Happiness Habits To Try Today
Did you know that there are happiness habits that can actually improve your well-being?
Happiness is one of those sought-after emotions that no one fully understands but everyone desires. The hardest part of happiness is that it looks different for everyone. What makes you happy may not help someone else, and vice-versa.
Still, despite endless differences, a few happiness habits appear to be universal.
It is important to note that if you have ever tried to quit smoking, start working out or lose weight, you know that habits can be hard to break. Unfortunately, habits can also be difficult to form. This applies to all types of habits, both good and bad, and happiness habits are no exception.
Happiness habits must be deeply ingrained in us, and creating this connection takes time and effort. However, when it comes to happiness habits, it is well worth the effort.
Here are a few happiness habits you should try to make a part of your routine today.
10 Happiness Habits You Need To Try.
Make Smiling a Happiness Habit.
A smile is one of the greatest gifts you can give to others and yourself. We tend to smile when we are happy, but did you know that smiling can improve your mood when you feel down?
According to research, smiling triggers the release of chemicals in the brain that help increase happiness and well-being. These chemicals and the act of smiling can actually affect our perception of the world, giving us a more positive outlook. Thus, this is a good happiness habit to incorporate into everyday life.
Exercise Can Increase Your Mental Well-Being and Form Happiness Habits.
If there is one happiness habit from this list that you choose to add to your routine, exercise should be a strong contender. Exercise impacts all areas of our physiological and psychological health.
A 2020 study shows a significant link between physical activity and happiness, at least in the short term. This study, which monitored physical activity through a pedometer, found that an increased number of steps corresponded to increased feelings of happiness in adolescence. Not only does physical activity increase well-being, but it has also been shown to improve self-esteem, as well as reduce depression and anxiety.
Dreaming Of Positive Happiness Habits.
While it can be challenging to get a good night’s rest these days, sleep is one happiness habit you should not avoid. According to research, adults should aim to get between 7-8 hours of rest each night, and children should be getting around 10 hours of sleep.
Building healthy sleeping habits can be a challenge. However, some things can help.
- Keep track – Write down and track how much sleep you get each night
- Create a routine – Go to bed and get up at the same time each day.
- Ditch your device – Disconnect devices an hour before bedtime.
- Invest in your nest – A comfortable bed and cozy bedding can make you happier.
A restful night of sleep will have a noticeable effect on your mood and make you feel happier. Nice bedding and a comfy bed are more than a mere aesthetic, they can make you a happier person. Invest in your bedroom. After all, on average 33% of your life is spent sleeping.
Creating Happiness Habits With Food.
Food not only impacts your body, but it also affects your mind. Food is one of those things that can impact every aspect of your well-being, and because of this, what you eat each day is a vital happiness habit that you should aim to improve.
Learning about how foods affect your mental health is essential to living a happier, more fulfilling life.
Lean meats, poultry, legumes, and dairy:
These foods are high in protein and great for your physical health. These foods release dopamine and norepinephrine, which work to boost concentration, provide energy, and improve mood.
Carbohydrates:
Carbs work to release serotonin, a feel-good chemical that aids in improving your overall mood. When choosing carbs, remember that these items are high in sugar and starch, and while they provide you with a surge of energy, it is short-lived.
Deep-Fried or Processed Foods :
Foods that are highly processed or deep-fried tend to decrease mood and energy. These foods should be avoided as much as possible and healthy alternatives should be chosen instead.
If you are hoping to use food to create a happiness habit, you should opt for healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, as much as possible and aim to eat well-rounded meals. There is also evidence that suggests eating several small meals throughout the day can help regulate blood sugar and improve mood. Researchers now believe that as much as 95% of the serotonin in your brain comes from your gut.
Gratitude Is An Excellent Happiness Habit.
Gratitude is an ongoing topic of discussion on this site and across the web. That is because gratitude is one of those happiness habits that can profoundly impact others (and you). Simply put, gratitude is a crucial aspect of living a happier, more fulfilling life.
Being thankful for all the great things you have in life can give your mood a big boost. In an article on The University of New Hampshire website, gratitude is put front and center. The article opens by stating, ‘One way of pulling yourself out of the dumps is to focus on what you are grateful for.’ We could not agree more.
Gratitude – being thankful for what you have in life – and the expression of it to others is the best way to enhance your mood.
I suggest keeping a gratitude journal to record everything you have to be thankful for in life. By keeping a running record of all the positive aspects of your life, you can quickly look back and be reminded of what you have to appreciate.
To get ideas and inspiration, check out The One Thing Challenge.
Make Breathing A Happiness Habit.
Breathing is one of those automated aspects of human life that we take for granted. Yet, each breath you take has a profound impact on your well-being. While it may sound silly, learning to breathe correctly can significantly enhance your happiness.
When you feel tense, when your shoulders are tight, your hands are clasped, and you are feeling generally unsettled, it can be hard to focus on anything, let alone anything positive.
In these moments, breathing should be your best friend. I am not talking about the breathing that you do all day, every day. I am talking about mindful breathing. To breathe mindfully means to be aware of each breath and the sensations that come and go along with it.
How To Breathe Mindfully:
To breathe mindfully, take yourself to a quiet place where you can sit alone and focus (even if it is only for a few moments).
Close your eyes and begin by taking a slow deep breath.
Hold that breath in for the count of three before releasing it just as slowly.
As you breathe in and out, notice the sensations in your body – from your head to your toes.
Continue to breathe while holding each breath in for a few seconds. Focus only on the breath you are taking, the counting, and the sensations you feel.
As you release each breath, imagine that you are breathing out all the stress and negative feelings that plague you and taking in clean, positive air and energy with each new breath.
Repeat this process until the sensation you feel is one of relaxation, and those tense feelings have disappeared.
Forcing your mind to focus on breathing can be difficult, especially if you are in a noisy environment. However, with time and practice, you will be able to complete this exercise anywhere, no matter how many distractions surround you.
Utilize mindful breathing techniques to combat stress and cope with stressful situations. This happiness habit is so simple yet so beneficial.
Make It A Happiness Habit To Acknowledge Your Emotions.
No one is happy all the time. In fact, even the most satisfied people struggle with feelings of negativity.
Forming a happiness habit so you can live a happier, more fulfilling life does not mean denying that negative emotions exist. It means acknowledging negativity and making a choice to move on despite it.
Ignoring feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger, or frustration will not help you to overcome those feelings. Instead, it will encourage them to fester and grow deep beneath the surface. Instead of ignoring these emotions, acknowledge them and see if you can figure out where they stem from before making the conscious choice to move forward with your life.
Sometimes the cause of our negative emotions has little to do with what we initially believe is the problem. Take a moment to acknowledge your feelings, consider the issue, and then move on with your day. By acknowledging negative feelings when they arise, you give them the attention they crave but retain control of your life and your emotions instead of allowing them to control you.
Make Friends a Happiness Habit And Seek Out Some Company.
Being alone all the time will take its toll on even the most introverted people. Make spending time with friends the most exciting happiness habit you create this year.
The people we surround ourselves with play an essential role in our overall happiness. Rid yourself of toxic people, and surround yourself with those who make you feel good about yourself.
In fact, when you find good friends, make spending physical time together with them a priority. A night out on the town, a lunchtime gathering, or a quick coffee break can do wonders for your well-being and self-esteem.
Our friends are the mortar that holds us together, so keep them close.
Make It A Happiness Habit To Build Your Inner Peace.
While spending time with friends is fantastic, spending time alone can be just as rewarding. Sure, you can go on that lunch or dinner date with your gal pals, but remember to book some alone time as well.
Learning to be alone is one of the best things that I have ever done for myself.
When I was younger, I was constantly surrounded by people. I hated to be alone, and I would not be caught dead at home alone on a Friday night. However, as I got older, I realized the benefit of spending time with myself. I am pretty awesome.
If you want to know who you are as a person, you must get to know yourself. Just as you would with a stranger, you should take time to understand yourself as a person.
Stay home completely alone and marvel at your amazingness because the truth is that there is no one out there that is exactly like you. You are one of a kind, limited edition, and that is pretty great.
Take time to be by yourself and get to know who you are at your core. You may be surprised to discover that there are many things you do not know about yourself.
Stay On Top Of Things To Form a Happiness Habit.
I am spontaneous by nature. I rarely make plans. Instead, I tend to go with the flow and see where the wind takes me. Despite my seemingly random way of life, I have learned the importance of having a set routine in some areas.
Knowing what time you will wake up, what time you will go to bed, what time you have to be at work, and what days are meant for laundry can make life a whole lot easier – and you a lot happier.
Incorporate routine into your life in a way that works best for you. If you are more comfortable planning your days out, then do that. However, if you are more like me and prefer to be a free spirit who goes with the flow, that is fine too.
For this happiness habit, ensure that you have a few consistent aspects within your daily life. Whether it is your bedtime, dinner time, or weekly call with your bestie, there should always be something to keep you grounded.
Regardless of what happiness looks like for you, the items on this list are sure to be beneficial. Pick, choose, cut, add, or create things to form your unique list of happiness habits… and feel free to share them in the comments section.
There is no right or wrong way to be happy because happiness is subjective. With that said, happiness lies within, and you have the power to create it or break it at will.
So, how will you create happiness in your life?
Until Next Time,
Live Your Best Life.
About The Author
Katherine D
Here at inspiredeverymoment.com we believe that inspiration is the best motivation for success. Our aim is to educate, motivate, and inspire others to live the best life possible. Trained and educated to help others navigate the complex world we live in.