Clifton Kopp
Some folks are just genetically upbeat.
Sadly though, most of us aren’t; most people have to put the time and work in to regularly feel happy.
I respect these people.
Why? Because we live in a world where it’s incredibly easy to be sad or negative.
Culture wars, high inflation, a global pandemic, genocide, everyone constantly fighting in the comment section… the world can be a pretty grim place if you don’t have the right perspective.
So if you struggle to find happiness, you’re far from alone.
I’m here to help.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the daily habits you need to incorporate into your life, if you want to be happier.
Let’s get to it!
1) Practicing gratitude
Getting caught up in what we perceive to be lacking in life is easy.
After all, we’re currently living through the golden age of comparisons.
A thirty-second scroll through social media, and you’ll see both strangers and friends alike living their best lives; and naturally, you can’t help but compare your situation to theirs.
If longing for what you don’t have in life becomes the status quo, this can be a quick route to perpetual discontent.
Sometimes, we have to make a concerted effort to take a step back and mindfully acknowledge all the good things in our lives; the things we often take for granted.
So take a few minutes daily to write down things you’re grateful for.
Once you start cultivating gratitude, expect a major shift in your outlook.
2) Exercising regularly
The benefits of exercise are well-documented–and for good reason.
Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
When I’m stressed or upset, I’ll often make it a point to get some exercise, whether that’s a brisk walk through the park or a quick session at the gym.
I emerge from the workout with a completely different mindset. It’s almost like magic.
So if you tend to be unhappy, assess how active you are on a daily basis.
If you’re lounging around the house most of the day, living a mostly sedentary life, then consider it time to break a sweat and get moving.
3) Prioritizing proper sleep
In case you haven’t heard, as humans, getting good sleep is a non-negotiable.
Sleep is the time we rejuvenate and restore ourselves, body, mind, and soul.
People who are deprived of good-quality sleep will naturally feel more susceptible to stress, irritation, or even depression and anxiety.
Meanwhile, people who tend to oversleep are also vulnerable to a host of mental issues.
I know whenever I’ve overslept in the past, I’d wake up feeling sluggish, my cognitive function palpably lagging.
Like everything else, when it comes to sleep, moderation and balance is key.
Strive for 7-9 hours of deep sleep per night.
4) Regularly connecting with loved ones
No man (or woman) is an island.
You may feel you can be completely independent and not have to rely on anyone for happiness, but the fact is, having strong interpersonal connections is a big deal.
Do you know what a blue zone is?
If you don’t, read on.
Blue zones are the rare regions of the world where people live longer and stay healthy for far longer than everybody else.
If you look into it, there are obvious parallels to these blue zones; one of which is that they all tend to have a powerful sense of community.
In blue zones, it’s unusual for people to be left alone, young or old, to wither away.
Being alone for too long can affect your mental state, even if you don’t immediately recognize it.
You don’t need to be in a committed romantic relationship or be settled down with family either; just having friends and people you can frequently get in touch with is incredibly important.
So as much as possible, spend time with friends and family, whether in person, over the phone, or through video calls.
Maintaining social connections is key to happiness and longevity.
5) Meditating and practicing mindfulness
Trust me: meditation works. It’s no longer some new-age pseudo-science.
There’s a reason some of the most successful people in the world have incorporated a bit of meditation into their routines.
Getting overwhelmed by life is easy; meditation allows you to truly live in the present, rather than dwell on the past or ruminate excessively about the future.
So if you haven’t already, start taking a few minutes of your day to meditate or practice mindfulness.
You’ll notice an uptick in your happiness levels almost immediately.
6) Engaging in hobbies
Balance is a big deal.
Sure, working long hours is admirable, but if you never engage in self-care activities, you’re doing yourself a major disservice; as well as risking burnout.
Life shouldn’t be all about money or work; make time for activities you genuinely enjoy, being fully present without thinking about potential stressors.
Pursuing hobbies can provide a sense of accomplishment, joy, and relaxation–all necessary components for a happy life.
7) Having a healthy diet
Remember folks, you are what you eat.
No, don’t worry, you won’t be morphing into a bag of Doritos anytime soon.
But if you regularly consume junk, you’ll begin to feel like it.
You’d be surprised how a few simple dietary changes can completely change your outlook mentally.
A balanced diet is known to improve mood and energy levels; so start being mindful of what you put in your body.
Have a diet rich with fruits, vegetables whole grains, and minimal processed food. Thank me later.
8) Setting goals and planning the day
Having no tangible direction or purpose and coasting through life just isn’t conducive to positive feelings.
When you live with purpose, everything will follow.
Start small. Have a routine. Create loose itineraries.
Having a clear plan for and setting achievable goals, both big and small, can give you a sense of direction and accomplishment.
Once you get into the swing of things, you’ll feel a spring in your step, far more motivated to tackle the day than in other circumstances.
9) Spending time outdoors
I’m a city guy… always have been, and always will be.
Still, I’d never live in a city without access to extensive parks and nature.
As much as the hustle and bustle of urban life tantalizes me, it can also unconsciously stress me out.
Hence, to balance things out, I’ll actively spend time in a park, or nearby beach.
Nature has a calming effect on the mind.
A few minutes in the sun can heal you, mentally and physically.
So try to spend some time outside each day, whether it’s in a park, garden, or even just a balcony.
You got this.
