Many of us wonder why some people seem to be always happy while others seem to always be in a funk. It’s not just about luck or genes, it’s about actions.
Happy people do certain things that unhappy people, quite simply, do not. And it’s these habits that make all the difference when it comes to having a positive outlook on life.
In this article, I’m going to share with you eight specific things that happy people do differently. These are habits you can adopt, actions you can take, and mindset shifts you can make to join the ranks of the perpetually happy.
Let’s get started.
1) They practice gratitude
The power of gratitude is profound.
Happy people know this and make gratitude a daily habit. They take time each day to reflect on the good things in their lives, big or small. It could be the warmth of the sun on their face, a good book they just finished reading, or the love of their family and friends.
Unhappy people, on the other hand, tend to focus more on what they lack or what’s going wrong in their lives.
Cultivating gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the difficult or challenging aspects of life. It simply means choosing to focus on the positive, and acknowledging the good things more often.
This simple practice can have a huge impact on your overall happiness. After all, it’s hard to feel bad when you’re busy feeling grateful.
2) They nurture their relationships
Happy people understand the value of relationships and put in the effort to maintain and nurture them.
I’ve seen this in my own life. I have a friend who is one of the happiest people I know. No matter how busy she is, she always finds time to touch base with her loved ones. She calls her parents regularly, plans weekly date nights with her husband, and organizes monthly meet-ups with her friends.
On the other hand, I’ve noticed that during times when I’m feeling down or unhappy, it’s often because I’ve allowed myself to become isolated, not investing time in nurturing my relationships.
The lesson here is clear: strong, healthy relationships are key to happiness. Make time for the people you care about. Show them love and appreciation. Not only will it make them feel good, but it will also boost your own happiness levels.
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3) They practice mindfulness
Happy people live in the moment. They don’t let their minds wander off to past regrets or future anxieties. Instead, they focus on the present and experience life as it unfolds.
Mindfulness is not just a trendy buzzword. It’s a scientifically-backed practice that has been found to reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase overall happiness. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who practice mindfulness are generally happier and less likely to experience negative emotions.
Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, noticing the sensations in your body, or truly savoring a meal. It’s about being fully engaged in the present moment, not being lost in thoughts about the past or future. And that’s a habit that happy people cultivate.
4) They let go of ego
This is a big one. Happy people understand that clinging to their ego—their self-image and the need to always be right—only leads to suffering. Instead, they choose to let go of their ego, allowing them to live more freely and authentically.
This concept is deeply rooted in Buddhism, which teaches that ego is an illusion and a source of unnecessary pain. By letting go of ego, we can experience life more fully and find greater happiness.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to let go of your ego and live with maximum impact, I highly recommend giving it a read. It’s packed with practical tips and insights that can help you lead a happier and more fulfilling life.
Releasing the hold of ego isn’t about losing your identity or self-worth. It’s about recognizing that true happiness comes from within, not from external validation or approval. And that’s something all happy people understand.
5) They forgive and let go of grudges
Holding onto resentment or anger only drains your energy and robs you of your happiness. Happy people understand this and choose to forgive, not necessarily because the other person deserves forgiveness, but because they deserve peace.
I remember a time when I was deeply hurt by someone close to me. For a while, I held onto my anger and resentment, replaying the incident over and over in my mind. But I soon realized that holding onto that grudge wasn’t hurting anyone but myself.
So, I made the decision to forgive. It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight, but eventually, I was able to let go of my resentment. And you know what? It was one of the most liberating experiences of my life.
Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. It frees you from the burden of bitterness and allows you to move forward with your life. And that’s something that happy people do regularly.
6) They embrace failure
Yes, you read that right. Happy people don’t shy away from failure. In fact, they embrace it. They see it not as a defeat, but as a learning opportunity.
Failure is inevitable in life. It’s part of the journey towards success. But while unhappy people may allow failure to deter them or lower their self-esteem, happy people use it as a stepping stone.
They understand that every failure brings with it valuable lessons and insights that can help them grow and improve. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, they focus on what they can learn from the experience and how they can apply those lessons moving forward.
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If you want to be happier, don’t fear failure. Embrace it. Learn from it. And watch as it propels you towards success.
7) They regularly exercise
Physical health and mental health are intimately linked. Happy people understand this and make regular exercise a part of their lives.
Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters. It helps to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase self-esteem. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a high-intensity workout, any form of physical activity can do wonders for your happiness levels.
But it’s not just about the physical benefits. Exercise also provides a sense of accomplishment. It’s a way to challenge yourself, set goals and achieve them. And that’s a surefire way to boost your happiness.
If you want to be happier, get moving. Your body and your mind will thank you for it.
8) They choose happiness
At the end of the day, happiness is a choice. Happy people understand this and actively choose to be happy, regardless of their circumstances.
They could be facing the toughest of times, but they still find a reason to smile. They understand that life is full of ups and downs, but how they react to those highs and lows is entirely up to them.
Choosing happiness doesn’t mean ignoring or suppressing negative emotions. It simply means choosing to focus on the positive, choosing to be grateful, choosing to be kind, choosing to forgive, and choosing to love.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey
Happiness is not a destination, but an ongoing journey. It’s about the choices we make, the habits we form, and the mindset we adopt.
All the things that happy people do are nothing more than choices. Choices to be grateful, to nurture relationships, to let go of ego and grudges, to embrace failure, to exercise regularly, and ultimately, to choose happiness.
As you move forward on your journey towards happiness, remember that it’s not about striving for some distant goal. It’s about making conscious choices each day that align with your values and contribute to your well-being.
Remember, every step you take on this journey is a step towards a happier and more fulfilling life. So take those steps. Choose happiness. And enjoy the journey.
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