15 Simple Ways to Spread Happiness

March has a lot of days that have to do with happiness (World Compliment Day, Share a Smile Day, National Let’s Laugh Day, and International Day of Happiness). With this in mind, we thought it would be a great month to spread happiness within our communities.

When we spread happiness, we have the potential to change someone’s outlook on their day and our own. Research shows that putting a smile on our face, even when we wouldn’t normally smile, can make us happier. Doing something to make someone else happy will also make you happier because you’ll know you improved someone else’s day.

This creates a happier community for everyone. Who knows how far that happiness will go? One small act from you can ripple out to others, spreading happiness as well.

When you spread happiness, you’re also choosing to focus on the positive things in life. When you focus on positive things, you can reduce stress and increase your happiness. By spreading happiness, you’ll better your own life and the lives of those in your community.

It doesn’t have to take a lot to spread happiness. Try these simple ways to spread happiness in your community this month.

1. Give a genuine compliment.
2. Smile when you make eye contact.
3. Tell a joke.
4. Say thank you.
5. Lend a hand when someone needs help.
6. Open or hold the door for someone when you’re out and about.
7. Pay for the person behind you.
8. When you come across a picture or video on social media that makes you smile or laugh, share it.
9. Leave an encouraging or kind note in a library book before returning it.
10. Paint a rock with an uplifting word or symbol and leave it in town for someone to find.
11. Leave a large tip.
12. Let someone go ahead of you in line, especially if they look like they’re in a hurry.
13. Create art where someone else will see it (e.g., draw on the sidewalk with chalk or place stones or pinecones in a heart shape).
14. Write a positive review for a local restaurant or business.
15. Practice self-care. When you’re happy, you’ll automatically spread happiness when you’re out in your community.