Did it ever happen to you that you are feeling sad but don’t know exactly why?
Let’s find out how to be happy even if you are sad.
Sometimes, I feel sad:
- after waking up from a nap
- while driving
- before going to sleep, or
- when there is too much or too little to do
Our mood is impacted by outside events and chemical reactions inside of our body.
10 Possible Reasons for Feeling Sad
Our mood changes depending on the stimuli that our brain receives from inside and outside of our body.
We may not always be aware of the impact that everyday experiences have on our mood.
1 – Food
Too much processed food, sugar, or alcohol will impact our blood sugar level, nervous system, and metabolism making us feel heavy and gloomy.
Moreover, chemical changes in our brain or body make us feel happy or sad. A low level of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin will make us feel down.
Ask yourself if you have been making healthy food choices.
Here are some tips on how to be happy eating healthy food.
2 – Conversations
We may remember conversations and regret something we said or did not say.
In addition, you my come to disappointing conclusions after going over the discussion in your mind.
In order to feel better about conversations, write everything that is related to that conversation down. This will give you an immediate sense of relief.
3 – Thoughts
We are not always aware of our own thoughts.
There may be recurring thoughts in our subconscious mind that we unsuccessfully try to dismiss but keep coming back.
Something that happens right now, may trigger sad feelings from the past.
In addition, we may anticipate sad circumstances in our future.
Even though, everything is fine right now, our thoughts can take us at any time into an unhappy past or future.
4 – Movies, Books or Stories
Watching or reading a compelling story can drastically change our mood. We may imagine that we or a loved one is in a similar situation.
If it is a sad story, we may end up feeling the same way
5 – Special Dates
Certain holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries may trigger sad memories.
6 – Hormones
Depending on the food we eat, how much we exercise, and our internal chemical balance, our hormones will impact how happy or sad we feel.
7 – Dreams
There are times when dreams are so vivid that the feelings stay with us for the rest of the day.
8 – Medicine
When we are treating a disease, medication has different side effects which could be impacting your mood.
9 – Weather
During rainy and cold winter days, we may feel sad without being able to point out exactly what is wrong.
10 – Stress
Experiencing too much stress for long periods of time without being able to take a break to relax can also trigger feelings of sadness.
It feels like we are always busy without taking time to enjoy life.
Find out How to deal with stress – 10 Stress Relief Tips
Furthermore, a combination of these triggers at any given time may intensify the feelings of sadness.
How to be Happy Even if You are Sad
Here are 10 easy strategies to shake off the sadness and go back to a more content and happy self.
1 – Connect with Cheerful People
Can you think of a family member or friend who is usually cheerful?
Spending some time with someone who is in a good mood will make you feel better.
Even connecting with cheerful people on social media will change your mood.
At least once a week I come across a tweet that shares a disappointing experience and asks for funny GIFs to cheer the person up. On average, there are already 10 funny GIFs that cheer me up, even if I’m not sad.
2 – Clean up
When we feel sad, we tend to just focus on our feelings and ignore all the clutter and mess that is around us.
Even if we stare at our phone screen, the papers, books, dishes, clothes, shoes, socks, and pens strewn around have a negative impact on our mental well-being.
Clutter is a visual reminder that our surroundings are disorganized.
Cleaning up around us, sends a message to our brain that we are ready to focus on what matters.
Look around, what in your surroundings would make you feel more positive?
Maybe tiding up a corner, donating old books, or getting rid of items that don’t fit anymore will make you feel happy even if you are sad.
3 – Watch Upbeat Movies or Videos
Regardless of your favorite movies, indulge in some light comedy that will make you laugh and lighten up your mood.
Also try some baby or cute baby animal videos that will immediately cheer you up.
Moreover, concentrating on something funny or cute will get your mind away from thinking about something sad.
4 – Spend some Time in the Sun and Nature
The sun has an invigorating effect in our body and mind.
Sit or stroll in the sun for 20 minutes and you will feel happy even if you are sad. While enjoying the warmth, look intently at the plants, trees, and flowers.
5 – Do Something Nice for Others
Think about something that your family or friends constantly ask you for.
It may be taking care of their little ones, baking, cooking or going for a walk.
You may also help a coworker or neighbor who needs help.
6 – Exercise
Moving your body produces endorphins that will make you happy even if you are sad.
Find our how to be happy by exercising our body.
7 – Get Enough Sleep
There are times when we feel sad because of the constant overload of information.
Therefore, make sure you get plenty of sleep even though you did not complete all your to do list.
8 – Listen to Upbeat Music
Music can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel happy.
Here are more tips on how to be happy by listening to music.
9 – Go to a Place you Enjoy
What is a place you have been thinking about visiting for a long time?
It may be a museum, a new coffee shop, an animal shelter, or a new bookstore.
Visiting a place that you enjoy will make you feel happy even if you are sad.
10 – Pamper Yourself
Be kind to yourself and indulge in something that will make you feel good. Take some special time for yourself.
This could be doing something that makes you feel good such as working on a hobby, taking a nice warm bath, a special manicure or, a facial treatment.
Taking good care of yourself will improve your mood. It will make you feel happy even if you are sad.
How do you cheer yourself up when you are feeling sad? Let me know in the comments below.
Sometimes I’m aware of my hormonal blues. Sometimes I start thinking of situations and I get sad. I try to not be that presents when I’m that sad. In the sense of listening to music or watching videos and stuff.
This is so good. I’ve been trying to think of ways recently to try and pick myself up a bit, so this helps loads. I definitely need to give myself a good pamper session!
Food is my happiness when I feel sad and demotivated. These tips would help a lot 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Loved reading the post. For me, my hormones affect my temper a lot. Sometimes my child gets affected and I feel guilty. I used to think does it only happen to me. But your post is a relief that it is a common reason.
These are awesome points, important triggers to be aware of (for me those hormones are always at play) and fixes to turn to (exercise is an essential one for me!). Thank you for sharing :)!
Thank you for your advice. I have been feeling sad lately, because my mom’s first death anniversary is a few days from today. I can’t believe it has been a year. I miss my mom so much! My coping mechanism is spending time tending to my potted plants. It does take away some of the sadness.
These are great tips to help enhance happiness. Sometimes you just have to push forward the sadness to create happy moments!
You rounded up a great list! And I have tried some of these and they do definitely cheer you up for a bit.
Such vital tips.. I now know how to deal with those sad moments in my life.