People who are genuinely happy in life usually display these 8 behaviors (without realizing it)

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | April 4, 2024, 9:55 am

We all aim to find genuine happiness in life. But have we?

Sometimes it feels like we’re just going through the motions, chasing after fleeting moments of joy but never quite grasping true contentment.

You might think to yourself, “Am I truly happy?”

If you’re asking this question, don’t feel alone. Many of us are in the same boat, wondering if we’ve attained that elusive state of genuine happiness.

But what if I told you that you might be happier than you think? That you’ve been exhibiting signs of real happiness without even realizing it?

In this article, we’re going to explore those subtle behaviors that people who are genuinely happy usually display, often unbeknownst to them.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not trying to convince you that you’re happy when you’re not. 

If you’re struggling, it’s important to seek help and support.

You might be surprised by what you discover…

So let’s dive in, shall we?

1) They don’t sweat the small stuff

How many times have you found yourself stressing over things that, in the grand scheme of things, really don’t matter? I know I’ve been guilty of this more times than I’d like to admit.

But here’s something I’ve observed in people who are genuinely happy. They don’t sweat the small stuff.

Let me share a personal example. A friend of mine, let’s call him John, always seems to be in a state of contentment. He never gets flustered when his coffee order is wrong or when he gets caught in a sudden downpour. He simply shrugs it off with a smile and moves on.

At first, I thought he was just putting on a brave face. But over time, I realized that he genuinely doesn’t let these minor inconveniences bother him.

By not sweating the small stuff, John conserves his energy for what truly matters in life. And that’s something we can all learn from.

2) They express gratitude

If you’ve ever kept a gratitude journal, you’ll know how powerful it can be. It’s something I’ve been doing for years, and it’s truly changed my perspective on life.

People who are genuinely happy often have an innate sense of gratitude. They appreciate the big and small things in life and don’t take anything for granted.

Take my grandma for example. Every morning, she sits by her window with a cup of tea and watches the sunrise. She often says, “What a beautiful day to be alive!” It’s a simple gesture but it reflects her deep-seated gratitude for life.

Gratitude is not just about saying thank you. It’s about recognizing the good in your life, however small or insignificant it may seem.

3) They engage in activities they enjoy

One common thread among genuinely happy people is that they spend time doing things they truly enjoy. Whether it’s painting, reading, hiking, or simply spending time with loved ones, they make time for activities that bring them joy.

Did you know that engaging in a hobby can increase your level of happiness and reduce stress? 

It’s not about being an expert or achieving perfection in your hobby. 

People who engage in creative hobbies perform better at work.

It’s about the joy and fulfillment that comes from engaging in an activity you love. 

So if you’re spending time on activities you truly enjoy, it’s a clear sign that you’re on the path to genuine happiness.

4) They practice kindness

There’s a certain warmth and compassion that radiates from them, touching the lives of those around them in meaningful ways.

I remember a time when an elderly woman in my neighborhood fell and broke her hip. She lived alone and had no one to look after her.

That’s when Sarah, a woman from our community, stepped in. She took care of the elderly woman, cooked for her, and even took her to her doctor’s appointments.

Sarah didn’t do it for recognition or praise. She did it out of pure kindness. It was a simple act, but it made a huge difference in the elderly woman’s life.

Practicing kindness doesn’t always involve grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the small acts of love and care that make the biggest impact. 

And this is a common trait among people who are genuinely happy. They spread happiness by being kind, and in turn, experience a deep sense of fulfillment and joy.

5) They cultivate positive relationships

Let’s talk about relationships. Now, I’m not just referring to romantic ones. I’m talking about relationships with family, friends, co-workers, even our pets.

I’ve noticed that genuinely happy people tend to have strong, positive relationships in their lives. They surround themselves with people who uplift them, inspire them, and make them feel loved and appreciated.

Let me share a bit of my own experience. A few years back, I went through a tough time. I felt lost and disconnected.

But my friends were there for me. They listened, offered advice when needed, and most importantly, they gave me the space to heal and grow.

Looking back, I realize how crucial those relationships were for my well-being. They didn’t just provide support during a difficult time; they brought laughter, love, and light into my life when I needed it the most.

So if you have strong, positive relationships in your life, cherish them. They are more than just a source of happiness; they are a testament to your ability to give and receive love – a clear sign of genuine happiness.

6) They embrace life’s challenges

Life isn’t always a bed of roses. It has its fair share of thorns too. But here’s the thing about genuinely happy people: they don’t shy away from life’s challenges. Instead, they embrace them.

Think about the last time you faced a tough situation. Did you retreat or did you tackle it head-on?

My dad always used to say, “Life isn’t about avoiding storms, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” He was right. Challenges make us stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

When you encounter a challenge, see it as an opportunity for growth, not a setback. This positive outlook is a common trait among genuinely happy people.

7) They take care of their health

This might sound like a no-brainer, but taking care of your health plays a crucial role in your overall happiness.

They understand this and make their health a priority.

They eat well, exercise regularly, and ensure they get enough sleep. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too.

8) They live in the present moment

Lastly, they have a knack for living in the present moment. They don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They live here and now.

I’ve always admired my younger brother for his ability to live in the moment. Whether he’s playing his guitar or simply enjoying a meal, he seems fully immersed in whatever he’s doing at that moment.

Living in the present takes practice. But once you master it, you’ll find that life becomes much more enjoyable and fulfilling.

So there you have it. 

These are the behaviors that genuinely happy people often display without even realizing it. They might seem simple, but they can make a big difference in your life.