We all want to be happy. But sometimes, life gets in the way and we lose sight of what really matters.

If you feel like you’ve been stuck in a rut lately, don’t worry – there are plenty of simple things you can do to bring more happiness into your life.

Making happiness a priority can have huge benefits for both your mental health and overall life satisfaction.

When you take steps to increase your daily happiness levels, you’ll likely notice improvements in your physical health, energy levels, relationships and more.

Here are 10 really empowering ways to do more of what makes you happy:

How To Do More Of What Makes You Happy

1. Examine Your Routines

Take some time to examine your daily and weekly routines. What activities or responsibilities tend to dominate your schedule?

Make a list of everything you do in a typical week, no matter how small. Then go through that list and highlight or star the items that bring you joy or a sense of meaning and purpose.

Which activities give you energy and make you feel most like yourself? Those are the ones to prioritize.

2. Identify Your Passions

Get clear on what you’re passionate about in life. What topics get you excited? What hobbies do you wish you had more time for?

What dreams would you chase if you knew you couldn’t fail? Really dig deep here, because those passions hold the key to your happiness.

Carve out more time for those passions, even if it’s just an hour a week to start.

3. Set Happiness Goals

Just like any other goal, you’re more likely to do what makes you happy if you intentionally set goals around it.

So set some happiness goals for yourself! Maybe it’s reading one book per month, taking a pottery class, spending one hour in nature each week – whatever resonates with you.

Write down your happiness goals and revisit them often.

4. Schedule It In

Treat time for happiness-inducing activities just like any other important appointment – actually schedule it into your calendar!

If it’s not on your calendar, it likely won’t happen.

So claim time slots for your passions and hobbies before anything else gets penciled in.

Honor this time just as you would time spent on work, family responsibilities, etc.

5. Examine Your Environment

Look at your physical environment – is it optimized for happiness?

Consider decluttering and organizing your home and workspace to create peaceful, inspiring surroundings.

Display items and artwork that lift your mood. Play music that energizes you. Adjust lighting to be calming. Your environment has a big impact on your mindset.

6. Spend Time with Uplifting People

Take stock of the people you spend the most time with – do they inspire you and share your passion for life?

Make more time for those uplifting relationships. Politely minimize time with people who drain your energy or discourage you from pursuing happiness.

Surround yourself with cheerleaders!

7. Minimize Obligations

Say no to activities and obligations that don’t serve your happiness goals. It’s okay to politely decline invitations if they don’t excite you.

Prioritize yourself and your needs. You don’t have to be all things to all people.

Protect your time and energy for what matters most.

8. Move Your Body

Exercise and movement are proven mood boosters! Aim to move your body in ways that feel good – whether it’s walking, swimming, yoga, dancing, hiking, or any activity you enjoy.

Schedule time for it, especially when your energy is lagging.

Even a short walk can give you an energy and happiness surge.

9. Appreciate the Little Things

Look for small joys throughout your day and take time to appreciate them.

Savor your morning coffee, smile at a stranger, enjoy a vibrant sunset, play with a pet, listen to a favorite song.

These little moments of joy add up and can greatly boost your happiness when you pay attention.

10. Do One Thing at a Time

Multitasking can drain your energy and distract you from moments of joy. Instead, aim to be fully present for each activity you do.

When you’re working, just work. When you’re eating, just eat. Single-tasking allows you to get the most out of each experience.

11. Follow Your Curiosity

Make a commitment to follow your curiosity and interests each day, even in small ways.

Feed your mind, body, and spirit in ways that intrigue you. Learn, explore, and dive into new experiences.

Allow your curiosity to guide you toward more lightness and joy.

12. Prioritize Your Wellbeing

Treat your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing as your top priority – not an afterthought.

Get enough sleep, eat nourishing foods, drink water, take time to decompress, and do things that help you feel well.

You’ll have much more energy and motivation for happiness when you take care of yourself.

13. Release Guilt

If you feel guilty about focusing on your happiness, remind yourself: You deserve to be happy, and your joy helps others too.

When you’re operating from a place of happiness, you have much more energy and love to give to others. Follow your bliss without shame or guilt.

Enjoy the Process

Instead of waiting for the “perfect” circumstances to pursue your passions, find joy in the process.

Enjoy each step along the way, not just the end result. Appreciate small progress and milestones. Focus on the journey, and true happiness will unfold along the way.

Having a happier life is absolutely possible – with intention, commitment and practice.

Follow the tips that resonate most with you. Don’t give up, even if change feels hard at first.

With time, you can create a life filled with more of what makes your soul sing. Here’s to doing more of what makes you happy!