11 habits to adopt to become a little bit happier every day

We often hear about habits that can make us successful, right? But what about habits that could make us happier?

Believe it or not, adding certain things to your daily routine can actually make your day a bit brighter.

Let’s dive into 11 habits you can start today to become a little bit happier every day.

Who knows, you might find your new favorite routine. 

1. Start Your Day with Gratitude

I know, I know, you’ve probably heard this one a million times. But trust me, there’s a reason it’s so popular.

Taking a few minutes each morning to think about what you’re grateful for can really set the tone for the rest of your day.

Just think about it. Instead of waking up and immediately stressing about the day ahead, you’ll start with a moment of calm and positivity.

It doesn’t have to be anything major – maybe you’re grateful for the comfy bed you just woke up in or the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen.

Try jotting down three things you’re grateful for each morning. It might feel a bit strange at first, but I promise, give it a week or two and you’ll start noticing the change in your mood. 

2. Move Your Body

No, you don’t need to run a marathon or hit the gym for hours. Just a little bit of physical activity can do wonders for your mood!

It could be as simple as a brisk walk around the block, a quick yoga routine, or even an impromptu dance party in your living room.

The idea is to get your blood pumping and those endorphins flowing.

Not only does exercise help reduce stress and anxiety, but it also boosts your energy levels and helps you feel more awake.

Plus, it’s a great way to feel accomplished first thing in the morning.

3. Find Your Happy Place

One of the things that really helps me start my day off right is spending a few minutes in my “happy place”.

Now, what do I mean by that? Well, it’s a spot where I feel relaxed, comfortable, and just… happy!

For me, it’s this little nook by the window in my living room. I’ve got a comfy chair, a small table for my coffee, and a view of the garden outside.

Every morning, I spend a few minutes there with my coffee, just enjoying the quiet. Sometimes I read a few pages of a book or just watch the world wake up outside.

It doesn’t matter what you do in your happy place. What matters is that it brings you joy and sets a positive tone for your day.

So, find that spot in your home where you feel at peace. Trust me, those few calm moments in the morning can really make a difference to your day. 

4. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Did you know that breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day? And there’s a good reason for that.

After a long night of fasting, your body needs fuel to kick-start the day. Eating a well-balanced breakfast helps replenish your supply of glucose, which is essential for your brain to function.

Skipping breakfast can make you feel lethargic, less focused, and might even lead to weight gain in the long run.

On the other hand, having a nutritious breakfast can boost your energy levels and improve your mood!

Instead of rushing out the door with just a coffee in hand, take some time to enjoy a healthy breakfast. It could be as simple as a bowl of oatmeal with fruits or a smoothie packed with greens.

Your body – and mind – will thank you for it. 

5. Reach Out to Loved Ones

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget how important our relationships are.

They are our support system, our cheerleaders, and often, our greatest source of joy. So why not make a habit of connecting with a loved one each day?

You don’t have to plan a grand gesture. It could be as simple as a quick text to your mom to tell her you love her.

Or maybe a short call to your best friend to check in and see how they’re doing.

You could even write a sweet note to your partner and leave it somewhere for them to find.

These little acts of connection can mean so much, both for you and the person on the receiving end.

It’s a beautiful reminder that you’re loved and cared for, which is sure to bring a smile to your face!

6. Listen to Your Favorite Music

From my personal experience, there’s nothing like starting the day with a bit of music to lift your spirits.

I have this playlist that I call my “morning boost”. It’s filled with songs that never fail to make me feel good.

Every morning, as I get ready for the day, I play this playlist. It’s amazing how much a few upbeat songs can change your mood. It’s like having my own personal cheerleader to start the day!

Why not create your own “morning boost” playlist? Fill it with songs that make you feel happy, energized, and ready to take on the day. 

7. Limit Your Screen Time

Let’s face it, we live in a world where screens are everywhere. And while they do serve a purpose, it’s also true that too much screen time can seriously mess with your happiness.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of mindlessly scrolling through social media, comparing your life to others, getting caught up in negative news, or simply wasting precious time.

I’m not saying you should ditch your devices entirely. But try setting some limits. Maybe you could start by not checking your phone for the first hour after you wake up. Or perhaps you could vow to not look at screens for an hour before bed.

It might be tough at first, but over time, you’ll notice the difference. You’ll have more time for things that truly make you happy and less time spent getting sucked into the digital vortex. 

8. Spend Time in Nature

Did you know that spending time in nature has been scientifically proven to increase happiness and well-being? 

A study from Stanford University found that people who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area, as opposed to an urban one, showed decreased activity in a region of the brain associated with depression.

Even if you can’t go for a long walk in the woods every day, there are still ways to connect with nature.

Maybe it’s having your morning coffee outside, tending to your garden, or even just opening a window to let in fresh air and natural light.

9. Engage in a Creative Activity

One habit I’ve found that really boosts my happiness is engaging in a creative activity.

For me, it’s drawing. I’m not particularly good at it, but that’s not the point. The point is that it allows me to express myself in a way words often can’t.

You don’t have to be an artist or a writer to be creative. Maybe you enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes.

Maybe it’s singing loudly in the shower or crafting homemade gifts for friends. Creativity comes in many forms and it’s all about finding what lights you up.

So, find your creative outlet and dedicate a few minutes each day to it.

Not only will it make you happier, but it’s also a great way to relieve stress and express yourself!

10. Practice Self-Care

No matter how many positive habits you adopt, if you’re not taking care of yourself, it’s going to be hard to feel truly happy.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days (although those are great too!). It’s about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating nourishing foods? Are you giving yourself permission to take breaks and relax? Are you spending time doing things you love?

These are all aspects of self-care that are crucial for your overall happiness.

11. Let Go of Perfection

Last, but definitely not least, is the habit of letting go of perfection.

This is a tough one, I won’t lie. We live in a society that constantly tells us we need to be more, do more, achieve more.

But the truth is, nobody’s perfect. And striving for perfection is a surefire way to feel perpetually unhappy.

Instead, try embracing imperfection. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes. Remember that it’s okay to have bad days.

Learning to let go of perfection and accept yourself as you are can be incredibly liberating. And let me tell you from personal experience: it can also make you a whole lot happier.

So there you have it – 10 habits to adopt for a little bit more happiness each day. It might not always be easy, but remember: every small step counts!