People who are truly happy in their life usually adopt these 8 daily habits

Being happy isn’t just about good genes or pure luck. It largely depends on adopting certain habits that can transform your mindset and outlook on life.

There’s a striking difference between those who are genuinely content and those who aren’t, and it often comes down to daily routine.

As a mindfulness and Buddhism expert, I’ve noticed that truly happy people tend to follow a set of daily practices that keep them grounded and joyful, no matter what life throws their way.

In this piece, I’m going to share with you 8 daily habits that I’ve witnessed in those who lead truly fulfilling lives.

My hope? That you might incorporate them into your own routine and find that same happiness. 

Let’s dive in. 

1) Mindful mornings

It’s no secret that how we start our day has a significant impact on the rest of it. And those who are genuinely happy understand this and have a morning routine in place.

You won’t see them rushing around, skipping breakfast, or checking emails as soon as they open their eyes. Instead, they take time for themselves to mindfully set the tone for their day.

This can include habits like meditating, journaling, or even just taking a few moments to breathe deeply and appreciate the new day.

The idea here isn’t about following a strict regimen, but rather about creating space each morning to acknowledge their state of mind and set positive intentions for the day ahead.

By starting their day mindfully, these individuals are able to maintain a sense of calm and positivity throughout their day, no matter what challenges come their way.

Happiness isn’t just an end goal—it’s a daily practice. And mindful mornings can be a powerful tool in cultivating that ongoing sense of joy.

2) Gratitude practice

Gratitude is a powerful thing. It can transform the way we see the world and our place in it. Happy people know this, and they make a habit of acknowledging the good in their lives every day.

I myself have found that incorporating gratitude into my daily routine has had a profound impact on my overall happiness. Even on tough days, finding something to be thankful for can shift your perspective and lift your spirits.

Thich Nhat Hanh, renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert, once said: “Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” This quote encapsulates the essence of gratitude—appreciating every small blessing and recognizing the beauty in our everyday lives.

Whether it’s jotting down things you’re thankful for in a journal, or simply taking a moment to silently express gratitude for something in your life, making this practice a part of your daily routine can significantly contribute to your overall happiness.

3) Embracing impermanence

Buddhist wisdom teaches us about the concept of impermanence – the idea that everything in life is transient and ever-changing. This can be a tough pill to swallow, especially in a world where we often cling to stability and certainty.

However, those who are truly happy have learned to embrace this impermanence. They understand that life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes, and resisting them only creates sorrow.

Instead of fighting against change, they go with the flow, adapting and growing with each new experience. They see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and learning.

It’s not always easy – it requires courage and resilience. But acknowledging the impermanence of life can free us from the fear of the unknown and open us up to true happiness.

As Buddha himself said: “Life is a river always flowing. Do not hold onto things. Work hard.” Embrace the flow of life, and you’ll find happiness follows.

4) Mindful communication

In a world where we’re always connected, it’s easy to forget the value of truly present communication. We often find ourselves distracted during conversations, thinking about our next response or checking our phones.

But those who are genuinely happy practice mindful communication. This means fully focusing on the conversation at hand, listening carefully, and responding thoughtfully. It’s about being present and engaged, rather than just going through the motions.

Mindful communication allows us to form deeper connections with others and helps us to understand ourselves better too. It’s about being honest, open, and authentic in our interactions.

It can be challenging in our fast-paced world, but the rewards are worth it. As mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn said: “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Mindful communication is a crucial skill in navigating the waves of life and finding genuine happiness.

5) Living with minimum ego

One of the greatest barriers to true happiness is our ego. It’s that voice in our head that pushes us to compete, to seek validation, and to always be right.

But those who are truly happy have learned how to reduce the influence of their ego. They understand that life isn’t a competition, but a journey to be experienced fully and authentically.

In my own journey, learning to live with minimum ego has been a game-changer. It has allowed me to connect more deeply with others, and more importantly, with myself.

In fact, I delve into this in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s all about finding balance in life and learning how to live with mindfulness and compassion instead of being driven by ego.

Reducing your ego doesn’t mean losing your self-esteem or self-worth. It’s about letting go of the need to constantly prove yourself and instead living a life that aligns with your values and brings you true happiness.

6) Practicing forgiveness

Holding onto grudges and past hurts can be a heavy burden. It can breed negativity and prevent us from moving forward in life.

Those who are truly happy understand the power of forgiveness. They understand that everyone makes mistakes and that holding onto anger or resentment only harms them in the end.

Forgiveness, in Buddhism and mindfulness practices, is seen as a path to liberation. It’s about letting go of negative emotions that tie us to the past and opening our hearts to compassion and understanding.

It’s not always easy to forgive, especially when the hurt runs deep. But practicing forgiveness allows us to release ourselves from the chains of the past and to live fully in the present moment.

As Buddha once said, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” By choosing forgiveness, we choose happiness, peace, and freedom.

7) Mindful consumption

In our consumer-driven society, it’s easy to get caught up in the desire for more: more stuff, more experiences, more success. But those who are truly happy understand that happiness doesn’t come from what we have, but from how we live.

Mindful consumption is about being aware of what we’re bringing into our lives, both physically and mentally.

It’s about choosing quality over quantity and understanding the impact of our choices on our wellbeing.

Practicing mindful consumption helps us to live more sustainably and ethically.

But more than that, it brings a sense of peace and contentment that comes from knowing we’re living in alignment with our values.

8) Embracing stillness

In a world that glorifies busyness, it’s easy to believe that we always need to be doing something. But those who are truly happy understand the value of stillness.

Contrary to what many may believe, stillness isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about making space for mindfulness and reflection. It’s about taking time out from the constant noise and distractions to simply be.

Stillness allows us to connect with our inner selves, to process our thoughts and feelings, and to gain clarity. In these moments of tranquility, we often find the answers we’ve been seeking.

As mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn puts it: “The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.”

Embracing stillness allows us to appreciate these ‘little’ moments and find joy in the simplicity of life.

Conclusion

Being truly happy isn’t about avoiding hardships or chasing after fleeting pleasures. It’s more about adopting daily habits that foster mindfulness, self-awareness, and compassion.

Each of the habits we’ve discussed is a stepping stone on the path to genuine happiness. They encourage us to live mindfully, to appreciate the present moment, and to cultivate inner peace.

Remember, happiness isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. And every journey starts with a single step.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into some of these concepts, I invite you to check out my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It offers practical insights into living a balanced life that aligns with Buddhist principles and mindfulness practices.

May you find joy in your journey towards true happiness.