINED’ CONCERTS MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE COMPARES TRUMP TO JESUS AND ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE DONALD TRUMP PRAISES JAN. 6 INSURRECTIONISTS AS 'WARRIORS' ERIC SWALWELL SAVAGES TRUMP RALLY WITH 'YOU MIGHT BE IN A CULT IF... ' VIDEO TRUMP HAS CRYPTIC ANSWER TO HOW MELANIA TRUMP IS ‘HOLDING UP’ KAMALA HARRIS IDENTIFIES WHAT EVERY TRUMP VP CONTENDER HAS IN COMMON AT 20 WEEKS PREGNANT, AN ULTRASOUND REVEALED SOMETHING UNTHINKABLE. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT IS MY DEEPEST REGRET. EX-PROSECUTOR SPOTS ‘REMARKABLE’ ASPECT OF TRUMP’S UPCOMING PROBATION INTERVIEW ‘KIMMEL’ CENSORS TRUMP’S FOX NEWS INTERVIEW TO HILARIOUSLY FILTHY EFFECT CAITLIN CLARK REACTS TO BEING LEFT OFF THE 2024 U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM EX-GOP COMMS DIRECTOR UNLEASHES HER TRUTH ABOUT 'MAGA WORLD' AFTER VERDICT HOAX MARK HAMILL TORCHES TRUMP OVER MOMENT HE ‘ACCIDENTALLY’ TOLD THE TRUTH Log InSupport Us NEWSPOLITICSENTERTAINMENTLIFEPERSONALVOICESSHOPPING🏆 PLAY PYRAMID SCHEME 🏆 U.S. EditionOpen editions submenu Wellnessthe good life 22 SMALL THINGS THAT PEOPLE SAY MADE THEM DRASTICALLY HAPPIER We recently asked our readers to share the one thing they started doing daily that made them considerably happier. By Brittany Wong Senior Lifestyle Reporter, HuffPost Apr 9, 2024, 06:00 AM EDT 23 COMMENTS Tony Anderson via Getty Images When homing in on how to be happier, it’s easier to concentrate on all the negatives you need to eliminate in your life: Toxic positivity, comparing yourself to others, those weekly phone calls from your mother-in-law. Weeding out unpleasant things can help, but it’s just as important to take an additive approach and think of small things you could add to your life to boost your spirits. With that in mind, we recently asked our readers to share the one thing they started doing daily (or in some cases weekly) that made them considerably happier. See what they had to say below. Advertisement Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length. PICKING UP THE PHONE AT LEAST ONCE A DAY TO CALL A FAMILY MEMBER. “I always check in with my Grandma Gail. Even if the conversations are lighthearted, they deepen our bond and understanding of each other. It’s amazing how something as simple as connecting with a loved one in this way can bring such joy and fulfillment to my life.” ― Kim Murstein, co-host of the Excuse My Grandma podcast BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP, I PUT MY PHONE TO BED, TOO. “I established an electronics curfew! No social media, internet scrolling or any device for the hour before I go to bed.” ― Stacy B. “About three years ago I stopped plugging my phone in next to my bed at night. It has made a world of difference in my sleep and mental health. Now my phone gets charged in the kitchen next to the coffee pot and I don’t look at it right before bed or first thing in the morning. Game changer!” ― Betsy E. AnVr via Getty Images "No social media, internet scrolling or any device for the hour before I go to bed," one reader said. Advertisement I STARTED CONSIDERING WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY SPOUSE, INSTEAD OF WHAT ANNOYS ME. “One thing I started doing 10-15 yrs ago is any time my husband irritated me or annoyed me, which is often, I would think of something positive about him that I admire and appreciate — and there are many! It really, really changed our relationship for the better, which makes both of us happier.” ― Angela B. I STARTED ADDING ”...AND THAT’S OK” TO THE END OF MY SENTENCES. “There are many times where saying, ‘...and that’s OK’ helps to take the sting out of life’s inevitable ups and downs: I just dropped a tub of hummus on the floor...,’ ‘my son has head lice...’ ‘I forgot to change our holiday flights...’ AND THAT’S OK. Instead of going into a doom spiral of something I haven’t achieved, or have spectacularly messed up, this simple three word phrase helps me to realize that everything I have to contend with is workable. As a dating coach I also find this is a great phrase to stop people from sliding into analysis paralysis, and to connect them with the actions that they need to take to create the change they want.” ― Hayley Quinn, a London-based dating coach I USE GOOD SMELLS TO IMPROVE MY MOOD. “My new hyper focus is perfume, and it’s been so fun learning about different notes, new releases, various brands, how it changes over time on your skin. I’ve made a point to use perfume I absolutely love, even if I’m at home all day in leggings and a t-shirt. Getting whiffs of a fragrance I love instantly puts me in a good mood. Plus, I love the ritual of putting in on in the morning, after a shower, and before bed. It’s indulgent self care and it makes me so content.” ― Natalya Jones, a writer who lives in Florida FG Trade via Getty Images "Getting whiffs of a fragrance I love instantly puts me in a good mood," one reader said of her new perfume fixation. Advertisement I PICKED UP MY LATE MOTHER’S HOBBY. “I started sewing like my mother. When mom passed, I wanted to use her nearly new machine to keep connected to her memory. Years later I have a heavy duty machine and regularly make purses, totes, and backpacks to keep my zen.” ― Anne G. I STARTED VALIDATING MYSELF INSTEAD OF LOOKING FOR VALIDATION IN OTHERS. “Something small I started doing a while ago is being intentional and consistent in recognizing and validating myself. In every aspect of my life. This gradually helped me take my power back from seeking validation from others and leaning too much into fulfilling others’ expectations. This has made me drastically happier because I now see myself, hear myself, and care for myself much better. Before you can effectively navigate pouring from an empty or full cup, I believe having the capacity to recognize how beautiful your cup is enables you to embody the power and love you deserve to receive and share.” ― Dagny Zenovia, a writer who lives in Ghana I TAKE LONG HIKES EVERY WEEKEND. “I go for increasingly longer hikes on the weekend. After a long recovery from an operation last year which took away the ability to eat and speak for months, I was looking for something to do in nature. I started 30 minute mini walks, which exhausted me at first, but eventually I built up to three to four hours. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I do! I smile so much and it’s helped sort out my stress, just breathing out. It makes me laugh how I’ll drive to the local shop two streets away, yet will do 16,000 steps around lakes, up hills, over rickety bridges with my dog. While I’m out, I take the odd photo. I’m actually just back now from two locations in one day.” ― Zoe J. vitapix via Getty Images "I started 30 minute mini walks, which exhausted me at first, but eventually I built up to three to four hours," one reader said. I ALLOW MYSELF TO LOOK AT THE HEADLINES ONCE OR TWICE A DAY. “I used to be a journalist so I always had a news channel on in the background— I always had to be the first to know. Now, not watching the news makes me happy. Don’t get me wrong. I still keep up. I want to be informed. But now I check the headlines once, sometimes twice, a day. I’m not as depressed.” ― Barbara B. Advertisement I LEARNED TO AVOID NEGATIVE THOUGHT LOOPS. “I learned not to ‘follow’ every thought that arises. It helps me not overthink and ruminate. I am no longer a slave to my mind.” ― Sherry B. I BECAME A DUOLINGO MASTER. “I play Duolingo every morning. I have 868 days of Portuguese under my belt, and have been to Lisbon twice and Rio once since starting.” ― Rachael Adele L. I PICKED UP AN OLD HOBBY. “During the COVID lockdown, I started playing the piano again, something I hadn’t done since college. It exercises a different part of my brain, reduces stress, and makes me happy to fill our house with music. I found a new composer I love to play, and smile when my husband and kids clap from wherever they are in the house when I finish!” ― Aimee B. zeljkosantrac via Getty Images "[Playing piano] exercises a different part of my brain, reduces stress, and makes me happy to fill our house with music," one reader said. I PICKED UP A HOBBY I ALWAYS WANTED TO PURSUE. “I started building miniatures and book nooks. I always wanted a haunted dollhouse when I was little, and nothing makes me happier than when I sit down and make tiny, witchy pieces now as an adult!” ― Bec Anne Advertisement I FOSTER CATS AND KITTENS. “I began fostering cats and kittens for a local shelter two years ago and I’m still going. It brings me joy and satisfaction.” ― Anthea H. I PLANTED A SALSA GARDEN. “I recently planted a salsa garden! I make and can my own salsa and it’s not only fun but delicious!” ― Ginger M. I PUT MYSELF FIRST. “Recognizing that it’s ok for me to have a life of my own. I am not just a daughter and a sole caretaker.” ― Maggy S. I STARTED CHALLENGING MYSELF PHYSICALLY. “I play pickleball! It’s humbling to be a beginner at something again and exciting to challenge myself physically.” ― Marissa F. “I’d recommend daily walks if you’re able. I started trying to walk at least one mile every day, and it truly improved my mental health, when paired with antidepressants vs. just taking antidepressants alone.” ― Sydni W. Advertisement “My doctor told me that boxing is good for brain health so I decided to give it a try. I do private lessons twice a week and I have become very quick on my feet and feel a sense of euphoria after each lesson. It has definitely improved my mood and has made me a happier person in general. I will never get into a boxing rink, but I sure will have fun practicing for a match. Get ready, Mike Tyson!” ― KarenLee Poter, the co-host of the podcast “Sex Talk With My Mom” RichLegg via Getty Images "I play pickleball!" another reader said. "It’s humbling to be a beginner at something again and exciting to challenge myself physically." I PREP MY COFFEE THE NIGHT BEFORE. “Before bed, I prep my coffee and set a start timer for ten minutes before my alarm. Waking up to fresh coffee is such a delight.” ― Carrie Jade I MAKE SURE MY GARAGE IS ORGANIZED. “Keeping my garage clean and organized has made such a difference. It’s the first thing I see when I come home and it’s wonderfully calming.” ― Gigi C. I READ BEFORE BED EVERY NIGHT. “So simple: I read a book before bed. Used to scroll through Facebook, which isn’t necessarily relaxing. Now I read and sleep better and wake up feeling more rested.” ― Geniece H. Advertisement I FINALLY GOT MY DREAM DOG. “I got my dream dog last year, Sweet Caroline, a Yorkie. A walk in the park, some grooming time, and brief training sessions bring me joy throughout the day.” ― Susan F. Susan F. Susan F.'s dog, Sweet Caroline. I HAVE MY HUSBAND BRING ME MY FAVORITE TREAT EVERY MORNING. “My husband, who is not usually overly affectionate, brings me a Cherry Dr. Pepper Zero and a yogurt every morning. It is there when I wake up and it makes me happy every morning. We’ve been married 48 years.” ― Jennifer B. RELATED the good life THE 1 THING THERAPISTS SAY HARMS YOUR HAPPINESS THE MOST 7 THINGS HAPPY COUPLES DO DIFFERENTLY FREUDENFREUDE MIGHT BE JUST WHAT YOUR FRIENDSHIPS ARE MISSING Go to Homepage VIEW 23 COMMENTS Suggest a correction | Submit a tip FROM OUR PARTNER Sponsored Continue watching Montessori: pros & cons of this sought-after school framework Recommended by FROM OUR PARTNER Continue watching The World’s Most Amazing (Fake) Vacation Destinations Recommended by HUFFPOST SHOPPING'S BEST FINDS THESE CUSHY RUNNING SHOES HAVE BEEN CALLED 'GAME-CHANGERS' — AND THEY'RE ON SALE AT A STEEP DISCOUNT STOP PROCRASTINATING AND SHOP THESE LAST MINUTE GIFTS FOR FATHER'S DAY ASAP APPLE AIRPODS PRO ARE 24% OFF AT TARGET AND AMAZON RIGHT NOW — BUT PROBABLY NOT FOR LONG SO MANY OF GARMIN'S GPS WATCHES ARE UP TO $200 OFF AT REI. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES. THIS HIDDEN-GEM FRENCH MOISTURIZER IS 'THE ONLY CREAM WORTH BUYING' Newsletter Sign Up AN ESSENTIAL DAILY GUIDE TO ACHIEVING THE GOOD LIFE Subscribe to our lifestyle email. Successfully Signed Up! Realness delivered to your inbox By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Close HUFFPOST SHOPPING’S BEST FINDS 6 REASONS YOU MIGHT BE MESSY THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH LAZINESS THE 5 BIGGEST EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF LIVER DAMAGE MORE IN LIFE Food & Drink TURNS OUT, PEOPLE WHO COMPLAIN ABOUT RESTAURANTS BEING TOO LOUD HAVE A POINT Work/Life IS THIS THE WORST 1-WORD TEXT MESSAGE YOU CAN POSSIBLY SEND? Parenting MILLENNIAL MOMS DON’T HAVE IT ALL, THEY JUST DO IT ALL Food & Drink THESE 3 FOODS HAVE SOMEHOW BECOME THE ‘IT’ MEAL OF THE SUMMER Parenting ACTIVE GRANDPARENTS CAN HAVE A SURPRISING IMPACT ON PARENTS’ USE OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS Shopping THIS MUG WARMER KEEPS COFFEE AND TEA HOT ALL DAY — AND IT’S ON SALE FOR LESS THAN $20 Shopping APPLE AIRPODS ARE LESS THAN $80 RIGHT NOW Shopping LIGHTWEIGHT BLANKETS FROM AMAZON THAT LOOK FRESH OUT OF AN INTERIOR DESIGN CATALOG Shopping YOU'RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME TO GET THESE AFFORDABLE AND GENUINELY FUNNY FATHER'S DAY GIFTS Shopping IT'S YOUR LAST CHANCE TO SHOP THESE FATHER'S DAY GIFTS THAT MEN ACTUALLY RECOMMEND Shopping KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE WITH THESE AFFORDABLE ITEMS FROM AMAZON Shopping SIMPLE SKIN CARE SOLUTIONS FOR MEN, ACCORDING TO DERMATOLOGISTS Shopping REVIEWERS SWEAR BY THESE COMFY, FLATTERING BODYSUITS (AND NONE OF THEM ARE SKIMS) Shopping IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU SPEND PRACTICALLY ALL DAY IN YOUR CAR, YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY ONE OF THESE 34 PRODUCTS Shopping 46 PRODUCTS THAT'LL HELP REVIVE ALMOST EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME Shopping 27 PRODUCTS FROM AMAZON’S 'INTERNET FAMOUS' SECTION THAT ARE ACTUALLY WORTH THE HYPE Shopping THIS SEEMINGLY SILLY LUXURY IS ACTUALLY IMPORTANT FOR YOUR PET'S HEALTH Shopping MEN CAN BE IMPOSSIBLE TO SHOP FOR. HERE ARE THE GIFTS THEY SAY THEY ACTUALLY WANT Life THIS GENIUS '30-MINUTE RULE' WILL MAKE YOUR FAVORITE WINE EVEN MORE DELICIOUS Shopping HOW I SHOP FOR BRAS AS A NON-BINARY PERSON Relationships 9 THINGS NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT SEX AFTER 70 Shopping 34 PET PRODUCTS THAT REVIEWERS SAY ARE 'LIFESAVERS' Shopping REVIEWERS SAY THIS EFFECTIVE GERMAN LAUNDRY DETERGENT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY Shopping THIS IS THE BEST AFFORDABLE NONSTICK SKILLET, ACCORDING TO MOST OF THE INTERNET Shopping 25 REUSABLE PRODUCTS THAT'LL REPLACE EXPENSIVE DISPOSABLE VERSIONS FOR GOOD Shopping THIS IS THE BEDDING THAT AMAZON SHOPPERS ARE OBSESSED WITH Food & Drink WHY REHEATED COFFEE TASTES LIKE DEATH, AND WHAT TO DO INSTEAD Home & Living 'IT INSTANTLY BECOMES TACKY': 22 HOME DESIGN TRENDS THAT ARE MEGA-POPULAR FOR REASONS MANY PEOPLE WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND Relationships PEOPLE OVER 50 STRIPPED DOWN FOR A BOUDOIR SHOOT — AND EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THESE PICS Shopping 34 CLEVER TIKTOK GADGETS AND GIZMOS YOU PROBABLY HAVEN'T HEARD OF YET Shopping A SURVIVALIST SAYS THIS WATER FILTER COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE — AND IT'S ONLY $16 RIGHT NOW Shopping THE OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS DERMATOLOGISTS RECOMMEND TO COMBAT THINNING HAIR Shopping 42 THINGS THAT’LL PROVE YOU DON’T NEED TO RENOVATE YOUR KITCHEN TO MAKE IT LOOK NICER Shopping 34 BEAUTY PRODUCTS SO GOOD THEY’LL INSTANTLY EARN A PERMANENT SPOT IN YOUR ROTATION Shopping 45 CHEAPER OPTIONS FOR ANYONE WHO REFUSES TO BUY TRENDY NAME-BRAND PRODUCTS Taste FYI, THOSE ANNOYING WHITE STRINGS ON BANANAS ACTUALLY HAVE A PURPOSE Shopping THESE NO-BLISTER WALKING SANDALS ARE SO COMFORTABLE, I HAVE THEM IN 4 COLORS Shopping THIS LAST MINUTE FATHER’S DAY GIFT IS FOOLPROOF — AND ON SALE FOR $30 Shopping SO MANY OF GARMIN'S GPS WATCHES ARE UP TO $200 OFF AT REI. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES. NEWSPOLITICSENTERTAINMENTLIFEVOICESHUFFPOST PERSONALSHOPPINGNEWSLETTERS About UsAdvertiseContact UsRSSFAQCareersUser AgreementComment PolicyDMCA PolicyHuffPost Press RoomAccessibility StatementPrivacy PolicyConsent PreferencesDo Not Sell or Share My Personal Information Part of HuffPost Wellness. ©2024 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The Huffington Post Your Opt Out Preference Signal is Honored PRIVACY PREFERENCE CENTER When you visit this website, we collect personal information such as IP addresses, cookie identifiers and other pseudonymous identifiers. This information may be used to personalize content based on your interests and customize advertising campaigns tailored to you, measure the performance of our properties and derive insights about the audiences who engage with ads and content. Information may also be disclosed by us to third parties on IAB's List of Downstream Participants that may further disclose it to other third parties. Using personal information is an integral part of how we operate our website, make revenue to support our staff, and generate relevant content for our audience. You can learn more about our data collection and use practices in our Privacy Policy. If you wish to opt out of the disclosure of your personal information to third parties by us, please use the below opt out and confirm your selection. Please note that after your opt out request is processed, you may continue seeing interest-based ads based on personal Information utilized by us or personal information disclosed to third parties prior to your opt out. You may separately opt out of the further disclosure of your personal information by third parties on the IAB's List of Downstream Participants. Allow All MANAGE CONSENT PREFERENCES TARGETING COOKIES Targeting Cookies These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. PERFORMANCE COOKIES Performance Cookies These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. FUNCTIONAL COOKIES Functional Cookies These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly. STRICTLY NECESSARY COOKIES Always Active These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information. SOCIAL MEDIA COOKIES Social Media Cookies These cookies are set by a range of social media services that we have added to the site to enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They are capable of tracking your browser across other sites and building up a profile of your interests. This may impact the content and messages you see on other websites you visit. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to use or see these sharing tools. Back Button COOKIE LIST Search Icon Filter Icon Clear checkbox label label Apply Cancel Consent Leg.Interest checkbox label label checkbox label label checkbox label label Reject All Confirm My Choices