The art of living well: 7 ways to cultivate daily happiness

What does it really mean to live well?

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on this question—and the more I’ve explored, the more I’ve realized that true well-being isn’t just about reaching milestones. It’s about how we experience life every single day.

Today, we’re diving into seven simple yet powerful ways to infuse more joy into your daily life.

These habits have helped me shift my mindset and truly savor the present. I have a feeling they might do the same for you.

Let’s get into it.

1. Make space for stillness

I used to believe that packing my schedule was a sign of productivity. If my calendar wasn’t full, I assumed I was slacking. Sound familiar?

Well, I quickly learned that staying busy doesn’t necessarily mean you’re moving forward—it can also mean you’re simply spinning your wheels.

That’s where stillness comes in.

I’m talking about carving out moments in your day when you’re not scrolling on your phone or planning your next task. Moments when you can pause, breathe, and acknowledge what you’re feeling and experiencing. Whether it’s closing your eyes for two minutes at your desk or taking a quiet walk without music, stillness is a way to ground yourself.

And it isn’t just a pause button; it’s a way to reconnect with your inner self so you can show up better for everything else.

2. Find joy in small, slow daily rituals

I like to call these “anchors”—those little routines that keep you tied to the present moment. 

For me, it’s my morning tea. Every single day, I pour hot water over fresh tea leaves and just watch them infuse. It’s a small ceremony, but it reminds me to slow down and be grateful for the moment.

Why does this matter for your happiness?

Because small rituals turn ordinary tasks into moments of mindfulness. Instead of mindlessly gulping down coffee while scrolling through social media, consider sipping your drink in silence or writing down a quick gratitude note in a journal. These mindful mini-habits can build a sense of appreciation and calm into your day.

As Lao Tzu once said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” If we take that wisdom to heart, it’s about learning to find a steady, mindful pace that opens up space for joy in the mundane.

3. Share your emotions (and really listen to others, too)

This might seem obvious, but let’s be honest: many of us hold back our feelings. We fear being judged, burdening others, or appearing vulnerable.

I used to bottle up my stress because I didn’t want to seem weak or incapable. But when I finally opened up to a trusted friend, the sense of relief was immense. Instead of judging me, he offered empathy and even shared his own struggles.

Happiness doesn’t exist in a vacuum—our social connections play a huge role in our well-being. So, when someone asks, “How are you?” try answering honestly, at least once in a while. And when you ask someone else the same question, give them your full attention. Genuine emotional exchanges build deeper bonds and lighten the mental load.

As Brené Brown has noted in her research on vulnerability, “Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection.” It’s through these connections that we often find comfort, understanding, and even a spark of everyday joy.

4. Embrace a “beginner’s mind”

If you’ve been tuning into HackSpirit for a while, you’ll know I’m a big proponent of mindfulness and Eastern philosophy. I’ve talked about this in previous posts, but I want to reiterate it here because it’s truly transformational. 

In Buddhism, there’s the concept of “beginner’s mind,” which means approaching every situation as if you’re seeing it for the first time—without preconceived notions or judgments.

This approach can infuse a sense of wonder into your everyday life. The coffee you drink each morning, the colleagues you see, the routine walk you take—all of these can feel fresh and new when you let go of the “been there, done that” mentality. You might discover nuances you never noticed before, or rekindle an appreciation you thought was lost.

Every experience, even mundane or challenging ones, can become your teacher when you adopt a beginner’s mind. It’s a small shift in perspective that can lead to huge increases in daily happiness.

5. Stay true to your values (even when it’s tough)

Ever find yourself doing something just because everyone else is doing it—or because it’s what you think you “should” be doing? 

I’ve been there. 

In my early twenties, I chased career paths and goals that didn’t align with my deeper values. I wanted validation from others, but ultimately, I felt a lingering sense of emptiness.

Sticking to your core values, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular, is essential for genuine happiness. It’s about living in alignment. 

Carl Rogers, a pioneer in psychology, once noted, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” And that rings true for our values as well.  Accept who you are and what matters to you, and you’ll create the right conditions for authentic growth and contentment.

6. Give without expectation

One of the most underrated ways to find daily happiness is through acts of kindness. It might be as simple as offering to help a coworker who’s overloaded or buying someone a coffee when they least expect it. 

The key here is to give without expecting anything in return.

I remember once helping a neighbor move some furniture. I didn’t have the time, really—I was juggling deadlines and personal errands—but I felt a nudge to lend a hand. Seeing the relief and gratitude on their face was worth the small sacrifice of my time. That good feeling lingered, and it reminded me how uplifting simple kindness can be.

And this isn’t just anecdotal. According to a study published in The Journal of Social Psychology, people who perform acts of kindness experience higher levels of happiness. 

The takeaway here? Whether it’s a small favor or a grand gesture, giving freely is a quick route to feeling more fulfilled and content in your everyday life.

7. Let go of grudges and resentment

To wrap things up, let’s talk about one of the toughest barriers to daily happiness: holding onto grudges. 

Trust me, I know how it feels to nurse a resentment. You replay a scenario in your head, convinced that you’re the wronged party, and you end up fueling your own anger and negativity.

The problem is, grudges don’t hurt the other person nearly as much as they hurt you. It’s like clutching a hot coal in your hand with the intention of throwing it at someone else—you end up getting burned.

As Confucius said, “To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it.” Letting go of grudges doesn’t mean you excuse harmful behavior. It simply means you’re choosing not to carry emotional baggage that weighs you down.

So how do you let go? For me, it starts with acknowledging my feelings. I allow myself to feel the anger or sadness fully, then I ask, “What can I learn from this, and how can I move forward?” 

Sometimes, I even write a letter to the person I’m upset with (I don’t send it, but putting it all on paper helps). Afterward, I usually feel a sense of release, like a weight has been lifted.

If forgiveness is a struggle for you, remember that it’s a process. But the payoff—more emotional freedom and less negativity—makes it worth the effort.

Final words

Happiness isn’t a final destination—it’s a practice, one that evolves with you. 

By making space for stillness, embracing a beginner’s mind, aligning with your core values, and sharing your authentic self with others, you’ll build a life that feels rich and meaningful. 

Sprinkle in daily acts of kindness and a willingness to let go of past grudges, and I think you’ll find that happiness isn’t as elusive as it sometimes seems!