At some point, we all look in the mirror and think, “Am I happy?” There’s no shame in asking, and actually, asking that question is the first step to becoming a healthier, more positive you.
That’s why we’re here to get a read on your happiness. Just answer these quick questions, and we’ll gauge how happy you are right now, and offer plenty of ways to get the happy life you deserve.
Note: If you’re experiencing negative or harmful thoughts, reach out to a friend or seek professional assistance. Help is out there and waiting.
![Three illustrated women standing together and smiling with happy emojis, hearts, and stars floating between them.](http://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/29/Be-a-Hipster-Girl-Step-12-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Be-a-Hipster-Girl-Step-12-Version-2.jpg)
Questions Overview
- Almost always! When I wake up, I look forward to everything the day has in store for me.
- I'm usually pretty excited! I know not every day will be "good," but I aim to make the most of every day.
- Only sometimes, but it's usually hard to get out of bed and tackle my tasks.
- I don't really ever feel excited for a new day. It feels like things are always too hard.
- Not really. I'm pretty happy with the way things are now.
- Sometimes, but for the most part, I'm content with my daily life.
- Yeah. I often feel like the grass is always greener somewhere else, but not all the time.
- I always feel like I'm missing out on the life I'm supposed to have.
- Yes! I have plenty of things that I'm excited for in the future, and I can't wait for them!
- Sure; there are some things I'm looking forward to.
- There are 1 or 2 things I'm looking forward to, but they don't really make me excited.
- There isn't really anything I'm looking forward to in the future.
- Yes. I'm always expressing myself and sharing my emotions with the people around me.
- I usually only share my inner feelings with people I trust, like friends or family.
- It's sort of hard to talk about my feelings with anyone, but I do try.
- I don't really ever share my inner feelings with anyone.
- Yes! I'm always seeing friends or going to places where I meet new people.
- I sometimes talk to people outside of work or school, but not a lot.
- No. My main ways of talking to people are through things I have to do, like work or school.
- I don't talk to very many people, even at work or school.
- I try to get outdoors every day. I like to hike, play sports, or do other things in nature.
- I get outside a few times a week.
- I usually only go outdoors once or twice a week, or not for very long.
- I don't usually go outdoors, and prefer to stay inside.
- Yes! I know my purpose, and I spend every day fulfilling it.
- Yes, but I wish I spent more of my life trying to fulfill that purpose.
- Maybe, but I'm not sure what that purpose is. I just need to find it!
- I don't really feel like my life has purpose—or if it does, I don’t think that I can find it.
- I'm definitely an optimist. I think there's good in everything, even the bad things.
- I'm more of an optimist, but I try to balance it with a healthy dose of reality.
- I don't know—I'm not sure.
- I think I'm more of a pessimist. I feel like things are usually worse than they seem.
- Yes. I can think of several people who I could ask for help.
- There are a few people I could ask for help.
- There are 1 or 2 people I could ask for help.
- It doesn’t feel like there’s anyone I could ask for help.
More Quizzes
Still, it's good to have some strategies for perking yourself up when you're feeling a little down. So, what can you do to feel even happier, right here and right now? The quickest answers are to eat something nutritious<\/a> and to get your body moving<\/a>. It may seem too simple, but eating healthy foods and physical activity both literally send positive chemicals to your brain that clear your mind and boost your mood. Sometimes, the positive effects are immediate! Take a moment to step outside, walk around a bit, and snack on a fruit or veggie.
And if things ever get stormy, or even if you just want someone to talk to right now, consider seeing someone like a therapist<\/a> or psychologist. Certified professionals can help you talk through your specific troubles, in private, and formulate strategies to put you on the path to an even happier and healthier life.
For more information on living a happier life, check out these helpful wikiHow articles:<\/b>
For even more information on mental health, check out these trusted resources:<\/b>
So, what can you do to feel even happier, right here and right now? The quickest answers are to eat something nutritious<\/a>, and to get your body moving<\/a>. It may seem too simple, but it literally sends positive chemicals to your brain that clear your mind and boost your mood. Take a moment to step outside, walk around a bit, and snack on a fruit or veggie.
Then, sit down and visualize the life you want. Where are you? What are you doing? How do you feel? Once that's clear, find small steps you can take to work toward that life. If you're looking for more friends<\/a>, for example, try joining a special interest group, like a book club or crafting group. If you want to find a new career<\/a>, polish up your resume or look into free community college classes to gain the skill you want.
And if things ever get too stormy, or even if you just want someone to talk to right now, consider seeing someone like a therapist<\/a> or psychologist. Certified professionals can help you talk through your specific troubles, in private, and formulate strategies to put you on the path to an even happier life.
For more information on living a happier life, check out these helpful wikiHow articles:<\/b>
For even more information on mental health, check out these trusted resources:<\/b>
For more information on mental health, check out these trusted resources:<\/b>
For more information on living a happier life, check out these helpful wikiHow articles:<\/b>
For more information on mental health, check out these trusted resources:<\/b>
For more information on living a happier life, check out these helpful wikiHow articles:<\/b><\/picture>","alt":"How Lonely Am I Quiz"},{"title":"Depression Test","id":13624617,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Depression-Test","image":"
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<\/picture>","alt":"Do I Have Anxiety Quiz"}],"number":1},{"text":"My physical health.","result":"That's great! Let's dive in:","next_quizzes":[{"title":"Which Diet Is Right for Me Quiz","id":13548812,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Which-diet-is-right-for-me-quiz","image":"
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Finding Happiness
It’s safe to say that everyone wants to be happy, but it’s harder to define happiness. “Happiness” sometimes feels like a vague, abstract concept. But when we’re happy, it’s hard to deny, and when we’re unhappy, we know it all too well. The truth is that happiness looks different for everyone, and a happy life for one person might be an unhappy life for the next.
So how can we go about chasing happiness? What does a happy life look like for you? We’re here to share some tips on finding your answer, as well as finding your bliss.
Ask yourself what makes you happy.
This is the first and most important step. After all, how can you achieve a happy life if you don’t know what that looks like? Ask yourself some questions, like: What would it take to make me happy right now? What do I feel like I’m missing? What’s troubling me? Identifying these things helps you figure out what’s making you feel the way you do, and why.
Find small steps to take toward happiness.
Once you’ve identified the problems, or what it’d take to make you happy
, it’s easier to go about chasing that happiness. Ask yourself if there are small, tangible things you can do to move yourself in the right direction. For example, if you’re unhappy with your level of fitness, you might get up and go take a long walk. Or, if you wanted to pick up a new skill, you might look up resources or tutorials online.
Take care of your body.
Your body and your mind are often one and the same! Our mind’s health affects our body’s health, and vice versa. So you can make your mind happier by making your body happier! Focus on eating healthy
, getting plenty of veggies, fruits, and protein. Then, find little ways to stay active
, whether that means going for a 30-minute walk once a day, taking up yoga
, joining club sports or even just standing up while you work instead of sitting down.
Find ways to compliment yourself.
Often, we’re way too hard on ourselves, and start to feel down about the person we are, even when that’s not the reality. If you find yourself thinking things like, “I’m not good enough,” or, “I don’t deserve happiness,” pause and instead think or say, “Hey, first of all, that’s not true. Second, it’s not helpful.” Then, find 5 things you do like about yourself, and run through them in your head. For example, think, “I’m proud that I wake up each morning to face my life. I like my hair and my eyes. I’m proud of my talents, and I’m excited to develop them.” This helps you stop negative thinking, and reroute it into positive thinking.
Reach out for help.
One of the biggest steps we can take toward happiness is realizing that we’re not alone in this life, even when we think we are. There are countless people out there going through similar things, and there are plenty out there who are waiting just to love you. If you feel like it’s too much, reach out to a trusted friend or family member to talk about what’s troubling you. Or, consider seeing a therapist
or counselor, who’s professionally trained and can help you understand your troubles and make personalized plans to work through them, toward the life you deserve.
Want to learn more?
For more information about mental health and healthier living, check out these resources:
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Reader Success Stories
- "This was a really fun quiz! I would totally recommend it, especially if you think you are an optimist!"