How to be happy: Simple habits recommended by experts

Happiness is simple

To be happy is probably the ultimate desire of every human being; however, we often think it’s more complicated than it actually is, putting our source of happiness in things that are out of our control or out of reach.

Happiness fuels success

Perhaps you have told yourself that if you were a millionaire, had the job of your dreams, or had the ideal partner, you’d be happy. However, psychology suggests that happiness fuels success, not the other way around.

Happiness is inside you

As American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Nothing can bring you happiness but yourself." But the question remains, how can we bring ourselves to be happy?

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Harvard’s ‘Grant study’

Harvard researchers have been studying happiness since 2003 in what they call the ‘Grant study.’ Among their findings, there are some simple habits that can help make us happy. These are some of the best, as well as a few important findings from other interesting studies.

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Be grateful

Many studies over the past decade have found that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed, including Harvard’s Grant study.

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It’s the little things

It’s easier to complain about silly things that affect our days rather than be grateful. But we can switch that narrative, and practice gratitude for simple things like morning coffee, a sunset, or a hot shower, all of which can change our perspective.

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Cultivate empathy and compassion

When we manage to step into other people’s shoes and understand that everyone has different perspectives, we’re less likely to get into conflict with people, the study found.

Practice forgiveness

Holding grudges can have a negative impact on our health, according to the Mayo Clinic. Maybe that is why researchers have found that forgiving can make us happier.

Letting go

That said, forgiving doesn’t mean justifying the actions of those who hurt us, but letting go of that hurt. Luckily, the Harvard study also found that as we get older, we generally get better at letting go of past hurt and failures.

Create meaningful relationships

The Harvard study also found a strong association between happiness and close relationships, such as romantic partners, friends, and family members.

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Choose your friends wisely

That being said, it was also found that toxic relationships can be a mood buster, rather than a mood booster. So we should focus on positive relationships and let go of negative people in our lives.

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Volunteer

Another social activity that can bring us happiness and provide us with a sense of purpose is volunteering, the researchers found. Moreover, volunteering can broaden your social life by helping you meet like-minded people.

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Never stop learning

Take a class, read a book, or learn a new skill. Neuroscience has shown that when we learn, our brain changes physically. Moreover, another study showed that being bored can have negative consequences for our health.

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Exercise regularly

Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Many studies have shown that, in addition to physical benefits, exercise has a positive impact on our mental health.

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Eat a healthy diet

This is another habit that has proved to have a positive impact, not only on our physical health, but also on our mental well being.

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Get enough sleep

Different studies show that lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. According to the CDC, adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

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Meditate

Several studies show that meditation can reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve emotional well-being.

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Practice mindfulness

However, if you think you’ll find meditating too difficult, you can always try mindfulness: the practice of being aware and in the present, which can reduce stress and rumination, according to the American Psychological Association.

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Laugh often

Laughter is also a natural stress reliever, several studies show. So watching comedies, spending time with people who make you laugh, or reading a funny book, can all contribute to your well-being.

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Spend time in nature

Access to nature has been found to reduce stress and negative emotions, as well as promote social interaction, and even help generate a sense of meaning to life, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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Spend time with animals

Other studies have shown that animals can reduce stress and anxiety. Spending time with your pets or volunteering at an animal shelter can also bring you happiness, according to the study.

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Set goals

Different studies show that setting goals motivates us and makes us feel more optimistic about the future. Likewise, Harvard researchers found that having direction and objectives can bring us happiness by increasing our sense of purpose.

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