Choose Happy
Faking happiness might sound odd at first—but for some, it can become a powerful first step in pulling themselves out of emotional darkness. It’s hard to lift yourself from a low point, especially when it feels like nothing can change your mood. You tell yourself, “I shouldn’t feel this way,” yet the sadness lingers. The world seems dimmer, and even the people who love you—your best friend, your partner, your parents—can’t seem to break through the fog.
“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.”
― Audrey Hepburn
Smiling Depression Is Real
People often suggest getting involved in something new, altering your schedule, or diving into hobbies to shake the sadness. These can help—but not always. Sometimes, it’s like nothing works. The truth is, for many, the beginning of healing might look unusual. It might look like… pretending.
Faking Happiness May Be the Best Choice
So what should you do?
Here’s a surprising—but research-supported—secret: fake it until you feel it. It may sound odd, but intentionally faking happiness can actually rewire your emotions.
Smiling—even when you don’t feel like it—can lift your mood.
Studies show that forcing a smile activates the same muscles and triggers similar signals in the brain as genuine happiness.
The idea is based on “facial feedback,” which is the concept that your facial expressions can influence your emotional state. If you smile long enough, your brain starts associating that movement with joy. Over time, it becomes easier—and more natural—to feel happy again.
Start Small, Start Simple
Smile at yourself in the mirror each morning. Then try smiling at two people every day—maybe your teacher, the cashier, a classmate. As you do this consistently, you’ll start noticing something unexpected:
People smile back.
That human connection builds confidence. The fog begins to lift.
And slowly, your sadness starts to loosen its grip.
Faking Isn’t Lying—It’s Healing
This isn’t about ignoring pain. It’s about creating space for joy to return. Faking a smile doesn’t mean your emotions aren’t valid. It simply gives your mind a head start. Sometimes, pretending to be okay is the first brick in building real strength.
Final Thoughts: Choose Happy, Even If You Have to Practice
You are not alone. Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’re broken. Practicing positivity might be uncomfortable at first, but it can become a pathway to healing. Start with one smile—at yourself—and build from there.
Let this be your challenge:
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Smile at yourself each morning.
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Smile at two people every day.
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Let that number grow.
Sooner than you think, the smile won’t be fake anymore. It will be real. And so will the happiness.
I love this idea, pretending happiness makes happiness real. I know it is not the solution for everyone but it is certainly a good place to start.
This advice actually really makes sense to me. When I’m down and pretend I’m not, it helps change my mood! Thanks for the reminder.
That makes sense, why not. Soon enough you’ll realize you are happy and you’re no longer faking it.
That is the great topic and a good reminder for me. When i’m not in the good mood i always pretend that i am happy.
While I understand this sentiment and think it works for some people, it’s also really dangerous for people who really need help. The idea that you can just pretend to be happy until you actually are can be dangerous for people who actually suffer from depression and/or have chemical imbalances. It can make them feel like their unhappiness is their own fault when medically cannot help it. It also makes people believe that anyone who is unhappy isn’t doing enough to be happy.
Danielle S, I understand your concern I am not saying this is a cure for clinical depression it’s not. I have no medical degree to make any diagnosis just a nurse. What I need you to understand sometime a little push smile can brighten the day. Here is an article by DR Gary you may want to read further. http://www.depressionconnect.com/discussions/1320-fake-it-til-you-make-it-ever-been-said-to-you#dIWihfEK35tm6Fd9.97
This makes a lot of sense. Smiling does always make you feel better. Even when I’m having a rough day a smile and a laugh does wonders for me.
Sonya, Smiling helps to easy the pain a slight distraction from the sadness especial when you are depressed.
Wow, what a great post. VERY good advice. Off to do some more smiling! 🙂 (And I’m sharing this w a dear friend who needs it)
A smile is contagious. You may not be so happy, but if you smile and people smile back at you, it sort of overcomes your sadness. So yeah, faking your happiness is a good choice.
This is really interesting advice! When I think about it, I think you’re right. When I’m down, I never bring that feeling with me to work so I oftentimes have to fake it and by the end of the day, I do usually feel happier.
I can’t fake the front I think my facial expression will give it away. If I am happy or sad others will know but its good to have great thoughts to always put a smile on your face
I understand Kita it’s not for everyone do what makes you happy.
Never thought much about this before but I must admit after reading your post faking it sounds encouraging. Thanks for sharing!
I believe in “Fake it til you make it”! Smiling is a great way to change your mood. Thanks for this reminder!
I think I am going to start implementing this in my life to trick my brain. When I am having a down day, I am going to start smiling 😀
Chanel, Great habit if use properly will make you feel good.
Interesting perspective. Sometimes it really is hard to get out of that slump. Hopefully it will help for people.
This was right on time and much needed !!! I definitely needed a reminder and I also strongly agree fake it until you are thanks so much for sharing.
Laci, Thanks for your support.
Sometimes pretending to be happy develops into happiness. I know it is easy to get into a mood for no reason too. I know it is a good way to try and get out of the funk.
This really works! I’ve been using the ‘fake it’ method for years. . . feeling follows action! Tweeted!
This is great! A smile or laugh can almost instantly bring up a person’s mood!
This is a really great post! I love the concept of faking it until you make it in order to encourage yourself and get yourself out of a funk!
This is great advice! Sometimes just pretending to be happy and getting yourself up really is the best thing. Just like when you are sick get up and take a shower and get dressed and you will start to feel a bit better. Great advice.
Hi Patrice, our Pit Stop Crew have chosen this post to be FEATURED in this weeks Blogger’s Pit Stop. Congratulations. We look forward to seeing more of your posts.
Kathleen
Kathleen, Welcome and thank you for your support.
When I first read this title I was like like NO. After reading your post I totally get it; funny thing is I apply this way of thinking for other things. Not sure why I hadn’t tried it for happiness.
Mimi “MimiCuteLips” Green, Thoughts are action glad you get it thanks for your support.
This really does make a lot of sense! In fact, I know that when I’m not in the greatest mood/state-of-mind but surround myself with people who are, I am instantly uplifted. I never thought of it in this way.
Smiling and making an effort to shift your mood even when you don’t want to surely does help. Sometimes you have to get out of your own way!