Happiness habits: 8 daily practices of joyful people

Ever wonder how some people seem to be always happy? They’ve got a secret – but it’s not magic or mystery. It’s all about habits.

Let’s dive into the daily routines that keep these folks smiling.

1. Counting Their Blessings

Happy people make a conscious effort to appreciate what they have, rather than focusing on what they lack.

A simple way they do this is by keeping a gratitude journal.

Each day, they jot down a few things they’re grateful for, no matter how big or small.

This practice encourages them to find the silver lining, even on tough days.

So, grab a pen and a notebook, and start noting down the good stuff. You might be surprised by how much you have to be thankful for.

2. Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle

Those who shine with happiness understand the deep connection between the mind and the body. They fuel their bodies with nutritious food, stay active, and prioritize sleep.

You won’t catch them sacrificing their Zzz’s for late-night TV marathons. Instead, they cherish their avocado toasts and Sunday morning yoga sessions.

Picture this: When I was stuck in a rut, my friend Rachel, one of the most joyful people I know, invited me to join her early morning jogging routine.

I groaned at the thought of waking up at the crack of dawn, but decided to give it a go.

A few weeks in, not only did I feel more energized, but my mood improved significantly, too.

The connection between physical wellness and happiness is real, folks! Don’t underestimate the power of a good jog or a hearty, healthy meal.

3. Practicing Mindfulness

Joyful people have a knack for being fully present in the moment. They’re not ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. They find joy in the here and now, in the simple pleasures of life.

And let’s be real: practicing mindfulness isn’t always easy. In our fast-paced world, where distractions are everywhere, staying present can feel like trying to hold water in your hands.

But it’s a practice, and every little bit helps.

Whether it’s taking five minutes to sit quietly and breathe, really tasting your morning coffee, or simply listening to the sound of the rain against the window, small moments of mindfulness can lead to big boosts in happiness.

We don’t have to be mindfulness gurus to start reaping the benefits; we just have to begin.

4. Keeping the Circle Positive

It’s said that we’re the average of the five people we spend the most time with, and joyful people know this well.

They surround themselves with positivity, choosing to spend time with those who uplift, motivate, and inspire them.

They actively weed out negativity, knowing that pessimism can be contagious.

It’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean they avoid people going through tough times. Instead, they try to be a source of positivity for them.

They also know when to create boundaries with individuals who constantly bring toxicity or stress.

Like a garden, our social circle needs to be tended to – watering the positive relationships, and pruning the ones that no longer serve our growth and happiness.

5. Cultivating a Growth Mindset

Joyful people don’t see setbacks as failures, but as opportunities for growth. They have what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a “growth mindset.”

They believe that with effort, their talents and skills can be developed.

A while back, I faced a setback of my own. I had worked tirelessly on a project, only for it to not pan out as I had hoped. Initially, I was disheartened.

But then, I remembered my friend Mike, who’s always exuding happiness.

Mike has faced his fair share of setbacks but he always comes out of them stronger and more resilient.

He believes every challenge is a chance to learn something new.

So, I followed in his footsteps and looked at my setback from a fresh perspective. It wasn’t a failure, but a lesson.

This shift in mindset made a world of difference to my overall attitude and happiness. It’s not about falling, it’s about rising every time we fall.

6. Prioritizing Self-Care

Joyful people understand the importance of taking time out for themselves. They make self-care a priority, not a luxury.

This can be anything from reading a book, going for a walk, taking a long bath, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea.

Here’s an interesting fact: according to a study published in the journal “Health Psychology,” people who engage in regular self-care activities, even small ones, can lower their stress levels, improve their mood, and boost their overall mental health.

It’s like recharging your phone’s battery. We all need a little time to recharge and rejuvenate, and it has a profound impact on our overall well-being and happiness.

So, never feel guilty about making time for a little ‘me time.’

7. Saying No

Let’s face it – saying ‘no’ is hard. We often worry about letting people down or missing out on opportunities.

But happy people understand that saying ‘no’ to others can mean saying ‘yes’ to themselves.

They value their time and energy and are not afraid to set boundaries.

And here’s the raw truth: this isn’t about being selfish or rude. It’s about self-preservation. We all have limited time and energy.

Every time we say ‘yes’ to something we don’t want to do, we’re saying ‘no’ to something we might truly need, like rest, leisure, or time spent on our passions.

Learning to say ‘no’ can be liberating and is a crucial step towards maintaining our mental and emotional health.

It’s a tough skill to master, but it’s absolutely worth it.

8. Seeking Out Laughter

Joyful people understand the immense power of a good laugh.

They seek out humor and fun, knowing that laughter can lighten their mood, reduce stress, and even strengthen their immune system.

Here’s a personal story: my grandmother, at 90 years old, is the embodiment of joy. Her secret? She laughs—a lot.

She’s the first to crack a joke at family dinners and the last one to stop laughing. Even when she’s had a tough day, she’ll find a funny TV show to watch or call a friend who always makes her laugh.

Watching her, I’ve learned that life doesn’t always have to be so serious. Even in the face of difficulties, there’s always room for a good chuckle.

As they say, laughter is the best medicine, and I firmly believe that it’s also one of the best recipes for happiness.

Wrap-up

So, there you have it – nine habits of eternally happy folks. These habits aren’t about eliminating bad days, but about maximizing the good ones. They’re about choosing joy, even when things get tough.

At the end of the day, happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And it’s the little steps, like those outlined here, that make the journey worthwhile.

Try incorporating these habits into your life and see how they impact your happiness.

Remember, it’s not about a complete overhaul, but small, steady changes. Because when it comes to happiness, every little bit counts.