There’s a clear divide between happy people and unhappy people, and it’s not just about their mood.

The difference lies in their actions.

Happy individuals have habits and routines that help them enjoy life, while unhappy people often don’t. These actions aren’t about pretending to be happy, but about cultivating genuine contentment.

Being happy means choosing to focus on the positive things in life, and there are specific things that happy people do to make this easier.

In this article, we’ll explore what those things are, giving you a roadmap to happiness that comes from within. Let’s dive into the “Things that happy people do but unhappy people do not”.

1) Embrace positivity

There’s a common thread that binds all happy people – their unerring tendency to embrace positivity.

This isn’t about disregarding the negatives or shying away from challenges. Instead, it’s about choosing a positive perspective when facing life’s hurdles.

Happy people understand that our viewpoint can shape our reality. They choose to see the glass half full, not because they’re unrealistic, but because they know it leads to a healthier state of mind.

Unhappy individuals, on the other hand, often get entangled in negative thought patterns. They allow the bad to overshadow the good and get caught up dwelling on problems rather than solutions.

If you want to move towards happiness, start by changing your perspective. Look for the silver linings and focus on the positives. It might feel like a small shift, but it can make a world of difference.

Remember, being happy is not just about feeling good, it’s about cultivating a positive outlook towards life.

2) Practice gratitude

One practice that I’ve noticed is universal among happy people is gratitude. It’s something I’ve personally adopted, and it’s made a tremendous difference in my life.

Not long ago, I found myself frequently stressed and overwhelmed. I was focusing so much on what was going wrong that I was blind to what was going right.

Then, I started a simple ritual. Each night before bed, I would jot down three things from the day that I was grateful for. They didn’t have to be big things – a nice meal, a kind word from a colleague, or even just a beautiful sunset.

In the beginning, it felt forced and even a bit silly. But over time, something shifted. I noticed that I was starting to feel happier and more content, even though nothing in my external circumstances had changed.

Unhappy people often focus on what they lack or what’s wrong in their lives. But happy people understand the power of gratitude. By consciously appreciating the good in our lives, we can shift our focus from lack to abundance, and that can make all the difference.

3) Stay active

While it’s no secret that physical activity is beneficial for our health, its impact on our happiness is often overlooked. Happy people tend to lead active lifestyles, understanding the intrinsic link between movement and mood.

Research shows that regular exercise can boost your mood and act as a natural antidepressant. Even just 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day can stimulate chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce stress.

Unhappy people, on the other hand, may neglect physical activity, missing out on these mood-boosting benefits.

So, whether you prefer a morning jog, an afternoon swim, or an evening walk around the neighborhood, ensure you incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. It’s not just about keeping fit, it’s about keeping happy too.

4) Foster deep connections

A crucial aspect that separates happy people from unhappy ones is their relationships. Happy individuals tend to prioritize and nurture meaningful connections with others.

These connections aren’t just about having a large social circle. It’s about forging deep, quality relationships with people who inspire, support, and understand you.

Unhappy people often neglect this aspect, either isolating themselves or maintaining superficial interactions that lack depth and meaning.

So, make time for your loved ones, be present in your interactions, and don’t shy away from emotional intimacy. Remember, we are social creatures by nature, and our happiness often thrives on the quality of our relationships.

5) Show kindness to others

There’s a warmth that radiates from happy people, and it often manifests as kindness towards others. This isn’t just a trait; it’s an active choice they make every day.

It doesn’t have to be grand gestures or heroic acts. It could be as simple as a smile, a word of encouragement, or lending a helping hand when someone needs it.

This kindness isn’t just about making others feel good, it also boosts our own happiness. When we show kindness, we create positive interactions that nourish our spirit and strengthen our connection with the world around us.

Unhappy people sometimes focus so much on their own problems that they forget the joy that comes from helping others.

So, let’s sprinkle some kindness around. It might just be the key to a happier you.

6) Embrace imperfections

Perfection is a myth, but it’s one that can cause a lot of unhappiness. I learned this the hard way. For years, I was caught in a cycle of chasing perfection, always falling short and feeling inadequate.

Happy people understand that imperfections are not shortcomings, but rather, they’re what make us unique. They accept their flaws and even celebrate them.

The day I let go of my pursuit of perfection was the day I started to find real happiness. I realized that it’s our quirks, our mistakes, and our unique attributes that make us who we are.

Unhappy people often get trapped in the illusion of perfection, constantly comparing themselves to others and feeling never good enough.

So let’s embrace our imperfections. They are what make us beautifully human.

7) Live in the moment

Happy people have a knack for living in the present. They appreciate the here and now, savoring life’s simple pleasures and everyday moments.

This isn’t about ignoring the future or forgetting the past. It’s about being fully engaged in whatever you’re doing at this moment.

Unhappy people often get caught up in the past or worry too much about the future, missing out on the joy of the present.

So, whether you’re enjoying a cup of coffee, listening to your favorite song, or just watching the sunset, immerse yourself fully in that moment. You’ll find that happiness often lies in these little moments of presence.

8) Choose happiness

At the end of the day, the most important thing to understand is that happiness is a choice. It’s not always an easy one, nor is it a one-time decision. It’s a series of choices we make every day.

Happy people choose positivity over negativity, gratitude over discontent, activity over lethargy, deep connections over isolation, kindness over indifference, acceptance over perfection, and presence over distraction.

Unhappy people often wait for happiness to come to them, not realizing that it’s within their power to choose.

So choose to be happy. Choose it every day. It’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

Final thoughts: Happiness is in your hands

Reflecting on the nature of happiness, it becomes apparent that it’s less about external circumstances and more about our internal state of mind.

Consider the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” This simple yet profound quote captures the essence of our discussion.

Happiness is a choice we make, a mindset we cultivate, and a habit we nurture. It’s about choosing positivity, practicing gratitude, staying active, fostering connections, showing kindness, embracing imperfections, and living in the moment.

Remember, it’s not the happy people who are thankful; it’s the thankful people who are happy. So, as we journey through life, let’s choose to be like those happy people we’ve discussed.

After all, happiness isn’t just a destination; it’s also the scenery along the way.