Most people think they need to change their whole life to feel better. But the truth is, you can feel happier today—right now—with just a few simple steps.
I used to think happiness was this huge goal I had to chase. Back when I was stuck in bad habits—overgaming, overeating, drinking too often, and sinking into laziness—I believed I’d only feel better once I hit some big achievement. Losing 110 pounds changed my body, but it was the small daily choices that changed my life. Here's what I’ve learned. These are eight easy but powerful things that you can do today to boost your mood and feel more at peace.
1. Start Your Day with Gratitude
Before checking your phone or jumping out of bed, pause and think of three things you're grateful for. Don’t overthink it. It could be your warm bed, your morning coffee, or even just waking up.
When I started making gratitude part of my mornings, it shifted how I looked at everything. I used to focus on what I didn’t have. But when I thanked God for what He had already given me, it helped me stop chasing happiness and start seeing it right in front of me.
Try it tomorrow. Say it out loud. Write it in a journal. Feel it.
2. Get Outside for a Few Minutes
You don’t need to hike a mountain. Just step outside. Feel the sun on your face. Breathe the fresh air. Even five minutes in nature can lift your mood.
When I first started walking regularly, I could barely make it around the block without getting winded. But I still felt better every time I got out there. Today, I don’t walk just for the physical benefits. I walk because it gives my mind and soul some space to breathe.
If you can move your body a little while you’re out there—even better.
3. Do One Small Thing You’ve Been Avoiding
We all have that one task that lingers. Maybe it’s replying to a message or doing the dishes. It just sits there, weighing on us.
Pick one thing. Just one. And do it.
Taking action, especially when we’ve been putting it off, helps us feel more in control. For me, these small wins started adding up. I’d clean my desk or prep a healthy meal, and suddenly I wasn’t spiraling down the same old path. It broke the cycle and gave me momentum.
4. Say a Quick Prayer or Affirmation
Even if you're not religious, taking a moment to center yourself can make a big difference. But for me, reconnecting with God was the biggest turning point.
When I lost my way, faith brought me back. I started saying the Jesus Prayer in moments of stress. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.” Saying this simple prayer out loud or silently reminded me I wasn’t alone.
If prayer feels unfamiliar, try a simple affirmation like, “This moment matters” or “I can choose peace today.”
5. Limit Your Social Media Time
You know that scroll that starts with “just five minutes” and ends 45 minutes later with you feeling worse? Yeah, that one. Set a small boundary.
Only check your socials at certain times. Or delete one app for the day. You’ll be amazed how much lighter you feel.
I used to scroll endlessly after binging on junk food or drinking, numbing myself. I thought I was relaxing, but I was actually avoiding life. Replacing that screen time with a short walk, a bit of journaling, or just sitting quietly helped more than I expected.
6. Connect with Someone in a Real Way
Send a message to a friend. Call your mom. Smile at your neighbor. You don’t need a deep heart-to-heart—just a reminder that you’re not alone.
Connection helps us feel seen and supported. When I was losing weight and ditching my bad habits, support from friends (and even the GoodExistence community) kept me going. I didn’t need a big speech. Just knowing someone cared made all the difference.
Even saying a kind word to someone else can lift your own spirit.
7. Celebrate a Small Win
Maybe you made your bed. Maybe you said no to junk food. Maybe you got out of bed even though you didn’t feel like it. Celebrate that.
We wait for the big moments—promotion, milestones, dramatic before-and-after shots. But real joy comes from noticing progress in the little things.
When I was 320 pounds, I didn’t celebrate losing 100 pounds. I celebrated walking for five minutes without stopping. Those wins gave me hope. Today, even completing my deep work window or praying when I feel anxious is something I choose to celebrate.
8. Do Something Just for You
This might be the hardest one. Give yourself permission to enjoy something wholesome just because it brings you joy.
Read a book. Sip tea in peace. Draw. Listen to music. Play with your dog. Anything that reminds you life isn’t just a list of tasks. It’s meant to be lived.
Back when I was working to rebuild my life, I used to feel guilty when I rested. But now, I make space for joy. I learned you don’t have to earn peace. You just have to create a little room for it.
Start Small. Start Today.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to feel better. You just need one small shift in the right direction.
Which one of these sounds doable today? Pick one. Try it. Then pick another tomorrow. Don’t wait for perfect timing. Don’t wait until you have more energy or motivation.
Happiness isn’t out there somewhere. It’s in the simple moments you create right now.
What will you do today to take one step closer to a good existence?
We're in this together. Let's keep growing.
