We have many opportunities every day to include more happiness in our life.

You may wonder what things will make you happy when you are feeling overwhelmed and worried by all the changes and uncertainties related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID-19 has brought many stressful situations to our lives such as:

• Losing or drastically changing our job 

• Having to look after our kids and keeping track of their daily school assignments

• Working from home surrounded by distractions

• Making sure there is enough food

• Protecting ourselves and our loved ones from getting sick

• Watching how the virus is spreading throughout the world and our city

• Planning for the shortage of everyday items that before were easily available

• Dealing with the uncertainty of when it will end and what will happen next 

Despite these difficult circumstances, there are things we can do that will make us happy in our every day life.

 

10 Things that will Make You Happy Despite the Coronavirus Pandemic

  

1 – Be Mindful

 

If there is something that I have changed since the coronavirus outbreak is how mindful I am while I wash my hands, use toilet paper, breath fresh air, eat, and clean around the house.

Before, I would complete the above tasks rather quickly, without paying much attention.

Nowadays, I follow the specific recommendations of the World Health Organization to thoroughly wash my hands.

First, I wet my hands while focusing on the temperature of the water and how it feels on my skin.

Second, I apply soap, lather, and rub my hands while feeling the slippery soap between my fingers and the back of my hand. I intently look and massage my hands to make sure that every little corner of skin is covered with soap.

Third, I rinse my hands with water and look how the soap washes away.

Fourth, I dry my hands with a paper towel while focusing on the refreshing feeling on my skin. 

There are times I will even wash my hands twice if I think I did not pay enough attention the first time.

After having mindfully washed my hands I feel safe. I just accomplished an important task toward keeping myself and my loved ones healthy. This makes me feel happy. 

Being mindful helps us to focus on the present moment.

You feel sad or anxious only when you think about your past or future but if you focus on the present moment, you will find more things that will make you happy. 

Find out more about how to be happy practicing mindfulness. 

2 – Journal

One of the most effective ways of dealing with stress and boosting your happiness is through journaling.

Moreover, journaling helps you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, which could eventually boost your happiness.

Writing down your thoughts will keep them out of your head.

You may write about any problem that you are having such as shortage or item, worries about your loved ones, or how you are feeling about your current circumstances and you will be surprised by how well you will feel afterwards.

Here you can find out more on how writing can make you happy.  

3 – Be Grateful

  

When you are feeling that there are so many things out of your control, consider focusing on everything that is good in your life.

 Think about your: 

•  Health

•  Safety

• Appliances that work such as the microwave, oven, refrigerator

•  Services you are using such as gas, electricity, water, internet

• Food that is available

•  Shelter

•  Loved ones

• Things around you that you appreciate such as your phone, computer

• Items that you love such as pictures, books, or candles

• Weather such as a sunny day or a breezy afternoon

Make a list of everything that you are grateful for and keep it in a place where you can easily see it and be reminded of all the good things in your life.

Find out how to be happy by practicing gratitude.

 

4 – Practice Meditation

  

Meditation can add more health and well-being into your life, but most importantly, it can increase your happiness.

Having said that, mindfulness leads to greater happiness because it enhances the level of serotonin and endorphins, which are feel-good hormones.

Additionally, mindful-meditation tends to reduce negative thought patterns, and when done consistently, it can enhance your ability to be happy. 

I will give you a break from daily worries and stress.

Here you can find out how to be happy practicing meditation.

  

5 – Pamper Yourself

 

Think about something nice you could do for yourself in your home.

Here are some ideas:

• Try a new hairstyle

• Give yourself a manicure

• Watch your favorite movies or shows

• Reread a book you love

• Look through old photos

• Try new combinations of clothes you have not worn in a while

•   Light a scented candle 

• Take a long bubble bath

  

6 – Look at the Present from a Future Point of View

 

Even though at this time we are all wondering when the coronavirus epidemic will be over, it’s hard to predict a specific time when we will again:

• go to parties

• eat at a restaurant

• go to a theater

• play at a park

• enjoy group sports

• attend concerts or conferences

• take a train, bus or plane

• go to the library

without feeling that we may expose ourselves to a dangerous virus.

Think that in 10 or 20 years, you will look back at this time and remember it like one more of your life experiences.

You will joke with your family and friends about the:

• lack of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, or paper towels

• obsessive hand washing

• food shortage concerns

• social isolation

• use of facial masks

• personal quirks related to corona-phobia

• social distancing in public spaces

Therefore, we will remember the more positive aspects of the situation. Maybe staying together at home and getting to know more about each other.

Think back at stressful situations from your past such as an economic downturn and how 10 years later,  it does not feel so bad.

  

7 – Spend Time with Family

 

During this time when it’s recommended for everyone to stay home and safe, think about shared family activities such as:

• Cleaning out a closet

• Organizing a room

• Playing board games

• Trying new recipes

• Doing arts and crafts with bits and pieces from around the house

• Dancing to upbeat music

• Reading a book you enjoyed as a child to your little one

• Watching a funny cartoon, video, or movie

• Playing video games with your little ones

• Making a funny video with your phone 

The benefits of spending time with family and friends cannot be underestimated. Connecting with your significant other has been shown to boost mental health, relieve stress, and enhance self-esteem.

Additionally, spending time with family and friends has been shown to enhance positive behaviors and discourage negative behaviors. With that in mind, your friends and family will enhance your happiness during the coronavirus pandemic.

  

8 – Exercise

  

Research shows that exercise can have a long-term impact on your mood because it releases feel good hormones.

Therefore, for a happier and more fulfilling life include more movement in your every day life. Here are some suggestions you can do in your home:

• Follow along a youtube video

• Try a new exercise app

• Dance with your kids 

Here are more tips on how to be happy by exercising our body.

  

9 – Volunteer

  

Is there any family member or neighbor who may need your help?

Maybe an elderly person who is at a higher risk of getting sick or someone who doesn’t have access to technology to interact with others. 

Volunteering has been shown to increase empathic feelings and self-satisfaction. With that in mind, volunteering for a cause will not only boost your happiness, but also make you more grateful for what you have. 

Additionally, volunteering is a great way of showing gratitude to individuals in your community.

 

10 – Find Alone Time

 

Everyone needs a different combination of solitude and social interactions.

With the coronavirus quarantine, our social equilibrium is broken. We may be stuck at home with the rest of the family or we may be isolated in our own apartment. 

We may be grumpy because we are surrounded by a needy family all day long. There may not be enough space and we don’t even know how to get along with each other for such an extended period of time.

Being aware of our social needs is the first step to do something about them.

If you feel you need more alone time try these different options and be creative:

• Find out the time of the day when most family members are busy and don’t need your help

• Locate  a quiet spot in your home

• Develop a schedule that includes some alone time for you

• Plug in some earbuds with your favorite music or audiobook

Go for a walk by yourself or your dog

I hope you enjoyed the list of things that will make you happy despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Which one is your favorite?

Do you have a suggestion to add to the list?

Let me know in the comments below.