There’s a noticeable difference between people who are naturally happy and those who aren’t. It’s not about having a perfect life, but the way they approach their day-to-day.

Naturally happy people, often unknowingly, have habits that lift their spirits, even in stressful times.

It’s Lachlan Brown here, founder of Hack Spirit and a keen explorer of mindfulness techniques and Buddhism. I’ve spent years observing these little habits that make a big impact on personal happiness.

In this piece, I’m going to share with you 8 things naturally happy people do every day without even realizing it.

These habits are simple, yet effective in maintaining a positive mindset. So let’s dive in…

1) Embrace the present

There’s an underappreciated secret in the lives of naturally happy people – their ability to live in the present moment.

Mindfulness, as I’ve explored in my journey into Buddhism, isn’t just a fancy term; it’s a way of life. It’s about being wholly present, immersing yourself fully in what you’re doing right now, not yesterday, not tomorrow.

Happy people often don’t realize they are practicing mindfulness. They naturally savor the joys of the present moment without ruminating on past regrets or worrying about future problems.

Think about it. When you’re truly engaged with the present, you don’t have room for stress or negativity.

So if you want to cultivate happiness, try to become more aware of your current surroundings and experiences.

It might be simpler than you think; it could be as easy as truly tasting your morning coffee or feeling the breeze as you walk outside.

2) Cultivate gratitude

Gratitude is a big deal in the world of happiness. In fact, it’s something I personally strive to practice every day.

Naturally happy people often don’t realize that their inherent sense of appreciation for the little things in life is a form of practicing gratitude.

It’s not always about grand gestures or significant milestones. Sometimes, it’s about appreciating a good meal, a warm conversation, or even a ray of sunshine on a cold day.

That, in essence, is the power of gratitude. It makes you realize the beauty of each moment and the value of each day.

So why not give it a try? Start by acknowledging one thing you’re grateful for each day. It could be as simple as a good book or as profound as the love of your family.

Trust me, gratitude may seem small, but its impact on your happiness is immeasurable.

3) Acceptance of imperfection

Life is messy. Things don’t always go as planned. And that’s okay.

Naturally happy people have a knack for accepting the imperfections in life. They don’t strive for an unattainable ideal of perfection; instead, they embrace the reality of life with its ups and downs.

This acceptance resonates deeply with Buddhist wisdom which teaches us about the concept of “Dukkha” or suffering. It reminds us that life is inherently imperfect and full of challenges.

But here’s the thing – it’s not about being pessimistic or passive. It’s about understanding that suffering is a part of life, and it’s through these trials that we grow and learn.

By accepting imperfection, we can navigate life’s challenges with a sense of equanimity and calmness.

It allows us to be more compassionate towards ourselves and others when things go awry.

4) Strive for inner peace over external validation

One thing I’ve noticed about naturally happy people is their innate ability to find peace within themselves rather than seeking validation from the outside world.

This isn’t about being aloof or disconnected, but about understanding that your worth isn’t defined by others’ opinions of you.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deeper into this concept.

Buddhism teaches us that inner peace and happiness come from understanding our true nature and not from the fleeting satisfaction of external approval. It encourages us to let go of our ego and to cultivate a sense of self-love and acceptance.

So, take a moment each day to connect with yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

If you want to learn more about how Buddhism really can change your life, you can find more book on Amazon here.

5) Practice mindful communication

We live in a world that’s always buzzing with noise. Emails, text messages, social media updates – it’s easy to get lost in the constant chatter.

What naturally happy people often do, perhaps without even realizing it, is practice mindful communication. They listen more than they speak, they engage in conversations with openness and understanding, and they choose their words with care.

Mindfulness teaches us the art of conscious communication. It encourages us to be present in our interactions, to listen actively, and to respond instead of react.

This approach isn’t just about curbing misunderstandings or avoiding conflict; it’s about fostering genuine connections with people.

So the next time you find yourself in a conversation, take a moment to really listen. Respond with kindness and compassion. Be fully present in the interaction.

Mindful communication can transform ordinary exchanges into meaningful connections.

And isn’t that a beautiful way to add more joy to your everyday life?

6) Embrace change

Change is a constant in life. Seasons change, people grow, and nothing stays the same forever. Yet, it’s one of the things we as humans struggle with the most.

Naturally happy people often have an inherent acceptance of change. They understand that life ebbs and flows, and they go with it rather than resisting it.

In Buddhism, this aligns with the concept of “Anicca,” or impermanence. It teaches us that everything in life is transient and ever-changing.

Mindfulness, too, encourages an acceptance of change. It asks us to observe our feelings and thoughts without judgment, acknowledging that they are not permanent but fleeting.

So when you find yourself resisting change, take a deep breath and remember that it’s a natural part of life.

Just like the changing seasons or the setting sun, it’s not something to fear but to embrace.

7) Cultivate compassion

In a world often hardened by cynicism and judgment, compassion can sometimes feel like a rare commodity. But for naturally happy people, it’s an intrinsic part of their daily lives.

They might not realize it, but their ability to empathize with others, to offer kindness without expecting anything in return, is a testament to their compassion.

Cultivating compassion isn’t always easy. It requires us to step out of our own perspective and understand others’ feelings. But the rewards are immense.

Not only does it foster deeper connections with people around us, but it also nurtures our own inner peace and happiness.

So why not give it a try? Practice a little more compassion each day – towards others and towards yourself.

8) Unplug regularly

In this digital age, we’re constantly bombarded with information. Notifications, emails, social media – it seems like our screens never sleep.

But here’s something you might not expect: naturally happy people often take time to unplug. They might not even realize they’re doing it, but these digital detoxes, whether for an hour or a day, can do wonders for their well-being.

Mindfulness teaches us the importance of being present. And let’s be honest, it’s hard to be fully present when your phone is buzzing every other minute.

Unplugging doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon technology. It’s more about creating a balance and making sure that our digital devices serve us, not the other way around.

So give it a try – set aside some time each day to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the world around you. You might be surprised at the joy and tranquility it brings to your daily life.

Final thoughts

So there you have it – 8 things naturally happy people do every day, perhaps without even realizing it.

These practices, rooted in mindfulness and Buddhist wisdom, aren’t about creating an illusion of constant bliss. They’re about fostering an inner peace that can weather the ups and downs of life.

Happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. And it’s my hope that these insights will guide you on your path to genuine, lasting happiness.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into these concepts, I invite you to check out my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”. It’s packed with practical advice and profound wisdom to help you live a more fulfilling and joyous life.

Remember, happiness is not a secret reserved for a select few. It’s accessible to us all if we choose to embrace these simple yet powerful practices.