If you adopt these 11 daily habits, you’ll be happier than 95% of people

Lucas Graham by Lucas Graham | February 28, 2024, 12:37 am

Ever seen some people who are always brimming with happiness and wondered, “What’s their secret?”

Well, what if we told you that you too can be part of the happy tribe? That too, happier than 95% of people out there?

Yep, you heard it right. We’re about to spill the beans on 11 daily habits that can elevate your happiness levels.

Don’t worry, these aren’t some complex, out-of-reach habits. They’re simple, they’re doable, and guess what? They don’t cost a penny!

If you’ve been looking to add a dash of joy to your everyday life or craving a complete happiness makeover, you’re in the right place.

Ready to swap your regular routines for these happiness boosting habits Let’s dive in!

1) Start your day with gratitude

The easiest way to kickstart your day on a positive note? Say ‘Thank You’! Yeah, it’s as simple as that. Count your blessings, not your challenges.

Many happy folks swear by this habit. Before they even brush their teeth, they take a moment to appreciate the good in their life. It can be something big like a recent promotion, or something small and often overlooked, like the delicious breakfast you had.

This habit trains your brain to focus on the positive things and gradually, you’ll notice more and more things to be grateful for. This positive outlook can make your days happier and your challenges easier to tackle.

Why not give it a try tomorrow morning? You might be surprised by how much good is already in your life.

2) Move your body

Exercise isn’t just for staying fit. It’s a happiness booster too! When you move your body, you release endorphins – the feel-good hormones.

You don’t need to run a marathon or hit the gym for hours. Something as simple as a 10-minute morning walk, a quick yoga session, or even dancing to your favorite song can do the trick.

Regular physical activity can reduce stress, improve your mood, and even help you sleep better.

Get up, lace up your shoes and get moving. Your happiness meter will thank you for it!

3) Connect with nature

Do you ever find yourself feeling happier and more relaxed after spending time in nature? Well, that’s not a coincidence.

I’ve personally found the connection with nature to be incredibly uplifting.

I remember one time when I was feeling particularly low, I decided to take a walk in a nearby park. The fresh air, chirping birds, and sunlight filtering through the leaves instantly lifted my spirits. It was like all my worries were washed away.

I suggest to make it a habit to spend some time outdoors every day. It could be as simple as taking your coffee outside, walking barefoot on the grass, or even tending to your plants.

This simple act can recharge your mind and boost your happiness more than you might think.

4) Limit your screen time

In this digital age, we’re constantly bombarded with notifications and messages. While technology has its benefits, excessive screen time can take a toll on your happiness.

It’s eye-opening that according to a study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, limiting social media usage to 30 minutes per day resulted in significant improvements in well-being.

I you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone or binge-watching shows, it might be time to take a break. Instead, use this time to engage in activities that truly make you happy. You’ll be amazed at how much free time you actually have!

5) Practice kindness

Kindness is like a boomerang. The more you throw it out into the world, the more it comes back to you.

Practicing kindness doesn’t just make others feel good, it makes us feel good too. In fact, acts of kindness release a hormone called oxytocin, which helps to lower blood pressure and improve our overall heart-health.

Whether it’s helping a neighbor with groceries, complimenting a friend, or even smiling at a stranger on the street, small acts of kindness can create ripples of happiness. And who knows? You might just brighten someone’s day and inspire them to pass on the kindness.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. It’s good for your happiness too!

6) Prioritize sleep

I can’t stress enough how important good sleep is for happiness. I used to be a night owl, always burning the midnight oil.

But over time, I noticed how my mood and energy levels were constantly low. I was irritable and struggled to find joy in things that I usually loved.

So, I decided to change my routine and prioritize sleep. I started going to bed earlier, created a relaxing bedtime ritual, and aimed for 7-8 hours of sleep every night. The difference was incredible! I felt more energetic, my mood improved, and I was generally happier.

Sleep is when your body and mind recharge. And if you’re cutting corners on your zzz’s, it’s time to rethink your habits. Trust me, a good night’s sleep can be a real game-changer for your happiness!

7) Embrace your imperfections

Let’s get real for a moment. We’re all imperfect. We’ve got quirks, flaws, and things we wish we could change about ourselves. And you know what? That’s okay.

For a long time, I chased the idea of perfection. It felt like a never-ending race, always trying to be better, do better. But all it did was rob me of my happiness.

The day I decided to embrace my imperfections was the day I truly started living. I realized that it’s our imperfections that make us unique, that make us human.

Stop beating yourself up over every little mistake or flaw. Instead, learn to love and accept yourself just as you are – imperfectly perfect. It’ll lift a weight off your shoulders and let happiness in. Trust me on this one!

8) Limit negativity

Negativity can be a real happiness thief. It can come from various sources – news, gossip, or even our own thoughts.

Did you know, a research shows that exposure to just three minutes of negative news in the morning increases your chances of having a bad day by 27%? That’s a significant impact on your day!

It’s time to limit negativity in your life. Unfollow accounts that don’t make you feel good, avoid gossip, focus on positive news, and practice positive self-talk. Surround yourself with positivity and you’ll notice a big boost in your happiness levels.

9) Pursue a hobby

You know that thing that makes your eyes light up and your heart beat a little faster? Do more of that.

I’ve always had a passion for painting. But life got in the way, and I kept pushing it aside. One day, I decided to pick up my brushes again, and oh, what a joy it was! It felt like reconnecting with an old friend.

Now, I make sure to dedicate some time each week to painting. It’s my form of therapy, my escape. And every time I finish a piece, there’s this wave of happiness that washes over me.

So whatever your hobby may be – be it gardening, playing an instrument, baking, or writing – make time for it. More than just having fun; it’s also making space for joy in your life.

10) Say ‘no’ more often

Here’s a hard truth: We can’t do everything for everyone all the time. Yet, many of us struggle with saying ‘no’. We overcommit, stretch ourselves too thin, and end up feeling overwhelmed and unhappy.

I’ve been there. I used to say ‘yes’ to everything, thinking it would make people like me more. But all it did was drain me. Learning to say ‘no’ was one of the hardest yet most liberating things I’ve done.

Give yourself permission to say ‘no’. Prioritize your mental well-being over pleasing everyone else. It might be uncomfortable at first, but it pays off in the long run.

11) Stop comparing yourself to others

In this age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. We see the highlight reels of others’ lives and feel like we’re falling behind.

But here’s a reality check: Those perfect pictures don’t tell the whole story. Everyone has their struggles and challenges – they just don’t post them on Instagram.

I’ve had my fair share of comparison blues. But over time, I’ve realized that the only person I should be comparing myself to is the person I was yesterday.

The next time you catch yourself in the comparison trap, remind yourself that you’re on your own unique journey.

Focus on your progress, not where others are in their journey. Trust me; this is a game-changer for your happiness!