5 Steps to Fostering Genuine Happiness
Happiness, says Merriam Webster, is a state of well being and contentment.
In this blog Show
To be happy is to be back in kindergarten, learning the word for the butterflies inside the belly and the thought “YES! I got what I wanted!” It’s the smile across your face when you take that first sip of java in the morning before a stupidly long day.
It’s an emotion, a state of being, a taste of peace and bliss that we as humans find challenging to hold tightly to.
In your current life, happiness may be little moments in a given, weird day or it may be a general consensus, that life is pretty good and you're grateful.
The concept of happiness for some feels so close, like the warmth of the sun on your skin. Other times, it seems as elusive as that one sock lost in the laundry.
Why does happiness feel so rare? Between the constant ping of notifications and society’s pressure to do more, it’s easy to lose sight of what makes us truly happy.
Happy: What Does That Even Mean?!
Since we know it’s possible and also, temporary, maybe it’s like a muscle we train. With effort and focus, through grief and breaks, we can learn to grasp more moments of happiness.
If you've found yourself asking, “How do you find happiness?” you’re in the right place. Happiness isn’t about a single, life-altering change; it’s about small, consistent steps.
Below, we’ll explore five happiness tips you can fuse into your daily life to make that smile of yours last a little longer.
Step 1: Get Moving — The Joy of Exercise
Why This Works
Let’s start with science. When you exercise, your brain releases mood-boosting chemicals, like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These are nature’s own happy pills. Exercise doesn’t just strengthen your body; it uplifts your mood, lowers stress, and improves sleep quality.
Actionable Tips
Hate the gym? No worries. Blast your favorite 90s playlist and dance around the living room like no one’s watching. (Bonus points if the neighbors do see and cheer! They may want to join!)
Start small—a walk around the block while soaking in the fresh air can work wonders. Let’s stop expecting ourselves to run, to be out there for an hour, to be seen by every neighbor. Just take a 5 minute cruise down the block and back, babe.
Got a dog? Even better; their tail wag might cheer you up more than the walk itself. Let yourself get curious like your furry friend does and explore!
Noticed a local Zumba or yoga class? Grab a friend and make a date out of it. Shared laughter from failed poses is half the fun!
Picture this: You’re jumping around to “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls. Your face hurts because you’re smiling so hard, your legs are jelly from the workout, and guess what? You’re happier than you’ve felt all week!
Why This Works One More Time
Because you were NOT in your head thinking of the next catastrophe! You were NOT anxious, scared, nursing heart palpitations and doom scrolling for safety.
You were so beautifully focused on the nuances of the music, the relatable lyrics, the costume needed for a big performance like that. I know you got an old band t-shirt somewhere. Me too! You’re amazing, sister, you really are 🙂
Step 2: Volunteer — Give from the Heart
Why This Works
There’s magic in giving. Acts of kindness create community, connection, and purpose. When you lend a helping hand, you’re reminded that happiness isn't always about “me, me, me.” Sometimes, helping someone else is the reset button we didn’t know we needed. Being selfless is actually a cool way to be selfish because EVERYONE WINS.
Actionable Tips
Volunteer at a food bank or animal shelter in your community. Don’t steal a pet or a plate, please.
Tutor a child, help an elderly neighbor, or use your professional skills to support a nonprofit—it all counts and is genuinely appreciated.
Donate your time to a cause you’re passionate about; it adds meaning to your days as you do something you love with others who love it too.
Why This Works One More Time
Despite human inherent selfishness, it really isn’t helping society if you only consider YOU. You’re one of about 8 billion people these days. Check your ego, my friend. Tap into your collective humanity, how you're an integral of a bigger plan. Let yourself trust how important you are, and also see the importance and brilliance in others.
This makes the world go round, and it’ll make our world last for future generations if we focus on giving and receiving, pouring ourselves into our communities and letting them take good care of us when it's our turn.
Step 3: Laugh Loudly and Often
Why This Works
Laughter is therapy you don’t have to book an appointment for. It releases stress, boosts mental health, and reminds us not to take life too seriously.
Actionable Tips
Host a movie night and queue up your favorite comedy. (For me, it’s classic Goldie Hawn in Overboard)
Hang out with kids—they find joy in everything, and their giggles are contagious.
Try laughter yoga! Yes, it’s a thing. Techniques like hearty "HAHAHAs" can kickstart the giggles.
In online therapy, ask me how to practice laughing! Paul Denniston of Grief Yoga has some fun techniques for inviting laughter and play into your healing journey.
Picture This Scene
You’re at your niece’s fifth birthday party. Her face is covered in expensive cake, and the family dog is wearing a tiara. Adults everywhere are scrambling for napkins, snapping photos with phones and you’re wondering who’s going to change the infant’s diaper. You start laughing uncontrollably at the sheer absurdity—and it feels so good.
Why This Works One More Time
This is a tool in the tool box we can often forget about. Laughing is as awesome and powerful a release as venting. The body wants to get energy out, right? Try laughter and notice how your body feels lighter, calmer, brighter. Notice, too, how your perspective of the world opens.
Related: Self-Care Tips for Busy Women to Thrive: Mental & Physical Wellbeing
Step 4: Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
Why This Works
Messy room, messy mind—that phrase exists for a reason. A clutter-free environment promotes calm, clarity, and control, which are key ingredients for happiness. Bet you already know this, Sassy gal.
Actionable Tips
Kickstart your tidying with a 10-minute decluttering sprint. One junk drawer at a time!
Turn on a podcast or your favorite album while you clean—it makes the chore more fun if you can belt out Beyonce, too.
Create routines to maintain cleanliness. Maybe it’s washing the dishes before bed so you wake up to a sparkling kitchen. This small effort is a sweet kiss to your future self who gets to reap benefits in the morning.
Motivating Example
You wake up and head to the kitchen. No dirty dishes. No piles of unopened mail. Your coffee is ready, the sun’s shining, and your mind already feels lighter.
Why This Works One More Time
Who is responsible for this glorious set up?! YOU, BABY, YOU!
Need I say more, dear? You are WORTH the 5 minute decision to start the laundry, to run the dishwasher, to pick out your outfit the night before— whatever it is. Declutter and you’ll find the true joy in a clean space and the dedicated work it takes to provide it.
You deserve a trophee– I mean it. Take 60 seconds and be proud of you! No one is coming to save you. We know this. Pat YOU on the back every time you’re willing to be your own white knight.
Step 5: Disconnect from Technology
Why This Works
Technology is great... until it isn’t. Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and the comparison trap can drain happiness faster than a dying phone battery. Our well intentioned social platforms and email inboxes can create more chaos and anxiety than any one needs.
Unplugging allows your brain to reset, recharge, and rediscover joy in the real world.
Remember that place? ::said with sass::
Actionable Tips
Implement “Tech-Free Tuesdays.” Phones down. Life on. And if an entire day seems nuts, then try it for 20 minute increments and build up to your comfort.
Spend 20 minutes outside—no phone, no music. Just you, your thoughts, and maybe a squirrel or two. I would bring a sandwich, and I invite you to as well.
Set boundaries, like no phones during meals or right before bed. We’ve become too comfortable placing our cell phones on the table when we meet for brunch. WHY CAN’T WE GAB FOR 2 HOURS UNINTERRUPTED BY LIFE?
Reflective Thought
“Watching a sunset without feeling the need to post it is a joy in itself. The likes can wait.”
Why This Works One More Time
See me after the 30 days of self care challenge and let ME know if it works!
Teasing 🙂 The proof is in your relationships, in your energy levels, in the genuine connections you have to the people and experiences around you. If you start to unplug, you’ll see how you become more present in your conversations, perhaps with curiosity and deeper meaning.
You will experience how food tastes a little richer, and noises sound a little louder. When we aren’t glued to cell phones and ingesting invisible sound waves, we can tune in closer to the world around us.
You will become less interested in keeping up with the figurative Jones’s and you’ll want to be more alert for your own incredible life!
Happiness Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Here’s the truth—genuine happiness doesn’t fit into a neatly wrapped box. It’s not the same for everyone.
For some, joy is laughter with friends. For others, like author Susan Cain, there’s a deep beauty and fulfillment in moments of quiet reflection.
The key? Accept your emotions as they are. Happiness isn’t about overriding sadness or forcing positivity. It’s about fostering joy where you can and taking life in all its messy, wonderful complexity. Because it sure is messy.
“You don’t have to be loud or bubbly to be happy. Find happiness in your own way—whether it’s decluttering, dancing, or disconnecting.”
Invite More Joy Into Your Life
Happiness isn’t a final destination—it’s a practice. Through movement, kindness, laughter, tidying, and unplugging, you can create daily habits that brighten your days.
Remember, you don’t need a perfect life to feel genuine joy. Start small. Pick one of these steps today and notice how it feels.
And if you’re ready to unlock a deeper sense of happiness, book a free consultation to learn how.
Because you deserve to feel lighter, brighter, and more yourself.
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