Psychology

10 Things Happy People Do Differently And What We Can Learn From Them

It's more than normal to feel "happier" some days than others - especially when you consider all that's happening in 2022. To create great positive energy for ourselves in everyday life, let's take a look at the habits that truly happy people have in common.

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With the help of these habits and our simple tips for more self-care, we can manage to shift down a gear to get through hectic times and embrace the sunny side of life. We reveal 10 things that happy people do differently.

1. Happy people practice gratitude.

Gratitude is one of the most popular habits among happy people because it works. When you regularly notice all the blessings and wonderfulness in your life, it's almost impossible to be unhappy. If you see the world with grateful eyes, your perception will automatically be more positive. 

What you can do today:

Keep a gratitude diary. It is worthwhile to pause for a moment and ask yourself: What good thing happened today? What am I grateful for? With a gratitude diary, we train our mindfulness and (self-)appreciation every day. 2.

2. Happy people put themselves first.

Happy people always put themselves first, so they can take care of others second. This is where we talk about self-care. One's mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health is a must. Being balanced and comfortable with yourself and your life helps. Because when you are happy, you have so much more to give.

What you can do today:

Do something nice for yourself today. Take care of your own needs. This can be a long bath or a phone call with your best friend. Smile at someone at the grocery store or make compliments. The positive response will make you happy instantly. Why? Because we are social creatures who thrive on interaction with each other.

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The book by former Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg is about her personal story and how one can build and learn resilience in life. (Photo: Penguin)

6. Happy People develop healthy coping strategies. 

Happy people encounter stressful adversities in life, but they have developed successful coping strategies. Learning to draw lessons after a difficult event gives you a new appreciation for life. The ability to see new paths for oneself, more personal strength and better relationships with others is the consequence. Happy people are able to see the good that can come from difficult times.

What you can do today:

Try reframing. Situations or behaviors are put into a different "frame." This often changes our attitude toward them very quickly and we begin to think positively about them more often. 

7. Happy People focus on their health. 

Happy people take care of their mind and body and manage their stress. However, focusing on your health is not just about exercising. Happy people also act like happy people. They smile, are engaged and bring an optimal level of energy and enthusiasm to everything they do.

What you can do today:

Go for a walk, run, ride a bike, or read a book.

8. Happy People cultivate emotional awareness.

There is growing scientific evidence that people who are aware of their emotions are happier, healthier, and recover more quickly from traumatic events because they understand what they are feeling. 

What you can do today:

Keep a daily journal of your highs and lows.

9. Happy People don't dwell on problems. 

What you focus your attention on determines your emotional state. When you fixate on your problems, you create and prolong negative emotions and stress that affect your performance. Focus on taking action to improve yourself and your circumstances. 

What you can do today:

Redesign every situation to have a positive ending.

10. Happy People finish what they start.  

Having a great idea means absolutely nothing if you don't follow through. The most successful and happiest people put their ideas into action. 

What you can do today:

Create a step-by-step plan for your goals.

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