Happiness is often considered one of those ever elusive emotions. We seem to search for it as if it were some tangible object. The truth is, happiness is something we feel despite what might be going on in our life – it is a state of being independent of circumstance. There is no magical switch or special pill to change our outlook, but there are habits most happy people have in common. Have you ever considered how acting happy (faking it until you make it) might actually affect your level of happiness?
Happiness is a state of being independent of our circumstance.
When we feel unhappy, changing is usually the last thing from our mind. But when it comes to our happiness isn’t a new habit worth trying on for size?
1. Practice Gratitude
While this one may seem obvious, I’m not talking about expressing gratitude. The practice of just looking for gratitude causes our brain to change gears. It moves our focus from what might be wrong to try to find what is right. Just looking for things to be grateful for has shown to improve a person’s overall sense of happiness.
2. Surround Yourself with Happy People
Have you ever noticed how happiness is contagious? Our attitudes easily rub off on those around us. So when I’m looking to be a little happier I try to spend time with happy people. It’s better than catching a bad cold or flu – but contagious just the same.
3. Laugh
Seems obvious I know. Laughing is something happy people do. But the Mayo Clinic says laughter does a lot to improve our health. It stimulates organs increasing the endorphins that are released by our brain, relieves stress, soothes tension, improves our immune system, relieves pain, and of course improves our mood. Give it a try – next time you have a good laugh take a look at how you feel. Are you a little less tense or more relaxed? Laughter is a natural wonder when it comes to being happy.
4. Cultivate Positive Thoughts
Have you ever made the connection between happy people and positive people? They are one in the same! Happy people are some of the most positive people around. Working at having positive thoughts requires some work. Learning to focus on the good you see is a habit created by practice. When you catch yourself in mid-critical thought, try changing your focus to something good instead. Try this two-minute exercise: focus on positive thoughts for 2 minutes. Think of it as a brain workout – you have the power to physically change your brain.
5. Nurture your Important Relationships
Harvard conducted a 75-year study to determine the most important factor to happiness – their conclusion? Long lasting relationships. Love. Knowing you have someone to depend on, a person who will always be there for you is what determines our greater happiness. Consider what you are doing today to make your relationships stronger tomorrow. Your happiness might depend on it.
6. Spend Money or Time on Other People
Remember how practicing gratitude can change our focus? Well, how we decide to spend our time or money does the same thing. Think about Christmas time when you are searching for the perfect gift for someone. Or the time you spent an afternoon with someone who needed some extra help. Without fail my spirits feel lifted when I focus on someone else‘s needs rather than my own.
7. Pray or Meditate
Happy people are spiritually in tune. I think this also links back to gratitude and where we focus our thoughts. Taking the time to kneel, ponder, think, focus, and breathe while we communicate with God improves our spiritual sensors, helps to organize our thoughts and provides clarity for big decisions. Seems simple – why not give it a try?
Happy Habit Takeaways
Simplicity is key. One habit at a time. New habits don’t always feel natural at first. Similar to when you change the wrist you wear your watch – it feels weird at first. New habits typically form over time, about 15-20 days according to experts, before it starts to feel right. Positive momentum will build with each new habit, use that motivation to add another.
While there is a direct correlation between these tendencies and happiness, they are not what creates a happy person. These small changes in behavior help us to intentionally manage our happiness and can set the course for a happier life. True happiness always comes from within.
What are some of your happy habits?
Here are a few more ideas about being happy.
- Why a Girls Weekend Can Make You Feel So Good
- How to Improve Your Most Important Relationship
- Master Your Mindset with this Daily Habit
- Practical Ways to Boost Your Self-Confidence
26 thoughts on “7 Habits of the Happy”
Gratitude and laughter are good for the soul! Just smiling alone can also make your heart smile and turn to happy!
So true! Thanks Melissa!
I’ve found that #1 and #7 are so key! Practicing gratitude is such an effective way to put things in perspective and find joy.
I totally agree with you!
I loved this post! Such a great reminder to choose happiness, because so many times we can forget to.
Thanks, Rebecca! We always have a choice, don’t we?
Such great tips! There is so much truth – you definitely become like those you spend your time with.
Glad you enjoyed Amanda!
There is so much truth to this article. Happiness can fill us even when circumstances rage against us. My Mom lost the use of both hands through a spinal virus years ago. She is the most joyful person I know. She has an amazing sense of humour about her situation that puts everyone else at ease. Quick example – she laughed until she cried trying to throw a pair of socks to her grandson. No matter how strong her wind up, her fingers simply wouldn’t release. Yet how many times am I thrown off by a long red light? Sigh. I want to be like her when I grow up (even though I’m 46) 😉 Thank you for your words.
Thanks for sharing the story about your mom! Isn’t amazing how some of the happiest people seem the least likely. I admire their ability to laugh and help the rest of us see the joy in everyday life! Thank you for sharing!
Just what I needed to read, Lori! Thank you!! You are a great example of the things you wrote about. 🙂
Thank you, Melanie! You are always so kind. I have a long way to go, but I keep trying:)
Lovely ideas here. I’m going to take up Pilates as a way to relax and focus on positive thoughts. I have way to much stress in my life so this is needed x
Glad you enjoyed!
These are great habits, and about half of them are relationship-based! We are often happier when we are outward focused. Plus, I keep reading research that suggests we become like the 5 people we spend the most time with.
It’s interesting how much influence others have on our well-being! Very interesting research!
This is so motivating! My husband’s happiness was what attracted me most to him when we first met. Happiness truly is contagious, and he has made me a much happier person. It’s amazing how positive thinking and people can truly change our lives for the better.
Thanks for joining #WanderingWednesday with Confessions of Parenting! 🙂
I love how you recognized it was your husbands happiness that attracted you to him! I love how contagious it is!
Great reminders! Human nature always seems to pull us toward paying attention to the negatives or things we have to improve, and we need to make a conscious effort to notice the positives, the light side of life, the funny. Small things that make a big difference.
Human nature is always fascinating, isn’t it?
Great advice. Sometimes happinesss just doesn’t arrive on your doorstep. We have to work on it.
True! Work is always involved in things that really make a difference in our lives!
These are great habits to cultivate. I love #3, laugh. That helps me so much in so many circumstances. I actually have a Pinterest board where I save funny quotes, videos, memes, etc. that truly make me laugh out loud. I go to it when I’m in need of some happiness! It works. #6 is also very powerful because, as you said, of the change of focus from yourself to someone else.
It’s amazing how laughing can help so much! Great idea to have a Pinterest board for helping with that!
What I beautiful article, thank you for these wonderful suggestions!
Thank you, Karen