10 things happy people always do, according to psychology

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | November 1, 2024, 11:01 pm

Ever seen that person who walks into a room, and instantly, everything seems a bit brighter?

Their sunny disposition might seem like an enigma or even something unattainable to those who struggle with finding and maintaining happiness.

But the truth is, happy people aren’t just born that way—they actively engage in certain habits that contribute to their positive outlook.

These are actions that might seem peculiar to some, but are actually quite customary for our perpetually cheerful friends.

So, let’s dive into the world of these ever-joyful individuals!

1) Cultivating gratitude

Happy people consistently cultivate a sense of gratitude. They don’t just look for the good in life; they actively acknowledge and appreciate it.

It’s not that they’re oblivious to life’s hardships; they just choose to focus on the positives rather than wallowing in the negatives.

Whether it’s taking a moment to relish in the beauty of a sunset, expressing thanks for a kind gesture, or maintaining a gratitude journal, these individuals make it a habit to acknowledge the good in their lives.

2) Practicing mindfulness

Here’s a personal example: there was a time when I found myself constantly worried about the future, or replaying past mistakes in my head. It was exhausting and left me feeling detached from the present.

Then, I took a leaf out of the happy people’s book and started practicing mindfulness.

Happy people are often fully engaged in the present moment. They’re not fretting about what may come tomorrow or dwelling on yesterday’s missteps. They’re here, right now, fully immersed in the current experience.

Whether it’s savoring every bite of their meal, truly listening when someone else is talking, or taking a moment to feel the sun on their skin, they’re all about being ‘in the now’.

3) Prioritizing self-care

Happy people truly understand the importance of self-care. They know that in order to pour into others, they must first fill up their own cup.

They don’t view self-care as a luxury, but rather as a necessity. Whether it’s regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, or taking time to relax and rejuvenate, they make it a priority.

This doesn’t mean they’re selfish or self-centered. They simply understand that taking care of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being is crucial for maintaining their happiness.

4) Seeking authentic connections

In the digital age where we’re often more connected to our devices than to each other, happy people make a conscious effort to seek out and maintain authentic connections.

It’s not about the number of friends they have or how popular they are on social media. They value quality over quantity when it comes to relationships.

Whether it’s having deep conversations, sharing laughter or tears, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, these individuals understand the importance of genuine connections.

Therefore, when you see your joyful friend investing time and effort into their relationships, remember it’s not peculiar.

5) Embracing imperfections

We live in a world that often pushes us towards an ideal of perfection. But happy people, they’ve discovered a beautiful truth – it’s in the imperfections that real beauty lies.

They don’t strive for flawlessness; they embrace their quirks, their mistakes, their failures. They see them as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than signs of inadequacy.

It’s a humbling and liberating experience, to accept yourself just as you are. To acknowledge your imperfections and still believe you are enough.

6) Spreading kindness

Happy people have a knack for spreading positivity wherever they go. They understand that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver.

They don’t do it for applause or recognition; they do it because it brings them joy to bring happiness to others.

Whether it’s helping a neighbor with groceries, offering a listening ear to a distressed friend, or simply sharing a smile with a stranger, these individuals actively seek opportunities to spread kindness.

7) Nurturing a growth mindset

Happy people  view challenges not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and improvement.

They don’t shy away from difficulties or fear failure. Instead, they embrace these instances as chances to learn and evolve.

Whether it’s picking up a new skill, delving into a novel subject, or simply learning from their mistakes, these individuals have a thirst for knowledge and self-improvement.

8) Practicing forgiveness

Happy people understand the power of forgiveness. They know that holding onto resentment and anger only serves to weigh them down.

Forgiveness is not about forgetting or condoning wrongdoings; it’s about releasing the burden of bitterness. It’s a gift they give to themselves, as much as to the person they’re forgiving.

Research shows that practicing forgiveness can lead to lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Whether it’s forgiving a major betrayal or a minor slight, these individuals choose to let go and move forward.

9) Cherishing simple pleasures

Happy people often cherish simple pleasures in life. They don’t need grand gestures or extravagant luxuries to find happiness.

They savour the everyday moments and find joy in the ordinary.

Whether it’s enjoying a home-cooked meal, watching the sunrise, or listening to their favorite song, these individuals recognize and appreciate life’s simple joys.

10) Cultivating an attitude of positivity

At the heart of all these habits, there’s one crucial element that happy people consistently cultivate – an attitude of positivity.

Life is not always easy or fair, and happy people are not immune to hardships or challenges. But they choose to maintain a positive outlook, even in difficult times.

They don’t ignore or suppress negative emotions; rather, they acknowledge them and then focus on what they can control – their response, their attitude.

Whether it’s looking for the silver lining in a tough situation, focusing on solutions rather than problems, or simply choosing to smile through the storm, these individuals embody resilience and optimism.