Our habits have such a huge impact on our lives. They’re really not given the credit they deserve. And when it comes to your happiness and your mindset, your habits can have a HUGE impact on whether you are typically happy or typically sad.
So I did some research on happiness and what habits we can cultivate to live a happy life. I came across this great video from Lavendaire titled, 15 Habits of Happy People – Happiness Habits to Improve Your Life. Here is her list in no particular order:
1. Optimistic & Postive Mindset
You need to look for the silver lining in everything. One of my principles I read daily is to, “Look for the beauty in all things.” This can be tough to do, but next time something doesn’t go the way you planned, look for the positive in it. It really helps.
2. Gratitude
Be thankful for what you have and don’t worry about what you don’t. Be thankful for the air you breathe, the health you have, and the life you are blessed to live. Take nothing for granted.
3. Let Things Go
Don’t be stubborn. Let go of negative things. Don’t let the burning desire to be right result into holding grudges.
4. Live In The Present
Learn to live in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Live in the moment and get from it what you can. Don’t miss something great because you’re pre-occupied with past or future thinking.
5. Live Aligned To Values & Authentic Self
Don’t put up a false front. Be yourself and do the things that make you happy. Don’t pretend to be what you’re not just to make others happy. Be yourself, be genuine, be you!!!
6. Self Love & Confidence
Believe in yourself and your ability to do the things you want to do in life. You can do just about anything you put your mind to if you believe you can. Okay, maybe you can’t do EVERYTHING you believe, but believing in yourself will help you accomplish much more.
7. Focus On Wins
Be proud of your accomplishments no matter how small. Most of the times, big wins are the results of a bunch of small wins along the way. Take some time to enjoy all the wins and see the minor setbacks as learning opportunities.
8. Resilience & Self- Forgiveness
We all make mistakes. Don’t be hard on yourself. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and come back stronger, eager to do better!!!
9. Surround Yourself With Happy People
Spending time with happy people will make you happier. Their happiness will rub off on you and yours on them. You are most effected by the five people you hang out with the most. Are you hanging out with happy people?
10. Give Back
It is better to give than to receive. There’s a great feeling of giving of yourself, your time, and your money to help someone else. This is Chicken Soup for the soul.
11. Creativity
Creativity cultivates happiness. There is something very uplifting about creating something that you can put your name on. Have a creative outlet that allows you to express yourself.
12. Meditation
This is a common practice of happy people and a practice that I’ve personally implemented over the last few years. Meditation can help you find inner peace and help you let go of your ego.
13. Get Enough Sleep
Figure out how much sleep you need a night to wake up happy, energetic, and ready to tackle the day. For me, it’s six hours. That’s all I need to be me. Less than that calls for a rough day. Make sure you get the sleep you need to wake up, be positive, and do good things.
14. Exercise Regularly
Exercise releases endorphins which are one of the “Happy Hormones.” You’re also making yourself healthier, which will help you to feel better, further increasing your happiness. A great way to reduce stress is to exercise often. It’s a great way to let off some steam.
15. Laugh Often
Have a good sense of humor and be willing to laugh at yourself. Don’t take things too seriously. Have fun, live, laugh, love.
The Takeaway
Lavendaire has done a great job listing habits that can help you live a happier life. As I went through this list, I was looking for ways I could improve. I can honestly tell you that I have been studying happiness and cultivating happiness habits over the last few years. I have every single one of these habits in my daily life. I can tell you from experience that I am generally happier, more positive, and optimistic. I like to think I am more pleasant to be around and generally happier overall.
Look to implement some, if not all, of these habits into your daily life. Practice them daily, stick to them, and cultivate happiness through practice. You have a choice in your happiness. No, it doesn’t mean you will always or constantly be happy. I have some sad times too, but those times seem to be shorter and I’m generally happy most of the time.
If you want to view Lavendaire’s video, you can view it here: