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How do I keep myself on a happy track when it's so easy to be sad?

24 Answers
Last Updated: 09/29/2020 at 3:02pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
Canada
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Lianne Kirby, MA in Counselling Psychology

Counselor

I believe everyone should have the opportunity for their voice to be heard. I use a trauma informed, person centred approach in counselling.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
March 6th, 2015 10:45pm
Try and do things that you enjoy and that take your mind of the current situation e.g music, drawing
ciuin
April 11th, 2015 10:51pm
Nothing worth it comes without hard work. You more you work on your self esteem and self worth I gets easier. Improving yourself is difficult and well done for getting to where you are :)
aLightInTheDark3
September 29th, 2020 3:02pm
Oh, that feeling can be tough to deal with, it really can. But let me tell you this. There are times in life when you get the good stuff and then there are times when you get the bad. But especially when you get the bad, you’ve got to try and focus on the good, the positive side. I know that can be tricky and I know the feeling that there’s nothing good, but trust me, there always is
Anonymous
March 6th, 2015 7:42pm
We all have those days, piled with work, the cold and a killer headache. Yet life must still go on! A good way to stay positive is to keep a gratitude journal; from the stranger that smiled to your general existence, write down everything you can and read, it's a surefire way to keep you on the right track!
Tbone0107
June 22nd, 2020 5:47am
First, try to think about things that you are grateful for, such as the food that you could still eat, the water that you could still drink, and the place where you could still rest. Then think about the happy experience that has happened to you, be grateful that you could feel that emotions and experience in the past, some people might not have the chance to experience it. And lastly, try new things, such as saying hi to people around you, smile when you interact with others and also try to help other people without expecting anything in return. If you do these things cheerfully, I believe that without you realizing it, your life has changed a lot. Good luck! And have a good day!
adoredComfort43
July 31st, 2018 11:10am
First, realize that sadness is okay. It's a part of life and it's natural to feel life's ups and downs so give yourself permission to do so. Second, try to change your outlook to a more positive one. I guarantee that for every sad, depressing, horrible thing that happened to you, somebody you know, or a stranger you can find at least one good thing that has resulted from it. Try to find that good thing.
Anonymous
March 5th, 2018 8:48pm
Negative thinking doesn't do anything positive for us. It's normal to feel sad since it's a very common human emotion. In fact, sadness helps us to connect with one another depending on the situation. However, it's when we linger on that sadness that causes it to multiply and expand. Remember that we can choose whether we give our thoughts and emotions power over us. Of course, it's easier said than done but it's nonetheless a skill that everyone can work on achieving through hard work and dedication. Things like this don't just go away on their own, it's a journey that some people are not willing to take. We must learn to control our emotions before they control us.
Anonymous
April 4th, 2017 6:01pm
Try different motivational activities, such as making vision boards and realistic goals. Try writing down all the things that light you up, even if it's a really small moment of joy or interest, during the day, to be more aware of them. Keep yourself in a routine and remember to fuel your body every day. My best tips must be 1) having someone else to motivate you, fight with you and keep you on track and 2) making positivity visible in the areas you spend your day in. Try watching LikeKristens video "Tips to guarantee you will reach any goal in 2017" for further tips on staying happy even when sadness is in your comfort zone. And remember not to set too hard goals!
calmOcean44
February 7th, 2017 2:25am
I do regular exercises like long or short walks doesn't matter as long as I get my body moving somewhere different to where I'm suppose to spend most of my day. It helps me disconnect with all my tasks on hand like a mind rebooting effect and contribute to my physical health as well. In all it makes me have more positive thinking about the sad things in my life keeping me on a happy track.
TheTripleS719
September 19th, 2016 10:06pm
Sometimes it's as simple as counting your blessings. For example, saying "I might not have wanted to wake up today. But I did, and there's some reason behind that." Other times it might be harder to convince yourself to smile, and that's not always a bad thing either.
MsWhite
July 19th, 2016 12:06pm
I like this question so much. The wordings are perfect. Happiness is a mood, not a destination. It will require constant effort all through your life, but all the efforts are going to be worth it. You will struggle and flutter and kick and fight your way back to the track of happiness, but doing all that is so much better than being sad,
Anonymous
July 4th, 2016 11:45am
try to enjoy the simple things.. and at the end of each day rate it out of 5 or 10. so when you look back you can see you are able to be happy. and if theres something that made you really happy, write it down, so you can look back on the happy times as well. but your allowed to be sad, but remember, it will get better and there are things that can potentially make you happy!
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2016 12:58pm
I just keep my focus and my attention on what is important to me, also I can become in a burrito and cry all night, I am by day cheerful, enthusiastic. I prefer being happy than sad but I know that it is my own and personal perspective of life. My point of view is personal as I anchor myself sometimes and go cry a little, it helps, and mostly it makes me feel better
carefreeDreamer01
May 23rd, 2016 3:13am
Just think of the positive things, try to let the happy thoughts take over instead of the negative ones
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Managing Emotions
May 16th, 2016 2:02am
Its always easier to be distracted by society and to be sad rather then being happy. But good thing comes hard but when u have it you will know that its all worth it. Remember you are responsible for your own happiness, no1 else is.
jessicajessica
January 11th, 2016 7:19pm
Choosing happiness is hard, especially when it seems like everything is going wrong. But it is possible and the more you practice choosing happiness, the easier it gets. First, notice when you're on the sad track. If you can, try to also pay attention to your sad triggers- maybe a certain song, a particular time of day, anything! Next, once you've noticed your sad feelings and hopefully identified what is triggering those sad emotions, you can choose happy thoughts. What's happy? Unfortunately, I can't tell you. Music is a great mood booster- find a few songs or artists who just make you smile. Find activities that make you happy or just feel better, especially physical activities outside.
hugsandtea
November 16th, 2015 12:21am
From my past experience of being sad often is this: surround yourself with friends who care about you, and hobbies that make you happy. If you are having a hard time being happy, you need to distract yourself from the sadness with the happy. If you are sensitive, you can think positive thoughts and distract yourself as well. Positive thoughts saved me from panic attacks. :)
Anonymous
October 27th, 2015 11:34am
I know how hard that is, and it might even be impossible. My own advice would be just don't try too hard, and enjoy the moments of happiness you get. Think of yourself as a fighter, and keep fighting and enjoy being happy, but sadness is a part of life. Its not about not being sad, its about not letting sadness get the better of you, and try to do what you can.
Anonymous
October 26th, 2015 3:04pm
Think of all the wonderful things I have to look forward to. Also, think of all the things I am blessed to have in my life.
HelpfulVision
July 14th, 2015 8:25pm
There are many difficulties in life that can easily drag us into bouts of depression or doubt. I think it’s important to keep in mind of all the positive progress that you are making in your life. Keep your goals and dreams closer to you than doubt and sadness. There will always be times of sadness in life but ultimately it is up to us to bring ourselves back to our own personal path by not ever giving up and focusing on all the positives.
Anonymous
June 23rd, 2015 11:22am
I like to tell myself that it is okay to be sad, because we can't be happy all the time. But I try to find out what is making me sad, and find a way to comfort that sadness.
Anonymous
June 3rd, 2015 12:48am
I am a very self-aware person. I find myself reading constantly about the news, and what's going on, and what's wrong and what's bad and unfortunately the way our news is structured, the more scandalous or bad the news, more it will be promoted. It's hard to find happy things sometimes. I find if I spend some time just goofing off, reading articles on buzzfeed, focusing on my interests and building a community around them (I like calligraphy, and have found a forum I enjoy very much!), it can help keep the sadness away. Doing things for others, and finding good things in your life. For me, personally, 7 cups of tea, for example, is an amazing thing. It brings me a lot of happiness to know so many people are wanting and able to help others in their time of need.
CoffeeTeaAndHonesty
May 6th, 2015 2:13pm
While it is by no means easy to pull oneself out of that black hole, one must actually WANT to get better. It almost sounds like a joke -- of course everybody wants to get better. Of course everybody wants to be happy. But the reality is that if a person doesn't want it enough, they will not be able to recover. More people give up on recovery because accepting their depression, for instance, is much easier than putting in the effort to get better. This is what I mean by "they must want to get better." They must want it so badly that they are able to work through their lack of energy. To actively keep oneself lively, hopeful, and happy is not easy, but it isn't impossible either. Once one gets to the other side, they'll be happy they didn't decide to give up.
Anonymous
March 26th, 2015 3:57am
Sometimes I get upset easily, so when I realize I'm becoming sad, I will always do something I enjoy. I usually call up a friend, play softball, go for a run, or read. :)