Happiness can feel elusive, can’t it? Sometimes it feels like a secret that only some people have discovered. But guess what? It’s not so mysterious. In fact, it often boils down to a set of regular habits.
Psychology tells us that people who stay happy tend to share ten common behaviors. They aren’t complex or hard to understand, but they do require commitment.
Hello there, it’s Lachlan Brown here, the founder of Hack Spirit and a keen follower of mindfulness and Buddhism. In this piece, I’ll walk you through these ten habits that the happiest people live by.
Stay with me as we take a closer look at these habits – they might just be the key to unlocking your own happiness.
1) Cultivating mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgement. It’s a pretty simple concept, but it can have profound effects on our happiness levels.
Psychologists have found that those who practice mindfulness regularly tend to be happier. Why? Because mindfulness helps us to appreciate the here and now, rather than getting caught up in past regrets or future worries.
It’s a habit that you can cultivate in your daily life. Whether it’s taking a few moments each morning to meditate, or simply paying more attention to your surroundings as you walk to work, every bit of mindfulness practice counts.
The first habit of happy people is this: they make time to be mindful. They set aside moments in their day to truly be present, to breathe, and to appreciate the world around them.
Happiness is often found in the present moment. It’s about appreciating what you have right now, not what you might have in the future or what you had in the past.
2) Expressing gratitude
It’s no secret that gratitude and happiness are closely linked. Countless studies have shown that regularly expressing gratitude can significantly increase our happiness levels.
Here’s the thing: Happy people know this. They make it a habit to focus on what they’re thankful for, rather than what they don’t have.
As Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk, once said, “The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.”
From my own experience, I can tell you that incorporating a simple gratitude practice into my daily routine has made a significant difference in my outlook on life. I start and end each day by listing three things I’m grateful for. It’s a small act, but it shifts my focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right.
The second habit of happy people? They express gratitude regularly. And it doesn’t have to be complicated – just acknowledging the good in your life can make a big difference.
3) Living with minimum ego
Ego can be a major roadblock to happiness. It’s that part of us that’s overly concerned with status, recognition, and being ‘right’. It can lead to unnecessary conflict, stress, and disappointment.
Happy people have a habit of keeping their ego in check. They understand that they are more than their achievements or failures. They value humility and are able to admit when they’re wrong.
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.
I’ve found that learning to live with a minimum ego has been incredibly freeing. It has allowed me to connect more deeply with others, to be more open to new experiences, and to let go of the need for constant validation.
So, the third habit of happy people? They live with minimum ego. They understand that true happiness comes from within, not from external validation or status.
If you’re interested in exploring this concept further, I invite you to check out my book here. It’s packed with insights on how to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life by embracing the principles of Buddhism.
4) Embracing change
Change is the only constant in life. It’s a cliche, but it’s also a truth that happy people have come to understand and embrace.
Resistance to change can lead to frustration and disappointment, while an open and adaptable mindset can open doors to growth and new opportunities.
The Dalai Lama once said: “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”
Happy people take this to heart. They understand that change can often lead to better things, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time.
How do you put this into practice? Start by becoming more aware of your reactions to change. Do you resist it or do you embrace it?
When you’re faced with a significant change, try to see it as an opportunity for growth, rather than a setback. This simple shift in perspective can make a huge difference in your overall happiness.
5) Understanding and living by their core values
We all have a set of core values, whether we’re consciously aware of them or not. These values guide our decisions, shape our behavior, and ultimately determine our happiness.
Happy people take the time to understand their core values. They don’t just live on autopilot. They know what they stand for, what brings them joy, and what they want their life to be about.
In my own quest for happiness, understanding my core values has been a game-changer. It has allowed me to make decisions that align with who I am and what I believe in.
If you’re unsure of your core values, Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown offers a fantastic Defining Your Values Exercise. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can help you identify what’s truly important to you.
The fifth habit of happy people? They understand and live by their core values. Because when your actions align with your values, inner peace and happiness naturally follow.
6) Regular physical activity
You’ve probably heard this one before, but it’s worth repeating: regular physical activity is a key habit of happy people.
Physical exercise doesn’t just keep your body healthy – it’s also a powerful mood booster. It releases endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals, which can help reduce stress and improve your mood.
Happy people know this, and they make it a priority to stay active. It doesn’t have to be a grueling workout at the gym – even a brisk walk around the block can do wonders for your mental well-being.
7) Being present
Here’s a simple truth: You can’t be truly happy if you’re always thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Happiness lives in the present moment.
Mindfulness, which we discussed earlier, is key to being present. But it’s also about fully engaging with what you’re doing, who you’re with, and where you are.
Personally, I’ve found that when I’m fully present, whether I’m working on a project or spending time with loved ones, I feel more content and fulfilled.
Happiness is not a destination – it’s a way of life. And that life is happening right now.
8) Pursuing passion
Doing what you love and following your passion is an invaluable source of happiness. Happy people understand this and make time for their passions, whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, gardening, or cooking.
Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” And this doesn’t just apply to work. It applies to life.
Happy people don’t wait for the weekend or retirement to do what they love. They incorporate their passions into their daily lives.
They understand that life is too short to spend it doing things they don’t love. Passion fuels happiness, and they make sure to keep that flame burning.
9) Embracing solitude
This might seem counterintuitive, but happy people value their alone time. While social connections are crucial for our well-being, solitude allows us to reconnect with ourselves, reflect on our experiences, and recharge our batteries.
I’ve always been a bit of an introvert, so I’ve never struggled with spending time alone. But I know it can be daunting for some people. You might fear loneliness or boredom. But once you learn to enjoy your own company, solitude becomes a blessing, not a curse.
They understand that spending time alone is not about being antisocial or lonely. It’s about self-reflection, self-care, and personal growth. It’s about enjoying your own company and finding peace within yourself.
10) Regular sleep
Last but certainly not least, happy people prioritize their sleep. It may seem basic, but getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for your overall well-being and happiness.
Sleep rejuvenates your body and mind, improves your mood, boosts your energy levels, and enhances your productivity.
Happy people know this, and they make it a point to get enough rest. They have a regular sleep schedule and they stick to it.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and see the difference it makes to your mood and happiness levels.
Conclusion
Happiness isn’t an elusive secret. It’s a product of daily habits and practices. From cultivating mindfulness and expressing gratitude, to embracing change and living with minimum ego, these are the common habits that happy people share.
Remember, happiness is a journey, not a destination. And it’s a journey that begins with understanding yourself and your core values.
If you’re unsure of where to start, remember that Life Transition coach Jeanette Brown offers a fantastic Defining Your Values Exercise. It’s a great first step towards discovering what truly matters to you.
With these habits in mind, and a commitment to practice, you’re well on your way to unlocking your own happiness. So why not start today?
