You don't always need to turn your lifestyle completely around to be happy. Here are a few small things you can do that will brighten up your mood.

1. Go to sleep when you're tired.

Alexander Possingham

You'll wake up feeling refreshed. Even if this means just taking a nap. You will not get anything done and you will not retain the information you are trying to learn if you are exhausted.

2. Make someone else happy.

Good energy is contagious! Do something good for someone else and you will feel much better yourself.

3. Be your own cheerleader.

Brooke Cagle

Celebrate the small victories! Did you complete an 8-page paper? Completed a presentation for class? Finished a 40 hour work week? Now give yourself a break! Enjoy some time to yourself to rejuvenate.

4. Count your blessings.

Think about something you’re grateful every day before going to bed and write it down. When you take the time to count your blessings, you realize that your life is actually full of things to be grateful for. Often times we are simply too busy to see it.

5. Put down your electronics for an hour a day.

It’s addicting and very easy to get distracted. Read a book, go for a walk outside, and spend more time with your friends and family.

6. Don't snooze your alarm.

It only makes you more tired. And if you're more tired, you're more cranky, you're late for something or you just simply don't have the energy to focus.

7. Start journaling.

Estee Janssens

It helps you put things into perspective. Writing is a therapy; just let your thoughts out on the paper. Let it be messy and honest, straight from the heart. I tend to do it when I’m feeling anxious which helps me straighten my thoughts out.

8. Learn something new.

Whether it is a new language, how to play the guitar, or coding a website, learning something new will keep you busy and make you feel more accomplished.

9. Spend time with yourself.

Simon Migaj

Learn how to make the most of it. It can be scary at first but it’s important to learn to enjoy your own company. Curl up on the couch with a good book or go shopping by yourself.

10. Cry if you need to.

It’s okay to allow yourself to be sad sometimes, it doesn’t mean you're weak. Having a cry and letting it all out will make you feel better but remember not to dwell on the negative things for too long.

11. Spend more time outside.

Evan Kirby

It’s scientifically proven that vitamin D boosts your mood and the fresh air will give you an energy boost. Go for a walk. It helps to clear your head when you’re feeling anxious or stressed.

12. Work it out.

As hypocritical as it sounds, I can’t deny that exercising makes you feel good. And you don’t need to run a marathon, start by taking a walk every day or the stairs instead of the elevator. Small steps!

13. Spend time with your loved ones.

Make more time to hang out with your closest family and friends, the people who are there for you no matter what. Avoid people that put you down.

14. Make plans.

Having something to look forward to will not only make you happier but also help you overcome challenges. I might have a busy week coming up at work but at least I’m going to Target on Saturday and can treat myself to some new clothes or crafts.

15. Buy a planner and organize your life.

If you love stationery and planning as much as I do, organizing your life with the help of a pretty planner will make you feel accomplished and prepared to tackle your to-do list.

16. Stretch out your body in the morning.

Stretching improves your posture and gives you the energy to face a new day. All you need to do is put your hands above your head and stretch as far as you can for a few seconds. Easy!

17. Step out of your comfort zone.

I’m the first to admit this is not easy. However, it’s so empowering to take a step out of your bubble and overcome a fear. Don’t let fear hold you back!

18. Learn to let go.

You are wasting energy by worrying about things that happened in the past. You can’t go back and change what happened, so focus on the present instead.

19. Smile at your reflection in the mirror.

Yeah, it’s weird. But I promise it actually works. Of course, it really depends on the situation but smiling (even when it’s fake) activates a little something in your brain that makes you feel happier.

20. And remember... you're the one in charge of your own happiness.

You can’t control what happens to you, you can only control how you react to it. You can’t also rely on other people to bring you happiness, it must come from within. Focus on maintaining a positive mindset!