Happiness, a state of well-being and contentment, is a universal aspiration. I mean, who doesn't want to live a happy life? While external circumstances may play a role, research suggests that our habits and daily practices heavily influence our baseline happiness levels. In this article, we will explore the habits happy people use to make their lives better, highlighting actionable strategies to enhance overall well-being and fulfillment.

Habit 1: Prioritizing Self-Care

As the airline safety demonstration goes, it's important to put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others, because if you're not taken care of you put yourself and others in jeopardy as you won't be able to help them without helping yourself, first.

Happy people understand the importance of taking care of themselves. They recognize that nurturing their physical, mental, and emotional well-being is crucial for leading a fulfilling life. Prioritizing self-care involves adopting healthy lifestyle choices and engaging in activities that promote overall wellness for them – which can look different for everyone.

In terms of physical health, happy individuals make time for regular exercise, which not only improves their physical fitness but also boosts their mood and releases endorphins. But it doesn't mean just any exercise: they find physical activities they enjoy taking part in or makes them feel good so that they are more likely to want to continue. They don't punish themselves with physical activity they hate - find activities that move your body that you enjoy and do more of that! It doesn't have to be specifically exercise, like a sport or class at the gym. Gardening, cleaning, DIY around the house, dancing, these are all activities that make you move and stretch your body and can get your heart rate up!

People who are generally happy and prioritize caring for themselves also pay attention to their nutrition, ensuring they fuel their bodies with nourishing foods that support their energy levels and vitality. Sometimes I'll overindulge in delicious food but feel lethargic or sickly afterward. It may have tasted good in the moment but in the end, why do I want to eat foods that make me feel awful? 

Additionally, happy people prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. They engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or journaling, whatever they find helps them to reduce stress, promote mental clarity, to detangle their thoughts from the busy day and decompress. They also make time for activities they enjoy and find fulfilling, whether it’s pursuing a hobby, spending time in nature or with people, or indulging in creative activities alone or with others.

Introverts may find time spent alone with a good book revitalizing after a long day, whereas extroverts might find self-care looks more like extra time spent in the company of loved ones after work. It looks different for everyone.

By prioritizing self-care, whatever that looks like for them, helps individuals replenish their energy, enhance their resilience, and cultivate a positive mindset, allowing them to navigate life’s challenges with grace and balance and live in a perpetually happier state.

Habit 2: Building Meaningful Connections

Human beings are inherently social creatures, and happy individuals understand the profound impact of meaningful connections on their overall well-being. They invest time and effort in nurturing strong relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.

It can be enticing to end the work day vegging out on the couch, and sleep in on weekends and spend them at home, but engaging in deep and meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and providing support. People who have a generally happy temperament actively listen, show empathy, and demonstrate genuine care and interest in others’ lives. By fostering these connections, they create a support system that enriches their lives and provides a sense of belonging.

Beyond personal relationships, happy people also engage with their communities. They participate in activities that align with their values and contribute to the greater good. Whether it’s volunteering, joining community initiatives, or participating in social causes, they find purpose and fulfillment in making a positive impact on the world around them.

Habit 3: Setting and Pursuing Goals

A goal without a plan is just a dream.

Happy individuals understand that setting, planning and pursuing goals gives direction and purpose to their lives. Making progress toward a goal is invigorating!

By setting goals, happy people create a roadmap for personal growth and achievement. They break down their goals into actionable steps and establish timelines to keep themselves accountable. Moreover, they ensure that their goals are realistic and attainable, yet challenging enough to fuel their motivation and drive. 

When faced with obstacles or setbacks, happy individuals remain resilient and adaptable. They view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and they adjust their approach as needed. Demonstrating persistence in working towards their goals, is rewarding and can make you feel proud of your efforts, what you've learned and your ability to stick to it through the hard times. It boosts your confidence and self worth, ultimately making you feel happier.

Habit 4: Focusing on the Good

People who are generally happy have a positive outlook on life; a positive mindset and make daily conscious choices to focus on the bright side of life. They understand that positivity is a powerful force that can transform their perspective and experiences.

One way happy people embrace positivity is through positive self-talk and affirmations. They take notice of pleasant experiences and try not to pay attention to negative ones. They give people the benefit of the doubt, expecting their intentions are more often good rather than bad.

People who are generally happy consciously replace self-limiting beliefs with empowering thoughts that reinforce their capabilities and worth. They don't allow negative thoughts or the "I can't do that" beliefs to sink in. By nurturing a positive inner dialogue, they build self-confidence and cultivate a resilient mindset.

Moreover, happy individuals surround themselves with positive influences and environments. They choose to associate with people who uplift and inspire them, avoiding negative influences. They curate their media consumption, minimizing exposure to negativity and seeking out content that nourishes their mind and spirit.

By embracing positivity, happy individuals attract positivity into their lives and create a supportive and uplifting environment that fosters their well-being.

That's what our aspiration is for The Happery.

Habit 5: Practicing Mindful Consumption

In today’s digital age, happy people understand the importance of being mindful about their consumption habits. They are selective about the information they absorb and intentionally choose inputs that enrich their lives and promote personal growth.

Mindful consumption involves being aware of the impact of media, social media, and entertainment on one’s well-being. Happy individuals consciously limit their exposure to negative news, gossip, or content that may breed comparison or discontentment. Instead, they seek out educational materials, inspiring stories, and uplifting content that nourish their mind and uplift their spirit.

On a personal note, during the beginning months of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns, I was living alone. Feeling isolated, I was checking the death tolls daily, reading the news to know what was happening. It was bad. It was all bad. I became more and more anxious, as a result. Once I hit breaking point I decided it wasn't good for me to consume the news like this, I recognized the effect it was having on my mental health. There wasn't anything I could do about what was happening out there, in Australia let alone the world, so I switched off and began consuming more uplifting types of media. That turned my mental health around and is honestly what got me through.

People who have cultivated a generally happy nature engage in activities that promote their personal growth and happiness. They read books that expand their knowledge and perspectives, listen to podcasts that inspire them, attend seminars or workshops that foster their skills, or participate in hobbies that bring them joy and fulfillment. Or read websites like this one!

By practicing mindful consumption, happy people take control of the information and experiences they allow into their lives, creating a positive and growth-oriented environment.

Remember, happiness is not a destination but a journey.

There is no “I have reached happiness now and will be happy forever more,” as much as we might wish there was. That said, the ups and downs of life make it interesting and help us grow. And how would you know that you are experiencing happiness without knowing sadness or anger?

By consistently engaging in these habits and taking small, intentional steps each day, we can make a profound difference in our lives and spend more time in a happier, positive and peaceful frame of mind, able to conquer the world.

What habits do you already have that improve your happiness every day?