7 things happy people do every day without thinking about it, according to psychology

Hey there, Lachlan Brown here. I’m the founder of Hack Spirit and a bit of a psychology nerd.

For the longest time, happiness felt like a foreign concept to me. I mean, sure, I’d heard about it, read about it, but it seemed elusive. You know what I’m talking about, right?

Life was a constant juggle between work stress, personal commitments, and that nagging feeling of discontentment. As you can guess, my days were far from joyful.

But then, as I delved deeper into psychology’s realm, I stumbled upon some interesting insights. Insights that showed me what happy people do differently every day – almost instinctively.

And guess what? These were simple yet incredibly effective behaviours.

Here’s where it gets more exciting. These aren’t complex or esoteric rituals but simple things that you and I can start doing today.

So what are these 7 things that happy people do every day without even thinking about it? Let’s dive in and find out.

1) Practice gratitude

Here’s a little secret: Happy people are often just more grateful. It may seem like a small thing, but it’s a fundamental shift in perspective that can make a massive difference in your life.

Psychology tells us that gratitude is closely associated with increased happiness. Why? Because it helps us appreciate what we already have, rather than constantly yearning for more.

Happy people have this knack of spotting and appreciating the silver linings, the small moments of joy, the things that we usually take for granted.

For me, cultivating gratitude took some practice. I started by jotting down three things I was grateful for each day. Some days it was big things like a job promotion or a kind word from a friend. Other days, it was as simple as a good cup of coffee or the sound of birds chirping in the morning.

Slowly but surely, this habit started to shift my perspective, making me more aware of the good in my life and less focused on the negatives.

Why not give it a try? Start small by noting down three things you’re grateful for every day. You might be surprised at how this simple practice can subtly shift your mood towards happiness.

2) Prioritize relationships

This one really hit home for me. I’ve always been a bit of a lone wolf, finding comfort in my own company. But as I delved deeper into psychology, I realized just how much relationships contribute to our happiness.

Harvard’s longest study on happiness found that close relationships are what keep people happy throughout their lives. The study lead, Dr. Robert Waldinger, even said, “Loneliness kills. It’s as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.”

When I read that, it was like a light bulb moment for me. I started investing more time in nurturing my relationships with family, friends, and even colleagues. I started listening more, reaching out more, and being there more. And you know what? It felt good.

Now, I make it a point to connect with someone close to me every day. It could be a quick phone call to my sister, a coffee catch-up with a friend, or even just a heartfelt conversation with a colleague.

These interactions recharge me, make me feel connected and loved. They add an extra layer of joy to my everyday life.

Take it from me and Dr. Waldinger: make time for the people who matter most to you. It’s one of the simplest ways to add more happiness to your life.

3) Regular exercise

Now, I’ve never been the athletic type. My idea of a workout was a brisk walk to the fridge during commercial breaks. But as I was trying to understand the secret behind happy people, I realized that regular exercise was a common thread.

Psychology explains that when we exercise, our body releases chemicals called endorphins. These are often referred to as ‘feel-good‘ hormones because they trigger positive feelings in the body.

I’ll be honest, making exercise a part of my daily routine wasn’t easy. The first few days were a struggle. But I stuck with it, starting with just 10 minutes a day and gradually increasing my workout time.

And surprise, surprise – it worked! Not only did I start feeling more energetic and healthier, but I also noticed an improvement in my mood.

Today, whether it’s a quick jog around the block or a 20-minute yoga session in my living room, exercise has become an integral part of my routine.

It’s not about becoming an Olympic athlete or sculpting the perfect body. It’s about taking care of your physical health, which in turn feeds into your mental well-being.

So find an activity you enjoy – it could be dancing, swimming, cycling – and get moving! Trust me, your body and mind will thank you.

4) Practice mindfulness

Now, you’ve probably heard this one before, but bear with me because it truly is a game-changer.

Mindfulness, put simply, is the practice of fully focusing on the present moment. It’s about not letting your mind drift to past regrets or future worries, but instead, staying grounded in the ‘now’.

A study by Harvard University found that people spend almost 47% of their waking hours thinking about something other than what they’re doing. This mind wandering typically makes them unhappy.

When I first read this study, it was a real wake-up call. I realized I was spending almost half my life lost in thought rather than really living.

I decided to give mindfulness a shot. I started with just a few minutes each day, focusing on my breath and paying attention to what was happening around me.

Gradually, I noticed a shift. I was less stressed, more focused, and surprisingly, happier.

Today, whether it’s savoring my morning cup of coffee or simply taking in the view from my window, I make an effort to be fully present.

Try it out for yourself! Dedicate a few minutes each day to just be present. You’ll be amazed at how this simple practice can elevate your daily happiness.

5) Practice self-compassion

This one was a tough pill to swallow for me. As a perfectionist, I was my own harshest critic. I would beat myself up over every little mistake, constantly striving for unattainable perfection.

But while researching, I stumbled upon a concept that completely changed my perspective: self-compassion.

According to psychology, self-compassion involves treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s a part of the human experience.

When I started practicing self-compassion, it wasn’t easy. It felt unnatural to be kind to myself after a mistake instead of berating myself. But with time, it became easier.

Now, when I mess up, I give myself the same kindness and understanding I’d give a friend. And it’s made a significant difference to my overall happiness.

So next time you make a mistake or fail at something, instead of beating yourself up, try extending some compassion towards yourself. It’s okay to be imperfect. Remember, we’re all human and we’re all doing the best we can.

6) Focus on the positive

It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives of life. I used to be that way too, always focusing on what was going wrong instead of appreciating what was going right.

But then I stumbled upon a quote by psychologist Martin Seligman, often called the father of positive psychology. He said, “The good life is using your signature strengths every day to produce authentic happiness and abundant gratification.”

This quote made me realize that by obsessing over the negatives, I was missing out on the good in my life. So, I made a conscious effort to shift my focus.

Now, every time something goes wrong, I remind myself to look for the silver lining. I make it a point to find something positive in each day, no matter how small.

This shift in perspective hasn’t just made me happier; it’s also made me more resilient. Now, when life throws curveballs at me, I’m better equipped to handle them.

Take it from me and Martin Seligman: focusing on the positive can significantly elevate your daily happiness. Start small. Look for one thing that went well in your day and appreciate it. It’s a small step, but it can lead to big changes.

7) Embrace discomfort

Now, this may sound counterintuitive. After all, isn’t happiness about feeling good all the time?

Well, not exactly. You see, real, lasting happiness isn’t about avoiding discomfort or negative emotions. It’s about accepting them as a part of life and learning to cope with them in a healthy way.

During my journey to happiness, I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable sometimes. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or anxious. These feelings don’t make me any less happy; they make me human.

Instead of running away from these emotions, I’ve learned to sit with them, understand them, and let them pass naturally. And believe it or not, this has made me happier in the long run.

Here’s a practical tip for you: next time you’re feeling uncomfortable or experiencing negative emotions, don’t run away from them. Allow yourself to feel them without judgment. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay all the time.

Embrace discomfort and see it for what it truly is – a sign that you’re growing and evolving as a person. And there’s something profoundly beautiful and liberating about that.

Conclusion

So there you have it – 7 things happy people do every day without even thinking about it.

Remember, happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a journey, and these practices are just small steps on that journey. They’re simple, practical, and most importantly, doable.

But the key lies in consistency. Start small. Incorporate one practice into your daily routine and then gradually add more.

Don’t expect immediate results. These practices are like seeds – you plant them, nurture them, and over time, you start to see them grow.

Go ahead, give these practices a shot. After all, happiness is too important to be left to chance. Here’s to cultivating a happier, more fulfilled life!