Feel-good games to keep the happy going

How to keep a good mood going: savour it

Notice it on purpose. Good moods tend to last longer when you pause and pay attention to them instead of rushing past.

Savouring is a real area of research: slowing down to notice good moments, telling yourself what's great about them and taking a mental snapshot can stretch the feeling out. Try naming three tiny things that are going well right now. Yes, a great snack counts.

Write a good moment down, too. A one-line note in your phone, 'today's gold: …', gives future-you something to reread on a grey day.

Share the good news

Telling someone about a good thing can make it feel even better. Psychologists call it capitalising.

In research by Shelly Gable and colleagues, people who shared good news with others felt happier, over and above the good event itself. Send the message, make the call, post the photo in the family group chat. Good news grows when it's passed on.

It works both ways: when someone shares good news with you, respond with real interest. Ask a question, celebrate with them, let them tell the whole story. It makes their moment better and strengthens the friendship too.

Feel-good games online: Noodle Run and Star Catch

Feel-good games are bright, quick and easy to pick up, with a little bit of challenge to keep things fun.

Noodle Run is a cheerful snake-style game: steer a happy noodle, slurp strawberries and donuts, and grow longer. Rounds take one to four minutes, and there are no ads interrupting the fun. Star Catch is a one-minute burst: slide your cup and catch as many falling stars as you can. Both keep the energy up without tipping into stress.

Happiness is also a lovely time to try something new or a bit harder. When you're in a good mood, a small challenge feels like fun rather than pressure, so go ahead and chase that high score in Star Catch.

Mood booster activities away from the screen

Laugh, move and play music. Small, sociable, physical things are some of the most reliable mood boosters.

According to Mayo Clinic, a good laugh stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles and can leave you feeling more relaxed afterwards. Across 104 trials, music was linked to lower stress. So put on a favourite song, dance badly in the kitchen, or send someone the funniest meme you've seen today.

And if you're feeling generous, pass it on: a kind word, a small favour or a compliment you've been meaning to give. Good moods are contagious in the best way.

What activities can I do to make myself happy?

Small, social and physical things work well for many people: share good news with someone, laugh, listen to music you love, get outside, or play a bright, quick game. Savouring the good moments you already have helps too.

How do I keep a good mood all day?

Notice and savour it, share it with someone, and protect it from things you know drain you, like doom-scrolling. A quick feel-good game like Star Catch can be a nice mini boost between tasks.

Are there games that make you happy?

Bright, simple games with gentle challenge can give a quick lift for many people, especially when they're short and ad-free. Noodle Run and Star Catch are made for exactly that.

Are these games free, and do they work on my phone?

Yes. Both are free, run in your browser with no download or sign-up, and work on phones, tablets and computers with touch or keyboard.