One of the quickest ways I amp up my happiness level is by doing something nice for someone else. If I’m feeling down and out, I could choose to stay sitting in no-fun-ville, or I could do something to spread a little joy to someone else. Maybe I pick up the phone and text my best friend to tell her how much I appreciate her, or maybe I surprise my co-worker with his favorite latte, or cook my beloved’s favorite meal for dinner.

The act of doing something to bring joy to another automatically puts you in the receiving mode for happiness because by the act of doing something to make someone else happy you are sowing seeds of joy, which will in turn bring you the benefits of reaping joy in your own life. But above and beyond the eventual reaping benefits, it just feels really good to do something nice for someone you care about. It automatically sends endorphins rushing to your brain and instantly makes you feel better; in no time at all you’ll be strolling happily down the street noticing all the good things you have to be grateful for.

Give it a try this week; see if you can do one new nice thing for someone each day. Try to make it a different deed for a different person each day! Remember it doesn’t have to be huge and you don’t have to spend money to do this - just try and do something that you know would bring a smile to someone else’s face and I’ll bet you’ll be the one smiling soon.