7 evening habits of people who are consistently in a great mood, according to psychology

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | March 9, 2025, 7:08 pm

There’s something about those people who always seem to be in a good mood, isn’t there?

Perhaps you’ve wondered: What’s their secret? How do they maintain that upbeat attitude, even when life throws a curveball?

Well, according to psychology, it may come down to their evening habits.

It seems there are seven key routines that these happy individuals consistently follow.

They’re not complicated or time-consuming, just simple intentional actions that set the tone for a positive next day.

In this article, we’re going to delve into these seven habits.

If you’ve ever wanted to unlock the secret to consistent happiness or just improve your mood, stick around.

This might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

1) They prioritize a good night’s sleep

Let’s start with the basics.

One of the key habits of people who are consistently in a good mood is that they prioritize a good night’s sleep.

You see, sleep isn’t just about rest; it’s about resetting and preparing for the day ahead.

Psychologists have long recognized the importance of sleep in maintaining a positive mood.

Sleep allows us to process our emotions and experiences from the day, enabling us to wake up refreshed and ready to face a new day.

And how do these happy individuals ensure they get a good night’s sleep?

They have specific routines; it might be reading a book, meditating, or even just ensuring they’re in bed by a certain time.

The point is, they make sleep a priority because they understand its role in maintaining their mood.

This isn’t just about getting more hours in bed; it’s about quality sleep that leaves them feeling rejuvenated.

2) They practice gratitude

Here’s something I’ve personally found to be a game-changer: Practicing gratitude.

I’ve made it a point to end my day by jotting down three things I’m grateful for.

They don’t have to be monumental—sometimes it’s as simple as a good cup of coffee or a phone call with an old friend.

This habit of acknowledging the good in my life has significantly shifted my perspective and mood.

On tough days, it reminds me of the silver linings; on good days, it amplifies the positivity.

They make gratitude a part of their evening routine, grounding themselves in positivity before they drift off to sleep.

The next time you’re winding down for the evening, why not take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for?

It might just make a world of difference in your mood.

3) They let go of the day’s stresses

We all have those days where everything seems to go wrong.

The traffic was horrible, the meeting didn’t go as planned, or maybe you just burnt your dinner.

It’s easy to hold onto these frustrations and let them shadow your mood.

But here’s what I’ve noticed about consistently happy people—they don’t let these moments define their day.

They acknowledge the mishaps, maybe even have a laugh about it, and then they let it go.

Carl Jung put it best when he said, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

Those who are consistently in a great mood understand this.

They know that holding onto stress doesn’t serve them, so they choose to release it.

An evening habit could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, going for a run, or writing in a journal.

Whatever it is, they make sure to leave the day’s stresses behind before they hit the pillow.

It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it for that peace of mind and positivity.

4) They disconnect from technology

Ever find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media late into the night?

I know I’ve been guilty of this, but here’s something interesting: those consistently in a great mood often disconnect from technology in the evening.

Our screens, whether it’s a phone, tablet, or TV, can be a significant source of distraction and stress.

They can take us out of the present moment and fill our minds with unnecessary noise.

That’s why many happy folks make a point to unplug in the evenings.

They replace screen time with activities that truly relax and replenish them, like reading, playing an instrument, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea.

Renowned psychologist Albert Bandura once said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”

By disconnecting from technology in the evenings, these individuals are practicing self-efficacy.

They’re choosing what influences their mood and thought patterns.

5) They plan for the next day

At first glance, this might seem like a stressful activity to do just before bed.

But hear me out: The folks who are consistently in a high spirits aren’t doing an intensive, minute-by-minute breakdown of the day ahead.

It’s more about setting clear intentions for what they want to achieve.

By doing this, they wake up with a sense of purpose and direction, which in turn fuels their positive mood.

Before you hit the lights tonight, consider jotting down your top priorities for the next day.

It might just give you that boost of positivity and drive when you wake up.

6) They practice mindfulness

This habit is a cornerstone for many people who maintain a consistently great mood: practicing mindfulness.

Mindfulness is all about being present and fully engaged with whatever you’re doing at the moment.

It’s about letting go of any past regrets or future worries and just focusing on the here and now.

It might sound simple, but it can have profound effects on your mood.

They make it a point to incorporate mindfulness into their evening routine, whether through meditation, yoga, or just quietly savoring their evening meal.

7) They engage in self-care

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (although those can be wonderful too).

It’s about taking time to nurture yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally.

For some, this might mean a quick workout or a healthy meal.

For others, it’s about journaling or spending time with loved ones.

Personally? I’m a big fan of an evening walk. It helps me clear my mind and reset.

Abraham Maslow, a well-known psychologist, once said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”

Engaging in self-care is a way of fostering this self-awareness.

It’s about recognizing your needs and taking steps to meet them.

If you’re aiming to boost your mood consistently, consider incorporating some form of self-care into your evening routine.

It’s not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining that positive mindset.

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