What makes a person happy? Is it money, power, possessions? Maybe for a little while. But science has shown time and time again that adopting healthy habits is the "secret" to true and long-lasting happiness.
Yes, you can have a happier life by changing your habits. Just a few small actions practised daily can change your outlook and your future.
Sounds simple, right? It is.
Let's look at 4 healthy habits that happy people do – and how you can incorporate healthier habits into your daily routine:
1. Be with happy people
Ever notice that when you're around miserable people, you get dragged down? Well the opposite is also true – being around happy people is contagious and we become happier.
That's not to say we should abandon people in need, or bail when our loved ones are facing problems. After all, none of us can be happy all the time. But the message here is to reconsider friendships that don't lift you up and connect with people who are excited to be alive!
2. Express gratitude
It's incredible just how much research has shown that expressing gratitude makes us happy. People who make a habit of daily gratitude experience higher levels of happiness and wellbeing.
Each day, write down or share with your loved ones a few things you are thankful for. It could be a compliment from a stranger, gratitude for your family, or the ability to walk around the block.
When we do this, our focus shifts from negative, fearful thoughts to uplifting, optimistic thoughts. And we start to appreciate what we have, rather than resent what we don't.
Scientists say gratitude also bolsters our self-control, encourages us to exercise more and adopt other healthy habits, improves our relationships, and makes us more resilient in tough times.
3. Move it, move it
We could go on and on about the incredible benefits of movement. But it all comes down to this – feeling better about ourselves, and happier about life.
Happy people move more. They incorporate movement into their daily lives – walking wherever and whenever they can, taking fitness classes, practising yoga, cycling to the shops – simple actions that they enjoy.
You don't have to join a gym and commit to a grueling routine. Instead, pick one thing you enjoy doing that moves your body and add it to your daily routine. Soon it will become a habit you can adopt for life.
4. Compassion
Kindness breeds kindness, just as compassion breeds compassion. Think of it as the circle of life – giving to others so they might live happier and healthier, which in turns boost your own happiness levels. When we practice kindness, our brain secretes feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters – a natural high dubbed the "helper's high".
Many happy, fulfilled people devote their time to others. It could be volunteering for a charity, providing pro-bono work and skills sharing, donating to a cause, or simply being there for those around you.
Studies have shown that altruistic people experience less depression and are physically fitter and healthier than non-givers.
Originally published on Aug 07, 2015
