Find happiness by learning these simple habits of happy people.
Hey!
I just want to let you know that you can be happy too.
Yes, YOU.
Happiness is possible for YOU.
If you’ve stumbled upon this corner of the internet, chances are you’ve been searching for ways to be happier — how to become a happy person, tips and tricks to be happier, or the habits of the happiest people.
Well you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’re going to dig deep on all things happiness and ways for you to start applying these happy tricks and habits in your life today.
TABLE OF CONTENT
- What Is Happiness
- How To Find Happiness From Within
- Daily Habits Of Happy People
- Recommended Books On Happiness
- Happiness Is A Choice
NOTE: The information provided in this article is intended to provide support to help you cultivate more happiness in your daily life. They are not a replacement for professional therapy. If you are experiencing depression or any mental health issues, please seek immediate assistance from a qualified professional.
What Is Happiness
Happiness is self-defined.
What’s makes you happy could be completely different to someone else.
But the best, long lasting type of happiness is found from within.
Cliché, but true.
When we seek to find happiness from within rather than external factors, we tap into a source of contentment that is enduring and resilient.
This internal happiness isn’t swayed by circumstances or the opinions of others, but is rooted in self-acceptance, gratitude, and a deep understanding of our own worth and values.
By cultivating inner peace, we rely less on temporary external validation and focus more on what truly fulfils us, leading to a more authentic and satisfying life.
How To Find Happiness From Within
True happiness begins with the relationship you have with yourself, which is also the most important relationship you will ever have in this lifetime.
So, being on good terms with yourself should be a #1 priority on your list.
One of the best ways to build and nurture this relationship is through journaling.
Journaling offers a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and emotions, understand your motivations, and uncover the root causes of your fears and triggers.
By taking time to reflect on your experiences, you not only gain greater clarity and self-awareness, but you also nurture the inner peace that forms the foundation of true happiness.
With this deeper understanding of yourself, you can begin to cultivate the kind of lasting happiness that isn’t dependent on external factors.
7 tips on how to find happiness from within
- Accept yourself
Start by fully accepting yourself for who you are. This includes your flaws and imperfections, your mistakes, your past and the person you are right now. Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself is the first step towards self-acceptance and appreciation. - Practice mindfulness
Engage in mindfulness activities like meditation or mindful breathing. This helps to reduce stress, promote positive thinking, increase self-acceptance and bring your awareness back to the present moment, without judgment. - Cultivate gratitude
Keep a gratitude journal and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Gratitude shifts your perspective to appreciate what you have rather than don’t have. - Align with your values
Make choices that align with your values and the person you’d like to become. Living authentically leads to more happiness and a greater fulfilment. - Nurture your hobbies and passions
Do activities that brings you joy and energy. Regularly engaging in what you love can bring more positivity and happiness into your life. - Let go
Whatever it is that’s blocking you from happiness, let it go. This could be the past, a person, your fears or someone’s opinion, regardless of what it is, release it so you can experience the happiness that you deserve. - Prioritise self-care
Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This could be setting healthy boundaries to protect your inner peace, practice saying no, taking a break from work, or journaling.
15 Daily Habits Of Happy People
Now that we’ve explored ways to cultivate happiness from within, let’s look at the daily habits of happy people and ways you can incorporate them into your life.
1. Mind your own business
Happy people focus on their own lives rather than get caught up in other people’s affairs.
Some might say that’s a lack of empathy or care, but that’s far from the truth.
Happy folks understand that everyone has the freedom to choose how they want to live their lives. Rather than getting themselves involve, they show respect and avoid unnecessary gossip or judgment.
By focusing on their own journey and well-being, they create a more positive and stress-free environment for themselves and those around them.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Practice mindfulness and stay present in your own life
- Avoid gossip and refrain from judging others
- Respect others’ choices and focus on your personal growth
2. Prioritise your wellbeing
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Happy people understand the importance of taking care of themselves first. They make sure that their cup is filled first before sharing their time and energy with others.
They are intentional with their self-care practices and will always carve out time for their mental, physical and emotional needs. Their self-care might be in the form of exercising for stress relief, taking a bubble for relaxation, or journaling for emotional wellness.
By focusing on your own needs first, you are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and support others.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Schedule regular self-care activities
- Exercise regularly to manage stress
- Take time to relax and unwind
- Keep a journal to process your emotions
3. Honour your personal boundaries
Say no, and say it often.
Happy people avoid people-pleasing behaviours. They don’t seek external validation and know that it’s not their job to make others happy.
They set strong and healthy boundaries in their relationships, communicate their limits clearly and are comfortable saying “no” when necessary. By honoring their own boundaries, they protect their time, energy, and well-being, while staying true to themselves.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Learn to say “no” without feeling guilty
- Communicate your boundaries clearly and assertively
- Prioritize your needs and well-being
- Avoid overcommitting yourself
4. Think positive
Having a positive mindset is crucial for happiness.
Happy people focus on the positives in life and practice optimistic thinking.
They reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and keep their outlook hopeful, which helps them navigate life’s ups and downs with strength and resilience.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Practice positive affirmations daily
- Reframe negative thoughts into positive ones
- Surround yourself with positive influences
- Focus on solutions rather than problems
5. Embrace imperfection
Perfection doesn’t exist, and an unrealistic goal to attain.
Rather than beating themselves over their flaws, mistakes and imperfections, happy people embrace them with open arms.
They practice self-compassion and recognize that imperfections are part of the human experience. This way of thinking helps them reduce self-criticism and appreciate themselves more fully.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself
- Accept that mistakes are part of learning and growth
- Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small
- Focus on progress, not perfection
6. Forgive
Forgiveness is an essential practice for maintaining happiness.
Happy people let go of grudges and resentments.
They understanding that holding onto negativity will only harm themselves. By forgiving others, they free themselves from emotional burdens and create space for positive experiences and new opportunities.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Practice forgiveness and let go of past hurts
- Understand that forgiveness is for your own peace of mind
- Focus on the present and future, not the past
- Cultivate empathy and try to see things from others’ perspectives
7. Live in the moment
Live now.
Being present is the best gift you can give to yourself and others.
Happy people make a conscious effort to be fully present in each moment.
They avoid dwelling on the past or worry too much about the future.
Instead, they engage themselves fully in their current experiences and appreciate the here and now. This mindfulness practice helps them find joy and contentment in everyday life.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Practice mindfulness meditation to stay grounded
- Take deep breaths and focus on your surroundings
- Limit distractions like your phone when spending time with loved ones
8. Laugh often
Happy people don’t take themselves or life too seriously.
They are able to see the humour is difficult situations with laughter and smiles.
They find joy in the small things, and surround themselves with people who make them laugh. Whether it’s through a funny movie, a joke with friends, or simply seeing the lighter side of a challenging situation, this lighthearted approach improves their mood and overall wellbeing.
Best of all, laughing is free.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Watch a comedy show or movie
- Spend time with friends who make you laugh
- Find humor in everyday situations
9. Don’t compare yourself to others
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Happy people stay focus on their own lane and make comparison only with their past self.
They mind their own business, set their own goals and measure their progress based on their unique path. This helps them maintain self-esteem and avoid unnecessary feelings of inadequacy.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Set personal goals and track your progress
- Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small
- Remind yourself that everyone’s journey is different
10. Practice gratitude
Gratitude is a core practice for happy people.
Whether it’s big or small, happy folks regularly reflect on and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives. This habit shifts their focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, allowing them to experience a deeper sense of contentment and attract more positivity and joy in their lives.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Keep a gratitude journal and write down things you’re thankful for daily
- Express appreciation to others
- Focus on the positives in challenging situations
- Practice mindfulness to stay present and grateful
Too busy to journal? Here’s our FREE cheat sheet on how to journal in 5 minutes or less!
11. Surround yourself with positive and happy people
Happy people are selective with who they surround themselves with.
They choose to be around people who uplift their spirit and have their best interest at heart.
They build relationships with those who share their values and contribute positively to their well-being. This supportive network increase their happiness and provides encouragement during challenging times.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Spend time with friends and family who make you feel good
- Join groups or clubs that align with your interests and values
- Distance yourself from negative influences
12. Give back
Giving back to others through acts of kindness or community service is a practice that enriches not just yourself but other people’s lives.
Helping others not only benefits those in need but also provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This selfless act contributes to their own happiness and satisfaction.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Volunteer at a local charity or community center
- Perform random acts of kindness, like paying for someone’s coffee
- Donate to causes you care about
13. Exercise
Regular physical activity is a common habit among happy people.
Exercise not only improves physical health but also boosts mood and energy levels. By staying active, they support their overall well-being and contribute to their happiness.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Find an activity you enjoy, like walking, swimming, or dancing
- Set a regular exercise schedule and stick to it
- Join a fitness class or sports team to make exercise more social and fun
14. Engage in meaningful activities
Happy people do things that brings them joy and fulfilment.
They pursue hobbies, interests, and passions that align with their values and give them a sense of purpose. By doing what they love, they enhance their overall happiness and well-being.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Identify activities that make you happy and incorporate them into your routine
- Pursue hobbies and interests that align with your values
- Volunteer or engage in community service
- Set goals that give you a sense of purpose and achievement
15. Ask for help
Happy individuals are not reluctant to ask for help.
They don’t try to carry the world’s weight on their shoulder and will reach out to friends, family, or professionals for assistance. Seeking help strengthens their support network and helps them manage life’s challenges more effectively.
Happy habits you can start today:
- Reach out to a trusted friend or family member when you need support
- Consider talking to a therapist or counselor for professional guidance
- Join support groups or online communities where you can share experiences and advice
Need a reminder that you’re not alone? Check out our uplifting quotes for comfort, hope, and reassurance, even on tough days.
Recommended Books On Happiness
- The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by Dalai Lama
- The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams
- The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
- The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger M.D., Marc Schulz Ph.D
- The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking
- Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen
Happiness Is A Choice
Happiness is a journey that begins from within.
By adopting the habits of happy people, you can cultivate a life filled with joy and fulfilment. Remember, these habits are not just actions — they are mindsets that reinforce and maintain internal happiness.
Start today, and take one small step towards becoming the happiest version of yourself.
as i read through the article .. and realized i do the opposite of most of these.. this article hit like a gut punch . Its clear, in depth and simple. It told me exactly why i was unhappy .. Thank you..
Thank you for your honest and heartfelt comment. It means a lot that the article resonated with you in such a deep way. It takes real courage to look inward like that, and the fact that you’re aware of it is already a powerful first step toward change. Wishing you peace and happiness on your journey.