1 Running towards happiness

Exercise makes you happy. This is because the brain produces the substance VGF, which acts like a natural antidepressant. That doesn't mean you have to go jogging, no - a walk makes you just as happy. Because every step you take dispels a bad mood.

2 Write a diary

Writing is good for the soul. You organize your thoughts, many things become clearer and more tangible. So why not keep an old-fashioned diary in which you write down your feelings, hopes and insights? This also works well in letter form if you introduce yourself to a specific contact person. You'll always feel good afterwards.

3 Take the plunge into the deep end

Swimming is fun and healthy. After all, water is the element we come from. And: swimming takes a lot of weight off your shoulders.

4 Listen to music and sing along

So loud that it rattles! That's fun. If that's not possible because of the neighbors or the time of day, headphones will do. Studies have shown that music immediately lightens the mood. This also applies to singing, by the way. So let's get going!

5 Learn something new calmly

Learning keeps us mentally and physically fit and broadens our horizons. Of course, it should be something fun. Learning Spanish for your vacation or dancing the tango or knitting - in the end, it doesn't matter what it is. Trying out something you don't know is not always easy. But it's worth giving it a go. It brings excitement into your life, perhaps opens up completely new paths and makes you really happy.

6 Head up, chest out

This makes you happy right away: lift your head up, look ahead, pull your shoulders back and down at the same time. Breathe in and out deeply and regularly. You can do this exercise from time to time throughout the day.

7 Turn off your cell phone

Everyone else is slim, successful and popular. And are constantly taking great photos of themselves in great places and posting them. In contrast, you feel totally boring yourself. No wonder: studies show that social media can make you unhappy. Offline time is good for you.

8 Holidays for skin and hair

Bring the vacation home: a fragrant face mask, hair treatment for more shine and an organic scrub. Add a good book and get into the bath.

9 Simply be grateful

Every evening before going to sleep, you should consciously think about three things you were happy about during the day. It's always better to be happy about what you have than to be envious.

10 Smile - just for the sake of it

Studies have shown that people immediately feel better when they smile at themselves in the mirror. This also works on the street: if you smile at a stranger unexpectedly, you usually get a smile back. And that immediately puts you in a good mood.

11 Breakfast in bed with delicious things

Having your coffee or tea served in bed with lots of things you like to eat - that makes you happy. Even if it's raining.

12 Take a deep breath now

Inhale deeply through your nose into your lower abdomen and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Consciously feel and relax your whole body - first your neck, then your shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs and so on. Ah!

You might also be interested in this:
Time for me: let go, enjoy, switch off
Decide to be happy
Finding happiness: 15 rules that will make you happy
Self-care: 7 secrets for a zest for life
New happiness at 50: the magic of serenity
Being happy: A little workout for everyday life
Learning to let go: How to shed unnecessary baggage