8 mindful habits of people who always feel happy in life
There’s a distinct difference between fleeting happiness and sustained contentment.
The latter isn’t about constant euphoria – it’s about cultivating habits that allow us to experience joy, even in life’s simple moments.
As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and an ardent follower of mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve observed that those who always seem happy in life share certain mindful habits.
These habits are not about suppressing negative emotions or forcing positivity. Instead, they’re about embracing the present moment, finding peace within oneself, and navigating life with an open heart.
In this article, I’ll share eight mindful habits that can help you find consistent happiness in your life.
And remember, this isn’t about instant transformation – it’s about conscious choices and small changes.
Let’s dive in.
1) Embrace the present
In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life. We often find ourselves living in the past or worrying about the future. But those who always seem happy understand the power of living in the present.
This is a key tenet of mindfulness and Buddhism. When we tune into the present moment, we stop fighting against what’s happening. Instead, we learn to accept our reality as it is, without adding extra layers of worry, regret, or stress.
Think about it. When you’re truly absorbed in what you’re doing, whether it’s reading a book, cooking a meal, or even just breathing in fresh air, you’re not dwelling on past mistakes or future uncertainties. You’re simply embracing the now.
Adopting this mindful habit doesn’t mean ignoring past lessons or future planning; it’s about not letting them dominate your thoughts and rob you of the joy that’s available in your current moment.
Happiness isn’t somewhere else; it’s right here, right now.
When you find your mind wandering off to a different time or place, gently guide it back to the present. It takes practice, but it’s absolutely worth it.
2) Practice gratitude daily
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can significantly impact our happiness. It’s something I’ve personally practiced for years, and it’s made a profound difference in my life.
Those who always seem happy understand that even amid difficulties, there’s always something to be grateful for. It’s about shifting our focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.
Gratitude is a way of returning to basics in our life, coming home, and resting in what is right and good.
Gratitude doesn’t require grand gestures. It might be as simple as appreciating a warm cup of coffee in the morning or a conversation with a friend. The key is consistency.
Making it a daily practice to reflect on the things you appreciate trains your mind to focus on the positives, which leads to feeling happier overall.
Try it out. Before you start your day or before you sleep, take a few moments to acknowledge things you’re grateful for. Write them down if you can. You’ll be amazed at how this simple act can shift your perspective and increase happiness.
3) Acceptance of impermanence
Let’s face it, life is filled with uncertainty and change. Nothing remains the same forever. This truth can be hard to accept, but those who always seem happy understand and embrace this.
This concept is deeply rooted in Buddhist wisdom. The Buddha taught that life is impermanent, and everything we encounter – our experiences, emotions, and even ourselves – are in constant flux.
It’s raw and honest: we will face losses, we will experience change, and nothing will stay the same forever. We can’t control these changes, but we can control our reaction to them.
Acceptance of impermanence brings a profound understanding that every moment is precious and unique. It allows us to savor the good times knowing they won’t last forever and to endure the tough times knowing they, too, will pass.
It’s not an easy concept to embrace, but once you do, it can bring a deep sense of peace and contentment.
By accepting that life is a series of changing moments, you free yourself from fear of the future and regret of the past, allowing you to truly live in the present.
4) Mindful communication
We communicate every day, but how often do we really pay attention to the way we interact with others? Mindful communication is a habit often found in those who seem happy.
Communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about listening too. And truly, listening can be harder than speaking. It’s easy to let our minds wander, to think about what we’re going to say next, or to be distracted by other thoughts and feelings.
Mindful communication requires us to be fully present in the conversation, to listen with an open mind, and to respond with thoughtfulness and compassion. It’s not about trying to fix others’ problems or giving unsolicited advice; it’s about providing a space for understanding and connection.
This way of communication isn’t just beneficial for our relationships; it’s also good for our own well-being. It fosters empathy and understanding, reduces conflicts, and helps us feel more connected – all contributing to a sense of happiness.
Every conversation is an opportunity to practice mindfulness. When time you’re communicating with someone, try to be present. Listen deeply, respond thoughtfully, and see how it changes your interaction.
5) Cultivate a non-judgmental attitude
One of the most transformative habits I’ve learned and practiced over the years is developing a non-judgmental attitude. It’s a fundamental principle I explore in my book,
Our minds have a tendency to label and judge everything we encounter. We categorize people, situations, and experiences as good or bad, right or wrong, useful or useless. But this habit often leads to distress and unhappiness.
Those who always seem happy have learned to observe their thoughts and experiences without judgment. They understand that things are not always as they seem, and that judgments often say more about us than about what we’re judging.
Cultivating a non-judgmental attitude allows us to see things as they truly are, not clouded by our biases or preconceived notions. It opens up space for understanding, compassion, and acceptance – both for ourselves and others.
This practice isn’t about suppressing your thoughts or feelings; it’s about becoming aware of them, observing them without judgment, and letting them pass naturally. It’s a powerful habit that can lead to greater happiness and peace in life.
6) Practice self-compassion
Let’s be brutally honest, we can often be our own worst critic. We judge ourselves harshly, dwell on our mistakes and often neglect our own needs. However, those who seem consistently happy understand the importance of treating themselves with kindness and compassion.
Self-compassion is a crucial aspect of both Buddhism and mindfulness. It’s about recognizing our own suffering, extending kindness to ourselves, and understanding that everyone makes mistakes – it’s part of being human.
Practicing self-compassion means acknowledging our faults and failures without judgment or self-pity, and treating ourselves with the same kindness we would extend to a friend in a similar situation.
By doing so, we cultivate a healthier relationship with ourselves and significantly improve our emotional well-being. It allows us to bounce back from failures more easily and reduces stress and anxiety.
It’s okay not to be perfect. It’s okay to make mistakes. Extend some kindness to yourself. You deserve it just as much as anyone else.
7) Regular mindfulness meditation
Let’s not sugarcoat it: life can be chaotic and stressful. But amidst all the noise and rush, those who consistently feel happy have a secret weapon: mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness meditation isn’t about escaping reality or achieving a state of eternal bliss. It’s about training the mind to stay focused, aware, and present. It’s about observing our thoughts and feelings without judgment, and learning to be at peace with them.
As Thich Nhat Hanh, the renowned Buddhist monk, beautifully puts it, “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
Regular practice of mindfulness meditation can significantly reduce stress, improve focus, and foster a sense of inner peace. It equips us to better handle life’s ups and downs and cultivates an inner calm that permeates all aspects of our lives.
It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming either. Even just a few minutes every day can make a big difference. So find a quiet spot, close your eyes, focus on your breath, and just be.
8) Unplug to plug in
In our hyper-connected world, this might sound counterintuitive: to feel consistently happy, sometimes you need to disconnect.
Those who seem consistently happy understand the value of unplugging from technology to plug into life. They know that constant connectivity can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and can prevent us from being present in our lives.
Mindfulness isn’t just about being aware of our thoughts and feelings; it’s also about being fully present in our experiences. And that’s hard to do when we’re constantly distracted by notifications, emails, and endless streams of social media updates.
Taking time to unplug allows us to reconnect with ourselves, others, and the world around us. It creates space for silence, reflection, and deeper connections – things that often get crowded out in our digital world.
Consider setting aside some tech-free time each day. Use that time to engage in a mindfulness practice, connect with loved ones, or simply enjoy the beauty of the world around you. You might be surprised at how refreshing it feels.
Conclusion
Happiness isn’t just an emotion; it’s a state of being that can be cultivated through mindful habits. These habits don’t necessarily change our circumstances, but they change how we perceive and respond to them.
Just remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and practice. So don’t rush it. Start with one habit and gradually incorporate others as you feel comfortable.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into the ideas of mindfulness and Buddhism, I invite you to check out my book, . It’s a practical guide that explores these principles in detail and offers actionable steps to integrate them into daily life.
Remember, happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. It’s about finding joy in the journey itself, not just the end goal. And with these mindful habits, you’re well-equipped for this wonderful journey. Happy travels!
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