Happiness is not a destination, but a journey. It’s something we have to cultivate daily, not something we stumble upon.
Psychology tells us that it’s the little things that make the biggest difference when it comes to our daily happiness. It’s about the habits we form and follow every day that shape our overall mood.
These aren’t grand gestures or life-altering changes. They’re small habits, simple and doable, yet they pack a punch in boosting your happiness levels.
Curious about what these habits are? Stick around as I share 8 of them with you. These are habits that will make you a happier person every day.
1) Gratitude journaling
The first step towards being a happier person every day, according to psychology, is cultivating gratitude.
Now, you might wonder, how does one ‘cultivate’ gratitude? It’s simple – through journaling.
Every night before you go to bed, take a few minutes to write down three things you’re grateful for that day. It could be as simple as having a good cup of coffee or as monumental as getting a big project at work.
This act of recognizing and acknowledging the good in your life helps shift your mindset from focusing on what’s wrong to cherishing what’s right.
2) Daily exercise
Exercise is often touted as a cure-all for every ailment, from physical health issues to mental stress. And according to psychology, it’s also one of the most effective ways to boost your daily happiness.
Even as little as 10 minutes of physical activity a day can have a significant impact on your mood. It releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good neurotransmitters, leading to what is often referred to as a “runner’s high”.
Personally, I’ve seen the benefits of this in my own life. I used to feel sluggish and low most of the time. Then I started taking a brisk walk every morning before work.
At first, it felt like a chore. But over time, I began to look forward to those solitary walks. They gave me time to clear my mind and prepare for the day ahead. More importantly, they made me happier.
3) Unplugging from technology
In this digital age, we’re constantly bombarded with information, be it from social media, emails, or news feeds. While technology certainly has its benefits, it can also lead to information overload and increased stress levels.
Taking some time each day to unplug and disconnect can significantly enhance your happiness. It provides much-needed respite for your brain from the constant stream of data and allows you to focus on the present moment.
Make it a habit to set aside some tech-free time each day. It could be during your lunch break, before bedtime, or any other time that suits your schedule. You’ll likely notice a boost in your mood and overall well-being.
4) Practicing mindfulness
Mindfulness, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhism, is all about living in the present moment. It’s about acknowledging and accepting your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgement.
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your happiness. It allows you to experience life more fully, reduces stress, and helps you navigate difficult feelings more effectively.
In fact, in my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the principles of Buddhism and how they can be applied to our modern lives for greater happiness and peace.
You don’t have to be a Buddhist monk to practice mindfulness. You can start by simply focusing on your breath for a few minutes each day, or paying attention to the sensory details of everyday activities like eating or walking.
By making mindfulness a habit, you’re not only embracing a key tenet of Buddhism, but you’re also setting yourself up for enhanced daily happiness.
5) Connecting with nature
There’s something truly soothing about immersing oneself in nature. The rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, the vast expanse of green – it all has a way of calming the mind and lifting one’s spirits.
Every weekend, I make it a point to visit a nearby park. Sometimes, I bring a book along. Other times, I simply sit there, soaking in the tranquility. These moments of connection with nature are often the highlight of my week, a balm for the soul amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
But you don’t need to wait for the weekend to get your dose of nature. Even a brief walk outside during your lunch break or tending to your houseplants can do the trick.
Integrating nature into your everyday routine might seem like a small shift, but its impact on your happiness can be quite significant.
6) Embracing discomfort
This may sound counter-intuitive at first, but bear with me. Often, we go to great lengths to avoid discomfort. But the truth is, discomfort is a part of life and trying to escape it only leads to more stress and unhappiness.
Instead, how about we try embracing discomfort?
It could be anything – speaking up in a meeting when you usually stay quiet, trying a new workout that scares you, or even confronting a difficult emotion instead of suppressing it.
When we embrace discomfort, we’re basically stepping out of our comfort zones. And that’s where the magic happens. That’s where we grow, learn, and ultimately, find happiness.
7) Regular acts of kindness
You’ve probably heard the phrase “it’s better to give than to receive”. And when it comes to happiness, this couldn’t be truer.
Performing regular acts of kindness, no matter how small, can significantly boost your happiness levels. This could be anything from helping a colleague with a task, volunteering in your local community, or even just giving a genuine compliment to a stranger.
These acts of kindness create a sense of connection and community, and studies have shown that they can even trigger the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood regulation.
Go ahead, make someone’s day a little better. Your own day will likely become brighter too.
8) Prioritizing sleep
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. It’s not just about feeling rested and rejuvenated. Quality sleep plays a crucial role in our emotional wellbeing and overall happiness.
When we’re sleep-deprived, our ability to handle stress, manage emotions, and stay positive is compromised. On the other hand, getting enough sleep can enhance our mood, boost our resilience, and even improve our interpersonal relationships.
Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a soothing bedtime routine, and ensure your sleep environment is conducive to restful slumber. Trust me, your happiness levels will thank you for it.
Final thoughts: It’s all about practice
Happiness isn’t a destination that we arrive at one fine day. It’s an ongoing journey, a practice that we consciously choose to engage in every day.
Each small habit that we’ve discussed here, from gratitude journaling to prioritizing sleep, is a step towards cultivating that practice of happiness. And like any other practice, it requires consistency and commitment.
You may not notice the change overnight. But over time, these small habits can accumulate to have a significant impact on your overall happiness.
In my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore these ideas further, diving into how Buddhist principles can be applied to our modern lives for greater peace and happiness.
Remember, happiness isn’t something that happens to us – it’s something we create for ourselves through our actions and habits. So why not start today? Take one small step, one tiny habit at a time, towards a happier you.