The world can seem dark at times. Between current events, life events, community happenings, and just the stress of everyday living, it is easy to find yourself in a rut. That’s why it’s so important to have tools from which you can draw to pull yourself out of a funk. Here are twelve ways you can find happiness, even if you’re feeling pretty “meh” at this moment.

1. Have a theme song

Even though it’s been years since the TV show Ally McBeal aired, the idea of having a theme song hasn’t lost its power. What song can you listen to that instantly will lift your mood? This is the song you want to have on every device so that you can play it when you need a little bit of a pick-me-up. Make sure that the song you choose is upbeat and has a positive message. You’re not trying to sit and brood right now!

2. Reach out to a good friend

Make sure you know the friend will be likely to be available. Even just messaging back and forth can help lift spirits. By reaching out to someone else, you’re fighting the tendency to isolate yourself when feeling down. This can go a long way to helping you pull out of a funk.

3. Get outside

Even if it’s just to walk around the block, getting outside and breathing in fresh air can do a world of good when it comes to improving your mood. You get bonus points if you go to a park or into nature.

4. Meet with people

Get together with people in person. While texting or talking on the phone is nice and provides a temporary uplift, meeting friends, family, or coworkers in person can give a significant boost to happiness. Consider joining a club focused on a favorite hobby and be sure to go!

5. Get your heart rate up

Whether you start dancing along to your theme song, hop on an elliptical machine at the gym, throw on a fitness video, or head out for a brisk walk or a run, getting your heart rate up can help your body to release endorphins…and if we’ve learned anything from Elle Woods’ character in Legally Blonde, it’s that “Endorphins make you happy.”

6. Make a Gratitude List

Sometimes, we lose sight of what good we have in our life because all of the negative stuff gets in the way. Take some time to sit down and make a list of all the good things. Soon, you’ll find that you have more to be grateful for than you previously thought.

7. Ask Friends to Share Funny Memes, Jokes, and Cute Photos

Whenever I feel down and need a quick pick-me-up, I’ll post a status on my Facebook page asking people to share funny memes, jokes, or cute photos as comments to that status. This can help bring some positivity into your social media stream, and it also shows you that you’re not alone without needing to spill the beans about what’s ailing you.

8. Take a Break from Screens

Studies have shown that Facebook and other social media platforms can make us unhappy. Not only can social media cause us to feel pretty blah through helping to reinforce any feelings of inadequacy or anxieties about what’s going on in the world, but screens in general can zap our energy and make it harder to get good rest. Step away for a while and do other things. 

9. Watch a Comedy

When you do come back to a screen, watch something funny. An old favorite TV show or silly movie that always makes you laugh can be just the thing to pull you out of a funk and remind you that it’s not all so serious.

10. Read a Book

Reading a book that’s been in your to be read pile can help put you in a different mood. Not only can a good page-turner distract you from worries, but it can also uplift your mood. (Bonus points: read a book at a park!)

11. Do Something Creative

This is another great way to boost your mood. When you create things, you’re putting your energy into something productive. Whether you’re creating a journal entry, baking a cake, sewing, painting, creating jewelry, or something else, you’re pulling yourself into the moment. By creating, you’re making it so you’re focused on what’s immediately in front of you rather than on all the what-ifs, worries, and doubts floating around in your mind.

What do you do to create happiness in your own life?

When you’re feeling down, what do you do to help boost your mood? Share your tips in the comments!