9 simple ways to be happier in life, according to psychology

Happiness can seem like an elusive concept, something that’s always just out of reach.

According to psychology, however, the road to happiness can be simpler than we often make it.

The trick is to understand that happiness is a choice, and there are certain habits and routines you can establish to make that choice easier.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 9 simple ways to be happier in life, as backed by psychology.

These aren’t just empty platitudes or vague ideas, but concrete steps you can start taking right now. So, let’s dive in and find out how to make your life a little bit happier!

1) Practice gratitude

Attitude shifts can make a world of difference, and one of the simplest ways to improve your happiness is to practice gratitude.

According to Harvard Health:

“In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Gratitude helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, we start seeing our life through a lens of positivity and abundance.

Start by keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re grateful for each day. This helps train your brain to look for the good in every situation.

It’s not about denying life’s challenges, but about acknowledging the good that exists alongside them.

Practicing gratitude is a small change that can lead to big improvements in your overall happiness.

So why not give it a shot? After all, what do you have to lose except maybe a bit of unhappiness?

2) Incorporate exercise into your daily routine

Believe it or not, the link between physical activity and happiness is quite strong.

Multiple studies have shown that regular exercise can increase your mood and decrease feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress.

In fact, I can personally attest to this. A few years ago, I was feeling particularly low. My mood was often gloomy and I was constantly feeling stressed. It was then that I decided to incorporate exercise into my daily routine.

I started off small, with just a 10-minute walk around the block every morning. Slowly but surely, I began to notice a change. My mood started lifting, and I felt less stressed. Over time, I increased my exercise time and introduced more activities like yoga and swimming.

Today, I can’t imagine my life without daily exercise. Not only am I physically healthier, but my mental health has significantly improved as well.

So if you’re looking for a simple way to boost your happiness, try moving your body more. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous – even a quick walk can make a difference!

3) Get enough sleep

Sleep is often overlooked when we think about happiness. But, getting a good night’s rest can significantly impact your mood and overall well-being.

When we sleep, our bodies undergo various processes that promote physical health, including tissue repair, hormone regulation, and brain function.

But it’s not just about physical health.

A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that people who were limited to only 4.5 hours of sleep a night for one week reported feeling more stressed, angry, and mentally exhausted.

When they returned to a normal sleep schedule, their mood significantly improved.

The researchers concluded that adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a positive mood and overall emotional health.

Ensure you’re getting enough ZZZs each night. It’s not just good for your health – it’s fundamental for your happiness too!

4) Connect with others

We humans are social creatures. We crave connection and thrive on healthy relationships. In fact, connecting with others is one of the most effective ways to boost our happiness levels.

Building strong bonds and maintaining social ties can enrich our lives in many ways. It can provide emotional support in tough times, offer joy and companionship, and even improve our sense of self-worth.

An 80-year Harvard study found that the quality of our closest relationships are the biggest predictor of happiness. 

These relationships do not need to be many or complicated. A simple conversation with a friend, a warm hug from a family member, or even a friendly exchange with a stranger can greatly enhance our mood.

Therefore, take the time to nurture your relationships. Call an old friend, spend quality time with your family, or make an effort to meet new people. You’ll be surprised how these connections can light up your life.

5) Find purpose and meaning

Happiness isn’t just about feeling good all the time. It’s also about feeling that life is good, worthwhile, and meaningful.

A study found that when people feel like they have a purpose, they’re more likely to feel happy feelings like being content, relaxed, excited, and joyful.

They’re also less likely to feel bad stuff like anger, worry, tiredness, or sadness.

Plus, they generally feel more satisfied with their life and just feel better overall.

Purpose gives us a reason to get up in the morning, fuels our motivation, and helps us overcome challenges.

This could be anything – from your profession, to a hobby you’re passionate about, to volunteering for a cause you believe in. The key is to find something that resonates with you and aligns with your values and passions.

Take some time to introspect. What drives you? What makes you feel fulfilled? Once you find it, pursue it wholeheartedly. Not only will it bring you satisfaction, but it will also guide you on the path to genuine happiness.

6) Practice kindness

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. It’s a simple phrase, but it holds a profound truth. Kindness is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and languages.

A published review of decades of kindness research found that people who were kind tended to have higher well-being. 

When we perform acts of kindness – whether large or small – we’re not just helping others, we’re also helping ourselves.

Helping others triggers the release of serotonin in our brains, a hormone that gives us feelings of satisfaction and happiness.

But the beauty of kindness is that it doesn’t have to be grand gestures. It could be as simple as complimenting someone, lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, or just sharing a smile with a stranger on the street.

These actions might seem small, but their impact can be enormous. They create positive ripples that spread outwards, touching lives in ways we might never fully comprehend.

So go out there and scatter kindness around like confetti. Because in the end, it’s not just about making others happy – it’s about creating a happier world for all of us to live in.

7) Learn to let go

Holding onto negative feelings like resentment, anger or disappointment can be like carrying around a heavy backpack. It weighs you down and prevents you from moving forward.

I learned this the hard way. I used to hold onto grudges and dwell on past mistakes, constantly replaying them in my mind. This didn’t just rob me of my present happiness, but also affected my future.

It was only when I made a conscious decision to let go and forgive – forgive others and more importantly, forgive myself – that I truly began to feel happier.

The process wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. By letting go of the past, I freed myself from its chains and opened up space for positivity and peace.

Susanna Newsonen MAPP explains why in Psychology Today  that happiness is not about being happy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s about having the full human experience, including positive and negative emotions.

We all have the power to release these negative emotions. It might not happen overnight, but with patience and perseverance, it is possible.

And trust me, the feeling of freedom that comes with letting go is incomparable.

8) Spend more time in nature

There’s something incredibly calming and rejuvenating about being in nature. The fresh air, the greenery, the peace and quiet – they all contribute to a sense of serenity and happiness.

Psychology research supports this too. Studies have found that spending time outdoors can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and enhance mood.

Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or just sitting in your backyard, spending time in nature can do wonders for your mental well-being.

So make it a point to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. You will not only feel more relaxed but also more attuned to yourself and the world around you.

9) Embrace self-compassion

At the end of the day, the most important relationship you have is with yourself. Therefore, it’s crucial to treat yourself with kindness and compassion.

Higher levels of self-compassion are linked to increased feelings of happiness, optimism, curiosity and connectedness, as well as decreased anxiety, depression, rumination and fear of failure.

Self-compassion involves acknowledging your own suffering, failures, and inadequacies, and responding to them with kindness and understanding, instead of harsh self-judgment.

It’s about accepting that you’re human and it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s about being patient with yourself, especially during tough times.

When you learn to treat yourself with the same kindness you would treat a dear friend, you create a nurturing space for growth and happiness.

So remember to be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough.

Final thoughts: Happiness is a journey

The quest for happiness is as old as humanity itself. It’s a complex, multi-faceted journey that can often feel elusive and out of reach. But psychology has provided us with valuable insights into how we can navigate this journey more effectively.

Each of the strategies we’ve explored – from practicing gratitude and kindness, to connecting with others and finding purpose – are stepping stones on the path to happiness. They are not quick fixes or magic solutions, but rather habits and mindsets to cultivate over time.

It’s important to remember that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. It’s about embracing the highs and lows, learning from our experiences, and striving to create a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and well-being.

As renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” This holds true for happiness as well.

So take these strategies, apply them in your own life, and embark on your unique journey towards happiness. Remember, it’s your journey and every step you take brings you closer to creating the happy life you desire and deserve.