Psychology says a happy life boils down to these 8 daily habits

There’s a fine line between living life and truly enjoying it.

Psychology suggests that the latter comes down to adopting certain habits.

Hi there, I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and a dedicated mindfulness enthusiast. I’ve delved deep into the world of psychology to uncover the seven habits that can lead you to a truly happy life.

In this article, you’ll find that happiness isn’t an elusive butterfly, but a practice that can be nurtured with the right daily habits. So, let’s dive right in and see how we can sprinkle some joy into our everyday lives.

1. Practice gratitude

Living a happy life is not just about chasing pleasures. It’s about appreciating what we already have.

Welcome to the world of gratitude.

Gratitude, as simple as it may sound, is a powerful tool that can dramatically improve our mental well-being. It’s not just about saying “thank you” but about truly acknowledging the good things in our life.

Psychologists have found that individuals who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.

So, if you’re looking for a happiness boost, start by appreciating the small joys in life. From the warmth of the sun on your skin to a good cup of coffee in the morning, there’s always something to be thankful for.

2. Mindful living

Another key to a happy life, according to psychology, is mindfulness.

Mindfulness is being fully present in the moment, not lost in past regrets or future worries. It’s about experiencing life as it unfolds, without judgment.

It’s a habit I’ve personally embraced in my own life and let me tell you, it’s transformative.

Just the other day, as I sat in my backyard sipping my morning coffee, I decided to really focus on the experience. The warmth of the cup in my hand, the aroma of the brew, the birds chirping in the trees around me.

Instead of letting my mind race through my to-do list for the day, I anchored myself in that moment. And it was beautiful.

Mindfulness doesn’t require a special setting or extra time in your day. It’s about turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones by simply being present.

As psychologist and mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn puts it, “Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.”

3. Letting go of ego

One of the most transformative habits to cultivate for a happier life is learning to let go of our ego.

Ego, as defined in psychology, is our conscious mind — the part of our identity that we consider our “self.”

It’s not inherently bad, but when it starts running the show, leading us to make decisions based on self-importance or fear of judgment, it can become a barrier to happiness.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into the concept of ego from a Buddhist perspective and share practical tips for living a life less driven by ego and more driven by compassion and understanding.

Finding freedom from ego doesn’t mean losing your sense of self or becoming a doormat for others. It’s about recognizing that we are all interconnected and that our actions impact others. It’s about moving away from a “me-first” mentality and embracing a sense of universal responsibility.

4. Cultivate positive relationships

Psychology indicates that one of the most profound sources of happiness in life comes from our relationships with other people.

In fact, the longest-running study on happiness – the Harvard Study of Adult Development – found that it’s social connection and deep relationships above all that lead to good health and happiness. 

Human beings are social creatures. We thrive on connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging. Relationships—whether they’re with friends, family, or romantic partners—can provide us with these essential elements.

So if you’re looking to enhance your happiness, invest time in building meaningful relationships. This involves open communication, mutual respect, trust, and empathy. It also means setting boundaries and understanding that every relationship requires give-and-take.

5. Embrace discomfort

This might sound counter-intuitive, but embracing discomfort can actually lead to a happier life.

Psychology teaches us that growth often comes from discomfort.

When we step outside of our comfort zone, we face new challenges and experiences that can help us learn, grow, and ultimately become more resilient.

Whether it’s taking on a challenging task at work, having a difficult conversation, or trying something new, these uncomfortable situations often lead to personal development and a deeper sense of satisfaction.

As renowned psychologist Susan David puts it, “Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.” By accepting and embracing our discomfort, we pave the way to personal growth and increased happiness.

6. Practice self-care

Self-care is not just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health.

Psychologists have always emphasized the importance of self-care in maintaining a balanced and happy life. This includes a wide range of practices, such as: 

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Ensuring you get enough sleep
  • Taking time to relax and recharge
  • Setting boundaries and saying no when necessary
  • Prioritizing your needs.

As you can see, it’s all about respecting yourself enough to give yourself what you need.

After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself allows you to be there for others and to show up fully in your own life.

7. Foster a growth mindset

One of the most transformative habits for a happy life is fostering a growth mindset.

A growth mindset, a term coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed with time, effort, and determination. It’s about viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

Cultivating a growth mindset can lead to increased resilience, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. It allows you to learn from your mistakes and persist in the face of adversity.

To quote Carol Dweck, “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here’s a chance to grow.”

Adopting this mindset can truly pave the way to a happier and more fulfilled life.

8. Find purpose and meaning

Lastly, one of the most significant contributors to a happy life, according to psychology, is finding a sense of purpose and meaning.

Studies have shown that individuals who have a strong sense of purpose and meaning in their life tend to be happier, healthier, and more satisfied with their lives.

Purpose and meaning go beyond just being content or having fun. It’s about knowing that you’re contributing to something larger than yourself, that your life has significance.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to make grand gestures or change the world. It can be as simple as being the best parent you can be, excelling in your career, or volunteering for a cause close to your heart.

It’s true what the famous psychologist Viktor Frankl said: “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”

Wrapping up

Happiness isn’t about luck—it’s about habits. The way you think, the choices you make, and the routines you follow all play a huge role in shaping your overall well-being.

And as psychology shows, true happiness isn’t found in fleeting pleasures but in the daily practices that bring meaning, connection, and inner peace.

If you want a more fulfilling life, start small. Incorporate these habits, stay consistent, and watch how your mindset shifts over time.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve deeper into the concept of happiness and how to live a fulfilling life through Buddhist principles.

If you’re looking for practical ways to cultivate more joy and purpose, you’ll find valuable insights there that can help you along the way.

For now, as you go about your day, remember these seven habits. They might not bring instant gratification, but they will set the foundation for long-term happiness. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what we all strive for?

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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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