11 Things That Might Make You Smile

Hello! I'm Rahul Sanaodwala, the founder of StriWears.com. Welcome to My Stories, a platform where aspiring entrepreneurs get inspired by the journeys of successful founders and learn the secrets to building thriving businesses. Today’s story is titled "11 Things That Might Make You Smile."

How Can You Find Happiness?

The path to true joy is unique to each person. Many of us tie our happiness to achieving major life goals—landing that dream career, buying a house, or falling in love. While these are wonderful milestones, happiness can often be found in the smallest moments. You just need to know where to look.

Joy is hidden in the mundane. It's about adjusting your habits and staying open to spontaneity and fun. So, without further ado, here are 11 things that might make you smile.

1. Go to Bed Early

There’s something so peaceful about crawling under the covers and just… being. As a kid, being sent to bed early might have felt like a punishment. But as an adult, there’s nothing quite like winding down early, putting on your PJs, and indulging in a quiet evening.

If you follow the usual advice of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, getting into bed early doesn’t have to mean going straight to sleep. It’s about shifting into “rest” mode. You can read a book, sip a warm beverage, or journal your thoughts. The goal is to relax and unplug—not necessarily to sleep immediately.

2. Meditate

Much of our unhappiness stems from anxiety—regrets about the past or fears about the future. Developing a mindfulness practice is one of the best ways to stay grounded in the present. Meditation, a core tenet of mindful living, helps you engage with the moment and appreciate what you have.

Start by sitting still for just five minutes each day. Focus on your senses—what you see, hear, taste, smell, and feel. If your mind wanders, gently acknowledge the thoughts and let them go. Over time, build your practice by adding a minute here and there.

3. Write in a Journal

Journaling is another great way to practice mindfulness. Writing by hand engages your mind and body, allowing you to process your emotions and express your creativity. Typing can also be effective.

Try freewriting—set a timer and jot down whatever comes to mind without stopping. Or, write a few simple sentences at the start or end of your day, reflecting on what you did and how you felt. You can also explore writing prompts or even start a fictional story. Who knows? The next great novel might be waiting inside you!

4. Take a Bath

Sure, we all bathe, but taking a luxurious, intentional bath can add a little indulgence to your day. The warmth relaxes your muscles, the scent of the soaps grounds you, and the act of cleansing washes away the troubles of the day.

Transform your bathroom into a peaceful at-home spa. Dim the lights, light some candles, pour yourself a drink, and play soft music. You can even bring in a book or magazine—just keep a small towel handy to keep your hands dry.

5. Listen to Music

Good music makes you feel good—it's a scientific fact! A study from Stanford University suggests that music and other rhythmic stimuli can alter mental states and even heal damaged brains.

If you need a pick-me-up, put on your favorite tunes! Whether you’re singing along, having a solo dance party, or just enjoying some background music, the right songs can spark joy. Interestingly, even sad or melancholic music can help process emotions, leaving you feeling lighter.

6. Read a Great Book

Getting lost in a captivating book can boost your mood and offer an escape from daily stress. Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, reading allows your mind to focus on a story outside of yourself, offering a fresh perspective.

Reading is a low-cost, calming activity that enhances vocabulary, retention, and critical thinking. Not sure where to start? Think back to the genres you enjoyed in your youth or explore recent “top ten” lists. Visiting a local library or joining a book club can also open doors to new reading adventures.

7. Get a Dog

Dogs are called “humanity’s best friend” for a reason—they make us happy. Interacting with a dog releases oxytocin, the “happy” hormone that boosts your mood and reduces cortisol, the stress hormone.

Dogs bring unconditional love, boundless joy, and valuable social connection. Plus, their need for exercise ensures you’ll get moving too. Their reliance on you adds meaning and purpose to your life.

8. Plan a Trip

We all know that going on vacation boosts happiness. But did you know that simply planning a trip can do the same? Studies show that vacation planning creates anticipatory joy by giving you something to look forward to.

Exploring hotel options, restaurants, and activities can feel like a mini-vacation in your mind. The act of planning adds order to your life, gives you a sense of control, and introduces the excitement of new experiences.

9. Play a Game

As kids, we played games to spark creativity and enjoy a sense of achievement. But as adults, we often forget how playful moments can brighten our days. Cultivating a sense of playfulness adds lightness to life.

From jigsaw puzzles and word searches to crosswords and board games, there are plenty of ways to play. Even video games, in moderation, can boost happiness by building motivation, emotional resilience, and certain skills. Plus, they inspire a dopamine release, keeping you happy and focused.

10. Ditch Your Phone

Let’s be honest—does your phone really make you happy? Probably not. While phones keep us connected and informed, they can also overwhelm us with information overload and constant notifications.

Taking a break from your phone, even for a little while, can be refreshing. Disconnecting allows you to focus on real-world experiences, deepen personal connections, and engage in more meaningful activities.

11. Do Something Nice for Someone

Kindness creates a ripple effect of positivity. When you do something nice for someone else, you experience a natural boost in mood. Whether it’s helping a friend, volunteering, or simply offering a kind word, these small acts of generosity make the world a brighter place.

Giving back doesn’t just make others smile—it fills your heart with joy too.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovering 11 things that might make you smile. If you enjoyed this story, give it a heart and share it with your friends so we can keep making more content like this. Here’s to your journey of growth and success!