We all have those days when it’s tough to smile. Sometimes we don’t even know why, and it could be anything or everything. But here’s the thing… If you want to learn how to be happier when you are a woman over 50+, you just need a plan. Most of us have a hard time recalling things we have learned about how to feel happy when we are right there in that mood. You know the one. Where you feel stuck in your thoughts? What if you had a list of quick, easy things you could do to be happier in the moment? To pull yourself out of that place, even if just a little bit? To turn that day around? Well, here ya go. Here are 15 quick, simple ways to lift your spirits and feel more like yourself again. You’re welcome. 

 

 

Why We Have Those Down Days

You don’t have to be clinically depressed in order to struggle some days. It’s called being human. Throw into the mix menopause, financial worries about retirement, concerns about your kids and grandkids, changes in roles or purpose, and dozens of other daily issues we women over 50+ have to deal with, then it would be strange if you didn’t have down days!

According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), “Hormonal changes during menopause, along with lifestyle factors, can contribute to increased feelings of anxiety, sadness, and irritability.”
[source: National Institute on Aging, nia.nih.gov]

 

How Can I Be Happy?

First of all, it’s unrealistic to expect to be happy all the time. But it is true that small and simple things can make a serious impact on your mood. And fast. “Even simple activities like taking a brisk walk, spending time with supportive friends, or practicing gratitude can activate feel-good neurotransmitters and shift your mental state,” says Dr. Samantha Boardman, psychiatrist and author of Everyday Vitality: Turning Stress into Strength.

So step one? Give these quick mood boosting ideas a try! Some (or all!) might make it on your permanent reminder list on how to be happy again!

 

 

How to Be Happier Over 50

Get Outside for 10 Minutes

Sunshine, fresh air, nature = instant lift. This is my number one idea for how to be happier. It literally works for me every time. And it doesn’t have to be at a big national park, or require a 3-hour drive to the beach. It can just be poking around your front yard, or in your neighborhood. Take a few moments to be present to the birds, the tiny plants between the cracks in the sidewalk, and the clouds in the sky. 

Move Your Body (Even a Little)

Stretch, walk around the block, dance in your kitchen. Especially dance! Put on a little “Dancing Queen” and dance like nobody’s watching! A little movement meditation or yoga is great too. 

Be Happier- Listen to Your Favorite Music

Have some uplifting playlists ready for days when you could use a quick pick-me-up. Need some ideas? Check out my post Empowering Songs for Women Over 50+ for some of my favorites.

Call or Text a Friend

Human connection can turn things around. Don’t know what to talk about? Simply ask them about what is going on in their life. Sometimes putting to focus on another is just the thing to get us out of our rut. Don’t forget our pet pals!

 

 

Sip Something Warm and Soothing

Herbal tea, a decaf latte, hot cocoa. But make it feel special and ceremonial. Set out the pretty cups for tea with a cookie, or a biscotti to go with your coffee on a nice plate, and sit somewhere that makes you happy.

How to Be Happier? Practice Gratitude

Name 3 things you are grateful for right now. Sometimes it helps to dig a little deeper, asking yourself why you are grateful for those things, and how it feels when you focus on them.

Declutter One Small Space

I’m not talking about a major makeover here. Any space you can tidy in less than 5 minutes. This can help your mind find some structure and control. This is especially great if you’re experiencing some anxiety too.

Laugh (on Purpose)

So the fastest way to find a laugh? Pull up YouTube and type in “funny animal videos”. I mean, who can stay down after that? 🐶 🤣

 

 

Put on an Outfit That Makes You Feel Good

Even if you’re staying home, clothes can lift you up! If you are looking for ideas on how to feel happier, this one isn’t just about style. It can also be finding the most luxurious feeling, the softest pieces you own, and cuddling up in them on the couch with a book. The sense of touch can be quite powerful in affecting how we feel. “Positive touch releases oxytocin, helping to boost mood, ease stress, and promote feelings of well-being.” — Dr. Dacher Keltner, UC Berkeley psychologist

Diffuse an Uplifting Essential Oil

Aromatherapy works. I have an entire kit of essential oils, and I use them to create custom blends, depending on my mood. I like to put them into a water diffuser to scent the entire house. Uplifting scents? Rosemary, Citrus (I love Bergamot), Peppermint, Lavender, and Eucalyptus.

Practice Deep Breathing for 3 Minutes

Simple breathwork scientifically calms the nervous system by actually changing the level of stress hormones in your body. An easy one? Breathe in for the count of 4, hold for the count of 4, breathe out for the count of 6. Repeat for 3 or 4 minutes until you start feeling calmer.

Give Yourself a Compliment (Out Loud!)

It feels awkward, but it works. Pretend you are talking to a child in your life that you love. You deserve praise and compliments just as much! 

 

 

Read an Inspiring Quote or Affirmation

I am soooo big on inspiring quotes to feel happier. They uplift and, well, inspire! Create a list of your favorites and keep it on a note app on your phone. Anytime you wonder how to feel happy again, pull out those quotes! Need ideas? Try checking out my post 25 Best Confident Woman Quotes for Midlife+.

Do Something Creative (5-10 Minutes)

Sketch, color, write, knit—being creative pulls you out of “doing” mode and into a more present, positive state of mind. Creativity activates other areas of your brain and takes the focus away from your mood.

How Can I Be Happy? Plan Something Fun to Look Forward To

I’ve dealt with depression most of my life. If you want to know how to feel happier, then plan something. Anything! Bonus points if your event helps or does something nice for others. Know a neighbor who has looked lonely lately? Plan a lunch together at a cute cafe! Holidays coming up? Plan a fun event to raise funds for a local organization you love. Or just plan a really nice dinner at home, complete with dessert and homemade bread!

It is 100% normal to have days when you don’t feel quite yourself. When you want to close the blinds, binge-watch Downton, and forget about the world. (Been there!) We all do, but for women over 50, it seems like it happens a little more often. (Again, hormones, life changes, etc. We don’t have to explain that to anyone!) But you have more power than you think you do to change the course of your mood. It just takes a little action. One small shift. So the next time you are thinking about how to make yourself happy, try one of these quick mood boosting ideas. 

Lastly, I want to mention that women who are suffering from clinical depression need more than a few ideas to lift them up. They need to talk to their doctor and consider therapy. They can’t just “snap out of it”. It is a medical issue, and it needs medical attention.

Feel free to comment with your favorite mood boosting idea!

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You might want to check out my posts,

• 20 Funny Quotes About Getting Older (I mean, we have to laugh, right?)

• Dealing with Depression At 50+: A Journey of Healing and Resilience

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