Happyness is easy to find as long as you never forget to be grateful every time (Lendy Aulina - one of the authors of the book 30 Paspor The Peacekeeper's Journey)
Have you ever felt like your life is "fine," yet you still don't feel happy? Rest assured, you’re not alone. For some, happiness is often viewed as a destination, when in reality, it is more of a habit. The good news is that numerous studies show happiness is something that can be cultivated.
In this post, I’ll share seven simple habits I practice to make life feel happier.
What Does It Really Mean to Be Happy?
Before we go any further, we first need to understand: what does it mean to be happy? Being happy doesn't mean feeling happy every single moment. Happiness doesn't mean living a life free of problems. In my view, happiness is more about experiencing more positive emotions than negative ones.
Why Is It So Hard to Feel Happy Today?
Happiness is a choice, yet we often forget to make that choice—largely due to the constant barrage of pressures, both from within ourselves and from the outside world.
Behaviors that can diminish our happiness include frequently comparing ourselves to others, poor sleep quality and quantity, and a lack of social connection.
External factors that often unconsciously affect our happiness levels include social media, stress, and a constant stream of bad news.
Which of the factors mentioned above often unconsciously affects your sense of happiness?
1. Get Better Sleep
Sleep quality significantly affects our mood. Poor sleep can disrupt emotional regulation due to hormonal imbalances in the body. When we lack sleep, the brain loses some of its rational control, triggering mood swings and increasing the risk of anxiety and stress.
I make it a habit to go to bed and wake up at the same time consistently. I also stop using my phone shortly before bedtime.
2. Spend More Time in Nature
I often walk barefoot in my yard. Walking barefoot on the grass and soil lifts my mood. Watering plants, gardening, and enjoying the morning sun also help.
You can take a walk in the park, spend time at the beach, or go hiking to unwind for a while.
3. Build Strong Relationships
Spending time talking and joking with my family in the evening after work helps me relax and makes me feel happier.
The Harvard Study of Adult Development shows that having many friends or a specific marital status does not guarantee happiness. What matters most is the emotional depth, sense of security, and trust within those relationships.
You can call or text someone to check in on them, or simply offer a warm greeting to everyone you meet.
4. Move Your Body Every Day
Set aside 10–15 minutes a day for light exercise, such as walking, stretching, or a home workout. If you have more time, that’s even better. The key is to do it consistently and regularly.
Exercise triggers the brain to release endorphins—which reduce pain and create a sense of well-being—and produces dopamine, naturally boosting motivation, focus, and mood.
5. Limit Negative News and Social Media
"Bad news is good news"—at least, that’s the media's perspective. Consequently, negative news is often over-reported. That is why I stopped following the news on TV and social media a long time ago; my friends even say I’m out of the loop regarding current events and viral trends.
You don’t have to stop following the news entirely. You can start by limiting the time you spend reading the latest updates—especially on social media—or by doing a digital detox.
6. Make Time for a Hobby
Make time for activities you enjoy or hobbies, such as writing, cooking, gardening, or art.
Hobbies are an excellent bridge to achieving a flow state, sparking creativity, and mentally recharging all at once.
When you engage in a hobby you love, your brain undergoes psychological and neurological shifts that restore mental energy drained by daily stress.
7. Practice Gratitude Every Day
The first thing I do when I wake up is express gratitude. This helps maintain my mood throughout the day.
When I first started, it felt awkward and difficult; I struggled to think of things to be grateful for. However, over time, it became a habit, and now I do it automatically upon waking.
You can start by keeping a gratitude journal—simply write down three good things you are grateful for.
Small Daily Habits That Make You Happier
So, here are the simple habits I practice to boost my happiness:
Sleep well
Go outside
Exercise
Spend quality time with family
Limit social media
Enjoy a hobby
Practice gratitude
So, are you ready to boost your daily happiness with these 7 simple steps? Or do you have other tips? Please share them!
This is my entry for @indiaunited contest. You can find more info here.
1st image: Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
2nd image: Photo from my phone
