Here Are Some Habits Of Happy People That Help Them Stay Happy
“It would probably be best if you sang it note for note. Don’t be anxious, and enjoy life.”
Bobby McFerrin
When individuals are asked what they want out of life, I used to be one of those people who would respond, “All I want is to be happy.”
In the past, I struggled with severe depression that left me unable to function normally.
There was a time when just obtaining dry cleaning and purchasing toilet paper was already a challenge in and of itself.
Therefore, I decided to make it my goal to research the habits of happy people and figure out how they maintain their state of contentment.
After that, I replicated those behaviors in my own life. And as a result, I was able to join the ranks of those happy individuals whose successes I had previously envied.
The following is a list that serves as a daily reminder for me to do things that will boost my level of happiness:
1. Grant Oneself The Right To Do So
Permission to be yourself; permission to laugh loudly; permission to cry when necessary; permission to fail brilliantly; permission to create; permission to fall apart, breakdown, and reassemble.
Permission is given to be different and unique; permission to go too far and achieve your dreams.
2. Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously All The Time
Keep a “light hand” on oneself at all times. Amuse yourself by laughing at your own mistakes.
Raise your shoulders and say “oh well…” if things become difficult or tension creeps up on you.
Realize that it is never as significant or life-altering as your mind makes it out to be.
People who are happy have faith that every problem that arises will be resolved on its own.
They respond with a “Ha! Ha!” before asking, “So what? Who gives a damn?
Big Deal! Why wouldn’t we? when confronted with obstacles or opposition.
3. Don’t Dwell On Your Own Thoughts
A friend of mine from Mississippi once asked me, “Austin, when are you going to quit staring at your own belly button?” I still remember what she said. (Insert a drawl typical of the South.)
I’ve realized that happy individuals don’t dwell on themselves and the challenges they face all the time. They don’t put too much thought into the problems of the day.
They divert their focus to something else if they feel themselves becoming preoccupied with an issue or their thoughts.
I have to keep telling myself that I don’t have to have everything worked out: get outdoors. Get back to what you were doing. Make some exciting plans.
4. Don’t Compare
Some people have likened the comparison to a slow and painful death. It is harmful to us to constantly compare ourselves to others.
People who are happy are aware that they are neither superior nor inferior to anybody else. There will always be someone who is “more developed” than others, yet there will also be others who are “less evolved.”
Your sole focus should be on how you can perform at your very best. Nothing else should matter.
5. Make Modifications
Maintain an attitude of self-awareness and curiosity even when things aren’t going your way, when your mood changes, or when you just feel “wrong.”
Adjustments need to be made so that the energy in your body can be fine-tuned.
Why would you consume something that gives you a bad mood after you’ve finished eating it?
Pay heed if that glass of wine the night before makes you feel lousy in the morning, or if that slice of pizza makes you bloated, or if that ice cream causes you to crash, losing your concentration and energy.
All of these are warning signs that you should pay attention to.
Take a stroll, do something that isn’t part of your typical routine, or make plans to hang out with a buddy when you’re feeling trapped or heavy.
If you’re feeling nervous or agitated, try getting some more sleep, practicing meditation or yoga, or taking a relaxing hot bath…
6. Know How To Take Care Of Oneself While Still Being Of Service To Others
People that are content have a desire to help others. They have plenty for everyone to have some.
They do things like donate their time, take the time to assist a friend in need, and offer to put them in contact with those who can help them improve their lives without expecting anything in return.
Make a commitment to service, but at the same time, make sure you’re taking care of yourself.
When you feel like your energy is running low, it is important to remind yourself not to give so much that you lose track of your own mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Set loving limits for yourself so that you may take care of yourself and have more to offer to others.
7. Choose Friendships That Bring Out The Best In You
When we have friendships and interactions with people who are uplifting, encouraging, and loving, and who are interested in our advancement, we are on a quicker route to our own enlightenment.
This is because these types of people are interested in our growth as individuals.
If spending time with a certain person makes you feel less than stellar afterward, you should spend less time with that person and focus on cultivating other connections.
Put effort into maintaining those ties.
8. Give Less Importance To The Pursuit Of Happiness And More Importance To The Pursuit Of Mental Tranquility
I used to believe that the key to happiness was to feel like one was on top of the world. It was only natural for me to set my sights on attaining the highest possible level of joy as a means of counteracting the emotions of helplessness and melancholy that I was experiencing.
We do, however, ultimately recover from the lows that inevitably accompany all the highs.
Keep in mind that you should not get tied to the highs and instead put more of your attention on enjoying a tranquil aliveness.
When there is harmony in your life, there is a sense of calm equilibrium, and the likelihood of long-term satisfaction and fulfillment is increased.
9. Use Your Senses
They claim that the remarkable may be found in the everyday.
Those who are content are able to get pleasure from life’s simpler pleasures, which are often associated with one or more of our senses. Significant moments of delight are produced as a result of this nuanced knowledge.
I came to realize the joys that come from the following:
- On a chilly winter day, the warmth of a teacup in my hands was just what I needed.
- The flavor is like a piece of dark chocolate that is slowly melting on my tongue.
- My morning wake-up call is energizing music played during my cycling lesson.
- The friendliness of an unknown person on the street
- I love the aroma of my favorite essential oil, as well as hearing compliments from other people along the lines of “You smell so nice!”
Keep making mental notes of the pleasurable things you encounter with your senses and take them with you as you go about your day to boost your mood.
10. Don’t Make Your Close Personal Interactions The Most Important Thing In Your Life
I used to believe that the person with whom I was in a romantic relationship was supposed to ensure my happiness rather than contribute to my growing sense of joy.
People who consistently experience joy have a clear understanding that the people they choose to spend their time with are an “addition to,” not a “complete” part of who they are.
They have rich experiences because they live complete lives, which means that, at the end of the day, they have much more to impart.
A reminder given in love: you shouldn’t count on your spouse to change your mood, to heal you, or to fill the voids in your life. Also, keep in mind that you are not obligated in any way to take that action for your partner.
The provision of support is an essential component of a healthy relationship.
On the difficult days, we provide sympathy and a warm hug and are here for them. On the days when they are doing well, we are there to encourage and support them.
However, the majority of the time, we depend on ourselves to provide for that. We have faith that our partners are capable of slaying their own personal dragons.
We make room for them to find their own joy while we concentrate on achieving our own, and we share that space with them.
What are some things that you may concentrate your attention on to continue boosting your personal level of happiness?
