Life’s too short not to be happy, right? But what’s the secret to constant happiness? Well, as Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a keen mindfulness enthusiast, I can tell you it’s all about daily habits.
Psychology has a lot to say about the habits of happy people. They’re not just randomly content. Their daily actions and attitudes play a big part. And, luckily, these habits are things anyone can adopt.
In this article, I’ll share 10 daily habits that keep people perpetually joyful.
Let’s get started.
1) They practice gratitude
Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving. It’s a daily habit that happy people swear by.
According to psychology, acknowledging the good in your life has a direct correlation with increased happiness. It’s about focusing on what’s going well, rather than what’s going wrong.
And the best part? You don’t need grand occasions or massive wins to feel grateful.
In fact, it’s the little things that often make the biggest impact. A warm cup of coffee in the morning, a call from a friend, or even a sunny day can all be reasons to give thanks.
Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated. You might keep a gratitude journal or simply take a moment each day to mentally list things you’re thankful for.
The important thing is to make it a habit. Because when you practice gratitude regularly, you start viewing your life through a more positive lens. And that can bring about a profound shift in your overall happiness levels.
2) They nurture their relationships
As a mindfulness enthusiast and founder of Hack Spirit, I’ve learned that one of the keys to happiness is nurturing relationships.
Psychology backs this up. Studies show that strong social connections are a significant contributor to our overall happiness. We’re hardwired to be social creatures, after all.
But it’s not just about having a large group of friends or a massive following on social media. It’s about the quality of these connections.
The happiest people I know invest time and energy into their relationships. They listen, they empathize, they support. They make the people in their lives feel valued and loved.
I’ve experienced this in my own life too. For instance, I make it a point to have dinner with my family every night, no matter how busy I am. It’s our time to reconnect and share about our day.
I also set aside time each week for a catch-up with my closest friends, even if it’s just a quick call or video chat.
These nurturing acts might seem small, but they have a big impact on my happiness levels.
3) They get moving
Exercise isn’t just about keeping your body fit. It’s also a surefire way to boost your mood.
When you engage in physical activity, your brain produces endorphins. These “feel-good” chemicals help reduce stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling happier and more relaxed.
It doesn’t have to be a grueling gym session or a 10-mile run. Even light activities like walking, dancing, or yoga can yield significant mood-boosting benefits.
Interestingly, a study from Harvard University found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%.
4) They practice mindfulness
Being present in the moment, or practicing mindfulness, is a fundamental part of Buddhist teachings, and it’s also a habit of people who always feel happy in life.
Mindfulness is about truly experiencing the present, instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It helps you appreciate what’s happening right now, which can lead to a greater sense of joy and contentment.
But how do you cultivate mindfulness? Well, it can start with simple activities like focusing on your breath or paying attention to the sensations in your body.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into these practices and share how they can help you live with more satisfaction and less stress.
By practicing mindfulness, you develop a heightened awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. This awareness allows you to savor life’s pleasures more fully, cope with difficult experiences more effectively, and have a deeper connection with yourself and others.
5) They know it’s okay not to be okay
This might sound counterintuitive when we’re talking about happiness. But acknowledging that it’s okay to have bad days is actually a habit of people who consistently feel happy.
Nobody’s life is perfect. We all face challenges, disappointments, and setbacks. And it’s completely normal to feel down or upset in these situations.
I’ve had moments where things didn’t go as planned, where I felt overwhelmed and unsure. It’s tough. But instead of resisting these feelings, I’ve learned to accept them.
Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation. It means understanding that life has ups and downs, and that’s okay.
By acknowledging your feelings and giving yourself permission to feel them fully, you’re not letting them control you. Instead, you’re allowing yourself to experience them, learn from them, and then let them go.
This acceptance is a form of self-compassion and can help you bounce back more quickly from life’s inevitable downs, leading to a more consistent state of happiness. So remember, it’s okay not to be okay sometimes.
6) They disconnect to connect
In our hyper-connected world, this might seem a bit counter-intuitive. But taking time to disconnect from technology is a crucial habit of people who always feel happy.
We’re constantly bombarded with notifications, messages, and updates. This constant digital stimulation can make us feel stressed and overwhelmed, leaving little room for happiness.
That’s why it’s important to unplug every now and then. Disconnecting allows us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us in a more authentic way.
It could be as simple as turning off your notifications for a few hours, having a technology-free day each week, or designating specific times of the day as tech-free zones.
This time away from screens gives your mind a chance to rest and reset. It also creates space for other activities that boost happiness—like reading a book, going for a walk, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet.
7) They prioritize sleep
Sleep might seem like a mundane part of our daily routine, but it’s actually crucial for our overall happiness.
A good night’s sleep not only helps you feel refreshed and energized, but it also has a significant impact on your mood. Lack of sleep can make us feel irritable, anxious, and generally low.
So it’s no surprise that people who consistently feel happy make sleep a priority. They understand the importance of a regular sleep schedule and ensure they’re getting the recommended seven to nine hours each night.
Moreover, they create an environment that’s conducive to good sleep. This might involve reducing screen time before bed, keeping their bedroom dark and cool, or incorporating relaxation techniques like reading or meditation into their bedtime routine.
If you want to boost your happiness, don’t skimp on sleep. Prioritize it just as you would any other important activity in your day. After all, a well-rested you is a happier you.
8) They make time for hobbies
Hobbies aren’t just for passing time. They’re a powerful source of happiness.
Engaging in activities you love not only brings joy but also gives you a sense of accomplishment and self-expression. Whether it’s gardening, painting, hiking, or playing an instrument, hobbies can have a profound positive impact on your mood.
As someone who’s always been passionate about mindfulness, I’ve found that my hobby of meditation has had a huge influence on my happiness levels. It’s something I look forward to each day, a moment of peace in the hustle and bustle of life.
But your hobby doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming. It could be as simple as bird-watching, baking, or even just doodling.
The key is to find something you truly enjoy and make time for it regularly. Because when you’re engaged in activities you love, you’re more likely to feel content and fulfilled. And that’s a big step toward consistent happiness.
10) They choose happiness
At the end of the day, the most important habit of people who always feel happy is that they choose happiness.
Happiness is a choice. It’s about deciding to focus on the positive, to be grateful, to nurture relationships, to stay in the moment, and to take care of oneself.
Choosing happiness doesn’t mean ignoring hardships or pretending everything’s perfect. It means choosing to see the good, even when things aren’t going as planned.
It’s a mindset, an attitude, a way of life. And it’s a choice you can make every single day.
Final thoughts: It’s within your control
The core takeaway from exploring these habits of consistently happy people is the realization that happiness is largely within our control.
Each habit we’ve discussed, from practicing gratitude to nurturing relationships to choosing happiness, underscores the power we hold over our own joy.
Even amid life’s inevitable ups and downs, we have the ability to shape our outlook and actions towards positivity.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve further into how personal practices can influence our overall happiness and satisfaction in life.
But remember, adopting these habits isn’t a one-time event. It’s a lifelong journey. Each day presents a new opportunity to embrace these practices, to choose happiness.
So, as you go about your day, consider how these habits can fit into your life. Reflect on the power you have over your own happiness.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about finding happiness – it’s about choosing it, again and again.
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