The 7 Habits of Happy People

The 7 Habits of Happy People

Think about your life for a moment. Are you very happy, moderately happy, kind of happy, or perhaps rarely? The truth is that there are few people who consider themselves very or even moderately happy with their current lives.

First, it’s completely normal to have ups and downs. There’s no way that you can feel deliriously happy day and night. We have stress and problems and brain chemicals and hormones all wreaking havoc on our happiness, but if you find that your bad days outweigh the good then it’s time to step back and take a look at your life.

What are happier people doing that you aren’t? These are the 7 habits of happy people. By following these suggestions you can have many more days where you feel positive and way less negative days.

1. Toss It Out

We live in a society where too much is never enough. In reality, humans only need a few things to feel comfortable and happy. You need shelter, food, clothing, loved ones, and maybe a few personal items you enjoy having around. Any more than that and it’s just a burden.

Are your cupboards and closets filled with junk you haven’t used in years? If so, start tossing it out. It may be difficult at first but you’ll soon feel a sense of freedom. While you’re at it, get rid of all the junk food and junk people too. You aren’t doing your mind, body, or soul any good by interacting with people who make you angry or miserable, or filling your body with foods that are bad for you. Once you get rid of things it will leave you with a lot of open space. Let the Universe help you fill those spaces with things that are more positive, happy and healthy for you.

2. Live In The Now

How often do you worry about the future or feel angry or hurt over the past? If you think about it, all you really have is the here and now, this very moment in time. The past really can’t hurt you anymore unless you allow it. Who wants to be a slave to someone or something from the past? Not me, and I know you don’t either.

The future hasn’t happened yet, so worrying about every if, and or but will just drive you insane. I admit, I’m guilty of this one and can really get myself worked up worrying about what may happen tomorrow, a month from now, ten years from now, etc. What wasted energy!

Instead, by living in the now you can make conscious decisions that will help you in the future and make your present much happier. You can’t change the past or control the future.  

3. Let It go

Stop holding on to the worry, the fear, the anger, the sorrow, all of those negative emotions that poison your spirit and leave you feeling depressed and empty. It’s hard to forgive people who have hurt you and it’s hard to forget. A better strategy is to just let it go.

Sit quietly for a moment, think of everything that’s bothering you and haunting you from your past and the problems you current have, then ask your spirit guides, angels, God, or Higher Power to take it from you. Release yourself from this self-appointed prison. You’ll feel lighter, happier, and better than you have in years. If you feel the negativity creeping up on you again, thank it for getting your attention but let it know you don’t need it anymore and hand it over to your guides.

4. Be Thankful

Over the years I’ve talked to so many people who feel they have absolutely nothing in their life to be thankful for so they spend their days feeling sad or angry. After we interact for a bit I ask them to tell me something, no matter how small, that they have in their life that makes them happy. This could be a beloved pet, a wonderful friend, a child, volunteer work, a hobby, etc. There’s always something to be thankful for.

The “bad” things we go through in life are meant to teach us something. If you’re stuck in that negative ditch you’re having a hard time learning, but if you make a conscious effort to be thankful for the good things in your life your mind will do an amazing thing. It will stop focusing on the problems and start focusing on the positive things in your life and you’ll feel happier and solutions to those problems will come to you.

It’s often as simple as saying, “Wow! I have so much to be thankful for!” Say this out loud or to yourself when you wake up and before going to bed then watch how your life changes. 

5. Have Fun

When was the last time you actually had fun? Whether going to see a comedy, a concert, going on a picnic, to a museum, or reading a book, you need to incorporate fun into your life every day. Yes, every day! As you get older you seem to have more responsibilities and with that comes more stress. But that doesn’t mean that every moment of your day needs to be filled with work and worry.

Instead, take time out to play a board game, sing to your favorite songs, or take an interesting class at your local community college. The key is to add more fun to your life and you’ll instantly feel happier. I have a client who took up cave exploring and loves it. She now makes it a habit to go spelunking at least once a month with a group of friends she met through this activity.

6. Find Your Passion

What makes you feel passionate? Is it animals, the elderly, kids, writing, singing, sailing, running, painting, knitting, skating, organizing, gardening, cooking, teaching, or…? Whatever it is that makes you feel excited when you do it; just do it!

Why do we stuff our lives with boredom and stresses when we can tend to our responsibilities yet pursue our passions as well? If you aren’t doing it then you only have yourself to blame. Everyone can come up with dozens of excuses to not pursue their passion, but when it comes down to it, don’t you want to be happy? If you truly do then you’ll find the time to do what excites you most.    

7. Remind Yourself

Whether you write positive quotes on Post-its and stick them all over your house, office, and computer, or you repeat affirmations to yourself during meditation, until happiness becomes a habit you’re going to have to remind yourself. You’ve simply gotten out of the habit of being happy. Bad habits can be broken though and positive ones formed, it just takes time and determination. If you truly want to be happier, perhaps happier than you’ve ever been, you’re going to have to give yourself permission and reminders that it’s perfectly okay to be happy. 

All the best!