After studying mindfulness and eastern philosophy for many years, I’ve come to realize that true happiness isn’t as elusive as it often seems. It’s actually rooted in the everyday things we do, often without even realizing it.

People who are genuinely happy in life usually have certain daily habits that contribute to their contentment.

And the exciting part? These habits are not exclusive to them. With some awareness and intentionality, anyone can adopt them.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 8 daily habits that truly happy people practice, often unconsciously.

So, if you’re ready for a touch of joy in your life, let’s dive in.

1) Mindful mornings

Here’s a secret of truly happy people: they start their day right.

Now, you might be thinking, “What does that mean?” Well, it’s not about being a morning person or even about having a strict routine. It’s all about mindfully starting the day.

Most genuinely happy people have a habit of kicking off their day with mindfulness. They take a moment to pause, breathe, and set their intentions for the day ahead. This could be through meditation, journaling, or simply sitting with a cup of coffee in silence.

The idea here isn’t to rush into the day but to greet it with awareness and intentionality. This mindful approach helps to foster a positive mindset and sets the tone for the rest of the day.

By being present from the moment they wake up, these individuals sort of tune in to their inner selves and prepare themselves for whatever comes their way.

It’s a small habit, but it can have significant results when practiced daily.

2) Gratitude practice

As someone who’s spent considerable time studying and practicing mindfulness, I’ve found that gratitude plays a significant role in my happiness.

And I’m not alone in this – it’s a common thread among truly content people.

Happy individuals often have a habit of practicing gratitude daily, even for the smallest things. They take time to appreciate what they have, rather than dwelling on what they lack. This shift in perspective helps to foster a sense of abundance and satisfaction.

Sure, life isn’t always perfect.

But by focusing on the things we’re grateful for, we can cultivate a more optimistic outlook and savor the joyous moments life offers us.

3) Living with impact and minimal ego

In my journey as a mindfulness and Buddhism expert, and especially while writing my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I’ve realized that truly happy people live their lives making a positive difference and keeping their egos in check.

These individuals understand the importance of contributing to the world around them and the fulfillment that comes from it. They strive to make their lives meaningful by impacting others in positive ways, big or small.

At the same time, they keep their ego at bay. They don’t let pride or self-importance cloud their actions or judgments. They’re humble in their achievements and gracious in their failures.

This balance between impact and ego is what helps them maintain a joyful state of being.

If you’re interested in exploring this concept further, I invite you to check out my book on Amazon here. In my book, I’ll show you how to use key Buddhist teachings to turn life’s struggles into strength and live a life full of purpose.

4) Embrace impermanence

If there’s one key thing I’ve learned from Buddhism, it’s the concept of impermanence. This profound wisdom, when truly understood and embraced, can dramatically shift the way we experience life.

Truly happy people, often without even realizing it, practice the habit of acknowledging and accepting impermanence. They understand that change is inevitable and that everything – be it good or bad – is transient.

There’s a certain liberation in this acceptance.

When we stop resisting change and start seeing it as a natural part of life, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and anxiety. We begin to appreciate the present moment more because we know it won’t last forever.

This doesn’t mean that happy people don’t feel sadness or pain. They do. But they don’t cling to these feelings. They allow themselves to feel, knowing that like everything else, these feelings too will pass.

So remember, change is not something to be feared but to be accepted. Embrace the ebb and flow of life and find happiness in the fluidity of existence.

5) Mindful communication

Communication is an integral part of our lives. But how often do we truly pay attention to how we communicate?

That’s where mindfulness comes in.

People who are genuinely happy have a knack for mindful communication. They don’t just talk or listen; they engage. They’re present in their conversations and value the art of truly connecting with others.

Mindful communication is about being aware of your words, tone, and body language. It’s about understanding the power of silence and knowing when to speak and when to simply listen. It’s about expressing yourself honestly and empathetically.

This mindful interaction not only helps in maintaining healthier relationships, but it also contributes significantly to personal happiness.

Because at the end of the day, we’re social beings, and our connections with others play a crucial role in our overall wellbeing.

6) Acceptance of self and others

In the realm of mindfulness and Buddhism, acceptance is a recurring theme. And it’s no coincidence that this trait is also common among truly happy people.

These individuals practice the habit of accepting themselves and others just as they are. They appreciate their strengths, accept their weaknesses, and are kind to themselves. They don’t strive for unattainable perfection but celebrate their uniqueness.

Simultaneously, they extend this acceptance to others. They understand that everyone is on a unique journey and has their own set of strengths and challenges. 

This acceptance creates a sense of peace and harmony within themselves and their relationships. It frees them from the shackles of constant comparison and criticism, allowing them to experience genuine happiness.

Acceptance is not about complacency; it’s about acknowledging reality and working towards improvement with compassion.

7) Cultivating compassion

Compassion, a cornerstone of both Buddhism and mindfulness, plays a significant role in the lives of truly happy people.

These individuals practice compassion not only towards others but also towards themselves. They understand that everyone is fighting their own battles and hence, treat themselves and others with kindness and understanding.

Compassion prompts us to reach out, to understand, and to help. It allows us to empathize with others’ pain as well as our own.

And in doing so, it bridges gaps, heals wounds, and fosters deeper connections.

8) Doing nothing

Yes, you read that right. Doing absolutely nothing. It might sound counterintuitive, but it’s a practice that many truly happy people unconsciously engage in.

In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed world, we often forget the importance of simply being. We’re so caught up in doing, achieving, and rushing that we hardly ever pause to just exist.

Mindfulness teaches us the value of these quiet moments. It encourages us to step away from the constant hustle and take some time for ourselves. To sit quietly, to observe our surroundings, our thoughts, our feelings…to simply be.

These moments of ‘doing nothing’ allow us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. They help us declutter our minds, rejuvenate our bodies, and replenish our souls.

So, contrary to what society might tell you, doing nothing isn’t a waste of time.

In fact, it can be one of the most valuable ways to spend your time.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, true happiness isn’t a result of extraordinary events or grand achievements. It’s rooted in the everyday habits we cultivate and the mindset we carry.

From starting our day mindfully, practicing gratitude, embracing impermanence, to simply doing nothing, these habits can help us lead a happier and more fulfilling life.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into this journey of self-improvement and happiness, 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 insights from Buddhism and mindfulness that can help you live a more impactful and meaningful life.

Remember, happiness is within your grasp. All it takes is a little mindfulness, a dash of acceptance, and a whole lot of self-love.

So why wait? Start cultivating these habits today and embark on your journey to true happiness.