For instance, if you’re thinking about a vacation you took to a lake, you could think about how the wind felt and what the water looked and sounded like. Spend about 15 minutes or so meditating and keep taking slow, deep breaths.
It doesn’t have to be anything major. A nice 5 or 10-minute walk can make a big difference.
Try setting up a spot in your home that you can use to go to your happy place. You could start a flower garden in your yard or decorate a spare room so it feels beautiful and relaxing to you.
For instance, if you love building things, you could start up a small craft project like building a table or a birdhouse. Spending some time each day working on your project can be your happy place.
For instance, if it’s been years since you read a Harry Potter book, you may find yourself instantly transported (or disapparated, if you will) back to a time when you were happily reading it for the first time.
Play can be physical, too. You can shoot some basketball or kick a soccer ball around to get active and have some fun. Play can do a lot more than just make you feel happy. It’s actually a way to build community, keep your mind sharp, and spend time with people you love.
Consider reaching out to a friend you haven’t seen in a really long time. You can catch up on old happy memories and talk about new things in both of your lives.
For example, if you’re hungry, get something to eat! If you’re feeling super tired, take a moment to rest. If you’re really tense, spend a few minutes focusing on relaxing your muscles and relieving tension.
You could even get a new haircut for a dramatic change.
Grab a bite to eat and visit a local landmark or famous building. You also don’t have to travel to far. Try exploring areas in your own town. Maybe try a new restaurant or visit some shops you’ve never gone to before.
Get some friends together and play a game of basketball or throw around a football. Check out a fun new dance class or visit a martial arts gym near you to get a great workout and learn a new skill. Try challenging yourself with something difficult such as a faster running pace or lifting a heavier weight than you normally do. The sense of accomplishment can take you right to your happy place.
You could also use the time to do some meditation.
For instance, you could decide that you want to travel to Greece this year. Then, you can break down the steps you need to complete to make it happen such as budgeting, booking flights, finding hotels, and planning activities.