29 Research-Based Habits That Lead to A Happier Life
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22)
As a life coach, health and well-being is important to me.
I like to feel happy and I enjoy being around cheerful people.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
— Proverbs 17:22
If you are feeling a bit fed up, apply these habits and you will soon start to see your mood shift.
So here goes... twenty-nine habits that lead to a happier life:
#1. Choose happiness
Happiness is a conscious decision. According to Elbert Hubbard, American writer, and philosopher, ‘Happiness is a habit that we need to cultivate.’
#2. Practice gratitude
Research shows that having a grateful heart is good for your mental and physical health. Gratitude shifts people away from negative thinking, resentment, and bitterness.
#3. Foster good relationships
People who have one or more close friendships are happier. It doesn’t seem to matter if we have a large network of close relationships or not, what seems to make a difference in the quality of these relationships.
Close relationships mean close friendships with people who care about you, relationships where you can express yourself freely.
#4. Take care of your body
Having a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, drinking enough water, and reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption are just a few simple steps towards improving your health.
Caring for your body also includes good self-care habits such as relaxation and creativity.
Getting adequate sunshine is also good for the body — 20 minutes of sunshine a day improves mood and wards off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
#5. Have a positive attitude
The mind is powerful and drives all our actions and behaviors. Change your thoughts and you will change your life. You can create happiness by thinking positive thoughts.
This does not mean you deny your reality. Happy people are responsible people who deal with their problems as they arise. They see problems as challenges to overcome.
#6. Forgive
Letting go of past grievances frees us up so we can enjoy the present. Forgiving others will bring you freedom and joy.
#7. Like yourself
This is essential to living a happy life. Accept yourself and honor your uniqueness. There is no one like you in all the world.
Self-acceptance is crucial to your health and happiness. The more you like and respect yourself the more you will like and respect others.
#8. Unplug and relax
Workaholism is so common nowadays that we’ve come to accept it as a virtue, but, research has shown that workaholism is a form of escape, like many other addictions.
#9. Journal
Journaling releases pent-up emotions and frees you up. I always feel good after journaling. It’s a good way to manage your emotions and get to know yourself better.
#10. Travel
If you haven’t left your hometown in a while, then think about traveling around your own country. It’s very easy to get stuck into a routine and not even think about venturing out a bit further.
The familiar brings comfort and a sense of safety, but it can also stifle us. Traveling to new places gets us in touch with our sense of adventure and it’s fun.
#11. Get out of your comfort zone
By stepping out of your comfort zone, you are demonstrating a belief in yourself. When you take a leap of faith, you are stepping into the unknown and tapping into your God-given potential.
#12. Live simply
Simplifying your life is not as easy as it sounds. Most people today don’t even see it as a good thing. That’s because we’re living in a consumer society and the accumulation of possessions has become the norm.
#13. Keep learning
Learning new things is a great way of finding more happiness in your life. The reason life gets dull is that, although your comfort zone brings security and comfort, it also leaves you feeling a bit frustrated because you know deep down that you could be doing more with your life.
#14. Feel your feelings
Unfortunately, our feelings and emotions can be a huge obstacle to us living a happy, healthy life. We have so many fears and apprehensions that they cause us to doubt ourselves and resist the very things we need in life. We must learn how to feel and express our emotions effectively.
#15. Sleep
Sleep is good for your health and happiness. Make sure you get adequate sleep.
Everyone is different, some people can function very well on 6 hours of sleep a night, whereas others need 8-10 hours per night.
#16. Plan your day the night before
A rule of thumb is, have 3 important things that you need to accomplish each day and do your best to get them done. If you get them done, you’ll feel great.
People feel happy when they accomplish things, even the simple daily tasks will bring you a deep sense of joy and satisfaction.
#17. Celebrate small victories
Don’t be hard on yourself, a job well done deserves a reward. If you’ve worked hard on a project or task, celebrate. I don’t mean having a big party, but just doing something nice for yourself, like buying yourself something, going out for lunch or dinner, or whatever you consider to be a treat.
#18. Pray
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to pray, just find a way to connect with God. As we start to connect with our creator more, peace, love, and joy come. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you daily.
#19. Read everyday
I introduced reading as a discipline when I was traveling to keep my mind active. It started with an hour every morning which has increased and now I love reading every day.
#20. Take up a hobby
Hobbies are fun! It's just about trying new things. I love my hobbies today and I'm always looking for new things to try.
#21. Get a pet
It's a known fact now that owning a pet can bring happiness to people's lives. Pets alleviate loneliness and comfort the owner.
#22. Meditate
A simple meditation can bring peace and stability to your life and in the long term make you a happier person.
#23. Spend time in nature
Every article I've read on happiness has this one. Nature naturally brings us into calmness and joy.
Some articles have been more specific and suggest you get around lots of trees.
#24. Practice deep breathing regularly
This is like meditation but it can be used simply for energy. By filling your lungs with oxygen through deep breathing exercises, you are sending pure oxygen around your bloodstream causing you to feel more alive.
#25. Spend wisely
Spending your money wisely reduces stress which leads to happiness.
#26. Listen to music you enjoy
I don't enjoy all music and I'm sure most of you don't either. Find music you like and listen to it if you feel it lifts your mood and motivates you.
#27. Seek adventure
I like adventure, but adventures don't have to be big adventures that are out of your reach at this time. Joining an art class might be an adventure if you've never done that before. Climbing a mountain might be an adventure whether you've done it before or not.
#28. Exercise
All forms of exercise can make us feel happy as exercise releases happy hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
#29. Be honest
Integrity makes you feel good. Many people are dishonest but don't be like them. Choose to be a decent, honest person. Character matters.
And that's it!
If you keep doing these things, you will notice a change in your mood and become a happier person. :)
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great list! thanks for sharing.