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Health and Wellness

16 Psychologist-Recommended Ways To Smile

Be happier this quarantine season.

Julia Licursi

May 07, 2020

UCLA

16 Psychologist-Recommended Ways To Smile

https://www.pexels.com/photo/smiling-woman-looking-upright-standing-against-yellow-wall-1536619/

During these stressful and less than ideal circumstances, mental health must be a priority. Being trapped at home all day and avoiding social interaction is more harmful to the human mind than anticipated.

If you're finding it hard to motivate yourself or even get out of bed, here are some things psychologists recommend to make you happier :)

1. Take Yale's free online class "How To Be Happy"

Want to literally learn how to be happier by a professional? Take Yale's FREE class while in quarantine.

2. Plan your next post-quarantine vacation

https://www.pexels.com/photo/beach-calm-clouds-idyllic-457882/

It's impossible not to get excited about a tropical getaway (once we're eventually allowed to leave our homes).

3. Wake up 15-30 minutes earlier than you normally would

https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-holding-alarm-clock-1028741/

Even though getting a little bit less sleep seems negative, gaining those extra minutes in the morning will help you start your day positively because you'll have extra time to accomplish what you need to get done.

4. Exercise

https://www.pexels.com/photo/an-on-treadmill-1954524/

Exercise is not only beneficial to your physical health, but it can also do wonders for your mental health. Physical activity has been found to be directly linked to people's better moods.

5. Go Outside

https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-and-green-grass-field-during-sunset-1237119/

If you're trapped inside all day with no sunshine or fresh air, you're obviously going to be in a bad mood.

6. Say Hi to a stranger

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-white-high-top-shoes-1021145/

This isn't something many of us are used to doing, but you'd be surprised how much better it can make you feel.

7. Call family/friends

https://www.pexels.com/photo/closeup-portrait-of-young-lady-talking-on-mobile-phone-6386/

This may seem obvious, but studies literally show a link between talking to loved ones and reduced stress levels.

8. Listen to sad music

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-wearing-black-sleeveless-dress-holding-white-headphone-at-daytime-1001850/

I know this sounds weird, but studies actually do show that playing melencholy music can provoke your own positive and happy feelings.

9. Look at old pictures/an old year book

https://www.pexels.com/photo/old-photos-in-the-wooden-box-5842/

Because it's impossible not to smile when looking at an awkward picture of you in Middle School.

10. Spoil yourself a little (go online shopping!!)

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-holding-card-while-operating-silver-laptop-919436/

Spending money actually can buy happiness sometimes. This doesn't mean go max out your credit card, but if you've had your eye on something for awhile, it's okay to treat yourself.

11. Play with a dog

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-hugging-her-siberian-husky-3671246/

Playing with pets releases oxytocin, so go hug a puppy when you're feeling down.

12. Don't search for happiness

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-stands-on-mountain-over-field-under-cloudy-sky-at-sunrise-847483/

The more obsessed we become, the less likely we are to achieve it. Focus on building relationships and pursuing your interests and happiness will follow.

13. Write down things you're grateful for

https://www.pexels.com/photo/fashion-woman-notebook-pen-34072/

Remind yourself of all of the amazing things in your life.

14.Give someone a compliment

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-jacket-smiling-3928937/

Making someone else smile will always make you happier.

15. Give yourself a compliment

https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-looking-at-the-mirror-774866/

You'll never achieve true happiness if you aren't nice to yourself.

16. Meditate

https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-man-at-daytime-1051838/

Meditation allows you to escape the anxieties of reality by just focusing on your breath.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

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Recommended for you

16 Psychologist-Recommended Ways To Smile

Be happier this quarantine season.

1. Take Yale's free online class "How To Be Happy"

2. Plan your next post-quarantine vacation

3. Wake up 15-30 minutes earlier than you normally would

4. Exercise

5. Go Outside

6. Say Hi to a stranger

7. Call family/friends

8. Listen to sad music

9. Look at old pictures/an old year book

10. Spoil yourself a little (go online shopping!!)

11. Play with a dog

12. Don't search for happiness

13. Write down things you're grateful for

14.Give someone a compliment

15. Give yourself a compliment

16. Meditate

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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