7 Habits of Happy People

For many people, happiness in an endless pursuit of getting new things, reaching milestones, or being in a particular place. Then, when someone achieves those things, it seems there is something else that they need to be happy. In many cases, happiness is viewed as something success brings.

Yet what if you found out that happiness has nothing to do with achievements or possessions? That being happy has nothing to do with external factors but from within. The reality is that happy people have developed habits that create happiness and then maintain it. The good news is that you can also learn the habits of happy people.

What Influences Happy People?

Advertisers would have us believe that happiness depends on buying a new car, upgrading your phone, or even enjoying a fizzy drink. In other words—if you have money to spend, you will be happy. But is happiness always connected with money?

A 2014 study of people in 56 countries found what it was that made people happy. People in countries as diverse as the UK, Japan, Australia, Romania, and Ghana were surveyed. The result was that money was just one of the things connected with being happy. Just as important—or even more important—were factors such as health, faith, and individual freedom.

Of course, not having enough money or struggling to make ends meet is going to impact on your happiness. Other research has found that satisfaction is associated with money—but only up to a certain point. After the threshold is reached, money can be a source of stress, frustration, and disappointment, rather than happiness.

What Science Says Are the Seven Habits of Happy People

What are the seven habits common to most happy people? Read on to find out, and many of these habits are backed up by scientific research.

1. Develop an optimistic outlook

Naturally, negative things happen in life. However, happy people always find the ‘silver lining’ to any kind of problem. They develop a thought process whereby they counter negative thoughts with positive ones. Problems present themselves as challenges and a chance to learn something new.

2. Happy people exercise

There is scientific evidence to suggest that happy people are in the habit of exercising regularly. Research has discovered that positive emotions and regular physical activity are connected—one fuels the other. Happy people are more likely to exercise and regular physical activity creates positive thinking. So, you don’t have to wait until you’re happy to start working out. Going to the gym could be one habit that makes you happy.

3. Surround yourself with happy people

Emotions are contagious, and surrounding yourself with happy people will have a positive effect on your feelings. It’s not just the fact that happy people tend to laugh more. Happy people are more supportive, generous, warm, and friendly than negative people.

4. Be generous

Scientists have carried out experiments showing that having a giving attitude increases happiness. Using magnetic resonance imaging, they were able to identify that generous decisions positively affect that part of the brain that is related to feelings of joy. There are many ways that you can be generous—volunteering, buying gifts for others, or giving of your time are just some.

5. Show appreciation

Showing appreciation to others and being thankful is also linked to feelings of happiness. Many psychologists recommend that people with depression end their day by writing down five to ten things why they are grateful for. Showing appreciation will also help you spread happiness to other people. After all, who doesn’t like being thanked for doing something?  

6. Let go of grudges

Holding on to grudges and not forgiving others can put up barriers to your happiness. When you feel you’ve been wronged, it’s easy to hold on to a grudge. However, doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that holding on to grudges can lead to anger, bitterness, anxiety, depression, and lack of enjoyment. Forgiving has the opposite effect and even boosts your health.

7. Make an effort to be happy

Although some people are more disposed to being cheerful than others, happy people generally make an effort to be happy. They know how easy it is to let life’s day-to-day pressures drag them down. So, whether it’s keeping up with exercising, finding the time to be thankful, or looking on the bright side, happy people work at developing habits that promote happiness.