8 simple habits that will make you happier, according to psychology

Avatar by Lachlan Brown | September 9, 2024, 9:14 am

Happiness. It’s something we all strive for, but it can often feel elusive.

Hi there, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and an avid student of mindfulness and Buddhism.

Through my journey, I’ve discovered that happiness isn’t about grand gestures or earth-shattering revelations. Rather, it’s about implementing simple, everyday habits.

Psychology backs this up too. It reveals that our daily practices have a massive influence on our mood and overall well-being.

So here’s the deal: I’m going to share with you 8 straightforward habits that, according to psychology, will make you happier. These are habits that I’ve woven into my own life and have found to be incredibly effective.

Remember, it’s not about making big leaps; it’s about taking small steps consistently. 

Let’s dive in. 

1) Practice mindfulness daily

When life gets busy, it’s easy to lose sight of the present moment. We rush from one activity to the next, and before we know it, the day is over.

Ever experienced that? I know I have.

But here’s the thing: mindfulness, the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment, is a game-changer.

According to a wealth of research in psychology, practicing mindfulness daily can significantly boost your happiness. This isn’t surprising considering that it helps us appreciate the beauty of the present moment and discourages dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties – two key culprits stealing our joy.

So how can you practice mindfulness? Simple – start with a few minutes each day focusing on your breath or tuning into your senses. You could be washing dishes, walking in the park, or even just sitting quietly. The key is to be wholly present in that moment, fully engaged with what you’re doing.

Happiness is often found in the small moments of life. By practicing mindfulness daily, you allow yourself to fully experience and appreciate these moments.

2) Adopt an attitude of gratitude

We often get so caught up in wanting more that we forget to appreciate what we already have. Sound familiar? It’s a trap I’ve been guilty of falling into myself.

But cultivating an attitude of gratitude can drastically change our perspective and increase our happiness.

Psychological research supports this. Studies show that the simple act of recognizing and appreciating the good things in our lives can improve our mood, reduce stress, and even lead to better physical health.

Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh puts it beautifully: “The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.”

Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges in life. Rather, it’s about acknowledging the good amidst the hard times. It’s about making a conscious decision to focus on positivity.

So how about starting a gratitude journal? Or maybe taking a moment each day to silently acknowledge something you’re thankful for? Small steps like these can make a big difference over time.

After all, happiness isn’t just about getting more; it’s also about appreciating what we already have.

3) Embrace impermanence

Here’s a truth we often shy away from: Everything in life is impermanent. Our joys, sorrows, successes, failures – they all come and go.

This concept is a cornerstone of Buddhist wisdom, and while it may sound bleak at first, it’s actually incredibly liberating. Knowing that everything is transient can help us to deal with life’s ups and downs more effectively, thus leading to greater happiness.

Think about it. If you’re going through a tough time, remember that it won’t last forever. The clouds will clear, and the sun will shine again.

On the flip side, when you’re experiencing joy or success, understanding its impermanent nature makes you appreciate it even more. You savour the moment instead of taking it for granted.

Learning to embrace impermanence isn’t about becoming indifferent or cynical. It’s about accepting the natural flow of life – the good and bad, the highs and lows – with grace and equanimity.

It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s an essential habit for finding true happiness in a world that’s constantly changing.

4) Practice non-judgmental awareness

In our day-to-day lives, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. And more often than not, we judge ourselves harshly for them. Have you ever berated yourself for feeling a certain way or having a particular thought?

Here’s the truth: This kind of self-judgment can be a significant barrier to happiness.

This is where mindfulness comes in. One of the key elements of mindfulness is non-judgmental awareness – observing our thoughts and feelings without labeling them as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’

In practicing non-judgmental awareness, we create a safe space within ourselves. We allow thoughts and emotions to arise and pass without getting caught in them. We learn to treat ourselves with compassion and understanding.

It’s not easy, and it certainly doesn’t happen overnight. But by making a habit of observing without judging, we can cultivate inner peace and happiness.

Our thoughts and emotions are not who we are. They come and go, just like waves in the ocean. By learning to observe them without judgment, we can navigate life with greater ease and joy.

5) Practice self-compassion

We are often our own toughest critics. We berate ourselves for our perceived failures and shortcomings, causing unnecessary stress and unhappiness. I’ve been there, and it’s not a fun place to be.

But what if we could change that? What if we could learn to treat ourselves with the same kindness and compassion we extend to others?

This is where the power of self-compassion comes in, a concept I delve into deeply in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

Psychology shows that practicing self-compassion can lead to greater resilience, less stress, and increased happiness. Instead of berating ourselves for our mistakes, we learn to recognize them as part of the shared human experience. We learn to comfort ourselves and use our failures as opportunities for growth.

When you stumble, remember to be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with compassion and understanding. After all, we’re all human, and we’re all doing the best we can with what we have.

6) Let go of what you can’t control

How often do we agonize over things beyond our control? How often do we let our happiness be dictated by external circumstances?

It’s a harsh reality, but much of life is out of our hands. And clinging to the illusion of control only leads to frustration and discontent.

Mindfulness and Buddhism teach us the wisdom of letting go. They encourage us to focus on our actions and reactions, rather than trying to manipulate outcomes.

The truth is, we can’t control other people’s actions, the weather, or the traffic. But we can control how we respond to these situations. And that’s where our true power lies.

It’s raw, it’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly liberating. By learning to let go of what we can’t control, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and open ourselves up to peace and happiness.

Happiness is not about controlling every aspect of life, but about finding peace within the chaos. Letting go is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to our strength and resilience.

7) Cultivate loving-kindness

In a world often fraught with negativity, the practice of loving-kindness can seem like a radical act. But it’s one that can transform our lives and lead to profound happiness.

Loving-kindness, or “metta” in Buddhism, is about cultivating an attitude of warmth and goodwill towards ourselves and others. It’s about wishing well, even to those who have harmed us.

As renowned mindfulness teacher Sharon Salzberg once said, “Loving-kindness and compassion are the basis for wise, powerful, sometimes gentle, and sometimes fierce actions that can really make a difference — in our own lives and those of others.”

Practicing loving-kindness isn’t about being passive or ignoring wrongs. It’s about choosing to respond with compassion instead of anger. It’s about recognizing the shared humanity in all of us.

It’s not always easy. In fact, it can be incredibly challenging. But it’s also one of the most rewarding practices we can undertake.

After all, when we choose love over hate, understanding over judgment, and compassion over indifference, we create a space for happiness to thrive.

8) Embrace silence

In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise and distractions, the idea of seeking silence might seem counterintuitive. But it’s in these quiet moments that we often find the most clarity and peace.

Mindfulness encourages us to embrace silence, to create space in our busy lives for quiet reflection. It’s about turning off the constant chatter, both externally and internally, to connect with our deepest selves.

It’s fascinating how much noise we tolerate on a daily basis – traffic, conversations, electronic devices. And that’s not even counting the mental noise – worries, plans, memories.

Taking time to sit in silence, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day, can have profound effects on our happiness. It allows us to slow down, to tune into our thoughts and feelings without distraction.

Remember: Embracing silence isn’t about shutting out the world. It’s about creating a peaceful space within ourselves, a sanctuary where we can retreat whenever we need to.

So give it a try. Turn off the noise, sit back, and just be. You might be surprised at how much happiness you find in the quiet.

Conclusion

These practices aren’t about seeking a quick fix. They’re about making small changes in your daily routine that add up over time.

It’s also important to remember that happiness is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding joy in the process, not just the outcome.

If you found these insights valuable and wish to delve deeper, I invite you to check out my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”. In it, I share more about the transformative power of Buddhist wisdom and mindfulness, and how they can help you live a happier and more fulfilled life.

Remember: The power to shape your life lies in your hands. By adopting these simple habits, you’re taking the first steps towards a happier you. Here’s to your journey!

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