8 habits that make happier every day, according to psychology

Happiness may seem like a fleeting emotion, sometimes here and often gone. But did you know, according to psychology, that it’s possible to cultivate habits that can make you happier every day?

It’s not about pretending everything is perfect, but about creating patterns that boost your mood and outlook.

Psychologists have found that these eight habits can be woven into your daily life to foster a sense of joy and contentment.

In this article, we will delve into these habits that can make your everyday life a little bit brighter.

Let’s get started.

1) Gratitude journaling

Gratitude is a potent emotion. It can shift your focus from what’s wrong in your life to what’s right, and psychologists have found it to be a powerful happiness booster.

So, how can you cultivate this emotion daily? Welcome to the practice of gratitude journaling.

The idea behind gratitude journaling is simple. Each day, you write down a few things you’re thankful for. It could be as simple as a hot cup of coffee in the morning or as significant as the love of your family. The point is to consciously acknowledge the good in your life.

By doing this, you train your brain to focus more on positive aspects rather than negative ones, leading to increased feelings of satisfaction and happiness.

The key to effective gratitude journaling is consistency. Make it part of your daily routine, and watch your happiness levels rise over time.

2) Daily exercise

I know, I know, you’ve probably heard this one before. But trust me, there’s a reason why exercise is always part of these lists.

Physical activity releases endorphins, known as “feel-good” hormones. It’s why you often feel better after a workout session, even if you were tired or grumpy before. That’s the power of exercise.

Let me share a personal example. I used to dread working out. It felt like a chore, something I “had” to do. Then, I started incorporating activities I enjoy like dancing and hiking into my routine and it made all the difference.

Now, I look forward to my daily dose of exercise. It has become a source of joy and relaxation for me, not to mention it helps keep stress levels in check.

Your exercise routine doesn’t have to be strenuous to be effective. Whether it’s a brisk walk around the neighborhood or a high-intensity workout session, what matters most is that you enjoy it and do it consistently.

3) Mindful meditation

If you’ve ever found yourself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, feeling anxious or stressed, mindful meditation might just be the antidote you need. This practice involves focusing your attention on the present moment, accepting it without judgment.

Meditation has been linked to a host of benefits including reduced stress levels, improved concentration and a better quality of life. But did you know that it can physically alter your brain too?

A study from Harvard University found that regular meditation can increase the gray matter density in the brain regions associated with learning, memory, emotion regulation, and empathy.

Incorporating just a few minutes of mindful meditation into your daily routine can lead to significant improvements in your overall happiness and well-being. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised by the positive impact it has on your day-to-day life.

4) Embrace impermanence

Life is full of changes and uncertainties. But instead of fearing them, what if we could learn to embrace them?

In Buddhism, impermanence is a fundamental truth. It’s the idea that everything, including our own feelings and thoughts, is constantly changing. This concept encourages us to live in the present and appreciate every moment.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into this concept and how it can lead to a happier, more fulfilled life.

By acknowledging and accepting impermanence, we can avoid clinging to specific outcomes or situations, thereby reducing stress and disappointment. Plus, it can help us value our relationships and experiences more, knowing that they’re precious and temporary.

Start by reminding yourself daily that change is inevitable. This simple habit can help shift your perspective and bring about a greater sense of peace and happiness in your daily life.

5) Prioritize sleep

I used to be the kind of person who would sacrifice sleep to get more done. I thought I was being productive, but in reality, I was doing more harm than good.

Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s when our body and mind rejuvenate and repair themselves. When we don’t get enough sleep, it can affect our mood, cognitive function, and overall health.

Once I started prioritizing sleep, I noticed a significant difference in my mood and energy levels. I was happier, more focused, and less prone to stress.

Getting a good night’s sleep can be as simple as setting a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding screens before bedtime. It may seem like a small change, but it can make a big difference in your daily happiness.

6) Embrace solitude

In our hyper-connected world, being alone can sometimes be seen as a negative thing. But solitude can actually be a powerful tool for happiness.

Spending time alone allows us to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves. It’s an opportunity to check in with our feelings, desires, and dreams.

Contrary to what some might think, enjoying solitude doesn’t mean you’re antisocial or lonely. It simply means you value your own company and understand the importance of self-care.

Take a walk in the park, read a book, or simply sit quietly with your thoughts. Embracing solitude can lead to personal growth and increased satisfaction with life. Remember, it’s okay to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself every once in a while.

7) Practice kindness

You might be wondering, how can being kind to others increase my own happiness? Well, psychology has an answer for that.

Acts of kindness, big or small, trigger a release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin in our brain. This is often referred to as the “helper’s high”.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Being kind can also improve our self-esteem, foster stronger relationships, and even increase our lifespan.

The best part? Kindness is contagious. When we’re kind to others, they’re more likely to be kind in return, creating a ripple effect of positivity.

Why not make a habit of performing random acts of kindness? It could be as simple as complimenting a stranger or helping a neighbor with their groceries. Not only will it make someone else’s day better, but it’ll boost your happiness levels too.

8) Foster meaningful relationships

At the end of the day, human beings are social creatures. We’re hardwired for connection. And meaningful relationships are, without a doubt, one of the most significant contributors to our happiness.

These relationships, be it with family, friends, or romantic partners, provide us with emotional support, help us feel understood and valued, and add joy to our lives.

Investing time and energy into building and maintaining these relationships can greatly enhance our happiness. So make it a point to connect with your loved ones regularly. Listen to them, share with them, laugh with them.

Genuine connections are not about quantity but quality. It’s not about how many friends you have, but how deep and fulfilling those relationships are.

Final thoughts: It’s all about nurturing your happiness

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you are fostering an environment where happiness can thrive.

And remember, it’s not just about the things we do, but also about our mindset. Our thoughts and beliefs play a significant role in shaping our happiness. This is where practices like mindfulness and embracing impermanence come into play.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into these concepts, providing insights on how to live a happier and more fulfilling life.

At the end of the day, happiness is deeply personal and can mean different things to different people. The key is to find what works for you and make it a part of your everyday life.

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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