Choose Happy
Faking Happiness May Best Choice It can be really hard to pull yourself out of that funk you’ve been in for a while. You try to tell yourself it’s nothing, that you have no reason to be sad, but soon the negativity creeps back. Nothing seems happy anymore: the sky seems perpetually dim, everything you do has an ounce of melancholy. No person can seem to snap you out of it, not even your best friend, your significant other, your parents. “The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.” ― Audrey Hepburn
smiling depression will understand
Faking Happiness May Best Choice
- So what should you do?
This is going to sound crazy, but honestly one of the best secrets to making yourself happy again is to actually fake your own feeling. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: this is crazy! How in the world can I even pretend to feel something different, and even if I do, what in the world will that do for me? How will that help me pull myself out of this funk?
happy is a warning sign
[bctt tweet=” best secrets to making yourself happy again is to actually fake your own feeling”]
Actually, you’d be surprised how much your emotional state will make you feel uplifted. Studies show that the more you smile, even if you’re feeling down, the happier you will become. You can actually trick your brain into feeling happy again. Through muscle memory in your mouth and face, your brain begins to connect smiling. This starts to become a habit, and the more you smile the better you begin to feel.
Faking happiness may best choice
You can think beyond your own sadness. It jumpstarts your brain to thinking about why you’re smiling, and you will begin to discover reasons to actually feel happy. You will start to feel a little better, the world will start to seem a little brighter, and life won’t feel as bad after all.
forcing yourself to be happy
Your smile is one of the best ways to pull yourself out. You will notice other people smiling back at you, and that will also feel good. You’ll begin to wonder why you were even sad in the first place!
So don’t wait. More than anything else, this is the my personal secret to getting over teenage depression. Start by smiling at yourself every morning in the mirror. And then smile at 2 people per day, and then slowly expand that number. Slowly, the happiness will infiltrate your life again.
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!