12 Small Changes to Make You Feel Happier

One of the best anti-aging? Be happy! You want to be happier, but you don’t want to do anything dramatic, like working out twice a day or making five new friends. Instead, there are 12 realistic life hacks that’ll have you smiling in no time.

Spritz Vanilla Scents

According to Rachel Herz, a psychologist at Brown University and the author of The Scent of Desire, almost all scent preference is personal—except for vanilla. It’s the most universally liked scent. Why? “There are traces of vanilla in breast milk, so it’s associated with comfort and nourishment,” says Herz. According to Perfumereviewguide, the following is Best Vanilla Perfumes – A Top 5 List.

• Guerlain Shalimar (one of the best-selling fragrances of all time)
• LAVANILA Pure Vanilla Fragrance (By simply spritzing the sophisticated LaVanila on the skin, more than 30 essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidant are absorbed into the body to fortify skin cells)
• Dolce & Gabbana The One (Fronted by Gisele Bundchen, this fragrance is as sexy and alluring as the model herself)
• Dior ‘Addict’ Eau de Parfum Spray (This best daytime scent is constructed around vanilla, rose and mandarin)
• See by Chloé Eau de Parfum Spray (summery vanilla perfume)

Wear Orange

Color influences how we feel, so tailor your wardrobe and decor accordingly. According to Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Health and Happiness Boosters by M.J. Ryan, many color therapists say black, violet, and blue can increase depression, while orange is one of the happiest colors as it promotes optimism.

Exercise (Even Just a Little)

Even if you’re not an exercise buff, it’ll make you feel good. In a study, Madhukar Trivedi, a psychiatrist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, found that after 12 weeks of regular exercise, 30 percent of those taking medication for depression were no longer depressed. An additional 20 percent showed improvement. See Home Gyms Best Sellers.

Be Generous

“Buying a cappuccino for a friend makes you happier than buying one for yourself,” says Dan Ariely, a professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University. “It changes the way you think about yourself and the way other people interact with you. All these things have longer-lasting happiness effects.” See 7 times more antioxidant and 70% less acid coffee here.

Make Sunday a Diy Spa Day

Allure beauty assistant Kathleen Suico elongates her skin-care regimen on Sundays as a part of her weekend relaxation ritual. “I like to exfoliate, slather myself in body butter, and hang out in my onesie,” she says. Yes, please. K-beauty masks at Memebox or Night Masks at Nordstrom.

Buy Flowers

If just looking at flowers makes you feel happier, you’re not alone, and science backs it up. Studies show that flowers make us less anxious, less depressed, more compassionate at home, and more enthusiastic at work. If you don’t have a significant other buying you flowers on the regular, treat yourself and arrange your own. If you do, congratulations—you found a winner.

Paint Your Nails

Multiple Allure editors say painting their nails settles their mood. Dana Burke, associate social media manager, says it really Zens her out—especially in the middle of a hectic week. Hot poolside pedicure shade – Floss Gloss Pro Nail Lacquer in Pink Nugget, Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture Summer 2016,  CHANEL LE VERNIS Longwear Nail Colour in Canotier, MAC Nail Lacquer, OPI Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer in Rose Against Time, Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Nail Color in Black Perfecto

Be Optimistic

Studies show that optimism can decrease stress hormones, so try to think positively. “In many ways, a healthy mind is a self-deceptive one,” writes Shelley E. Taylor, a professor of psychology at UCLA, in her book Positive Illusions.

Grab a Sheet Mask

The most relaxing step of any skin-care routine is unwrapping a sheet mask, applying one to your face, and putting your feet up. These days, there are easy-to-wear options that don’t slide off when you sit or stand (we love AmorePacific Moisture Bound Intensive Serum Masque). But really, this is the time to lounge—no chores allowed.

Wear Bright Lipstick

We’re sure color experts have something to say about this (well, according to slide 10, orange is the way to go), but it doesn’t take a study to know a seriously bright lipstick can turn your mood around. One of our favorites: M.A.C. Lipstick in Lady Danger.

Get a Massage

Massage therapy dates back to ancient cultures, and it turns out, just being touched makes you happier. If your significant other isn’t the cuddling type, book a massage. Not only can you reap those soothing benefits, but you’ll come out feeling less tense. See body oil at Sephora.

Spend Time Around Happy People

This sounds creepy—and it kind of is—but the smell of certain chemicals in happy people’s sweat can make you happy, according to research published in Psychological Science. Energy is infectious, but who knew scent was, too?

This post is edited from the article originally appeared in Allure. (Thanks: Allure and Vogue)

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