11 habits to adopt to become a little bit happier every day

Sometimes we’re all a bit too hard on ourselves, aren’t we?

We forget to take a moment to smile, to breathe, to just be…happy.

But what if there was a way to remind ourselves?

Today, we’re diving into a list of 11 such habits.

They’re not complicated or time-consuming. In fact, they’re straightforward and designed for ordinary people like you and me.

If you’re willing to give these habits a shot, they might just make your days a tad bit brighter.

So why not take this journey with us? After all, who doesn’t want to be a little happier every day?

Let’s get started.

1. Start Your Day with Gratitude

Seems simple, right? But you’d be surprised at how much of a difference this small habit can make.

From the moment you open your eyes in the morning, instead of dreading the long day ahead or complaining about the alarm, take a moment to be thankful.

Be glad for the new day, the comfortable bed you’re waking up from, the roof over your head, or the family and friends in your life.

Starting your day with gratitude helps you focus on the positives in your life. This doesn’t mean ignoring the negatives, but rather not letting them overshadow all the good things you have.

So, tomorrow morning, as soon as you wake up, try to think of three things you’re grateful for.

It might feel a bit strange at first, but with time, it can become a habit that sets a positive tone for your day and makes you feel just a bit happier.

2. Incorporate Physical Activity into Your Routine

Exercise isn’t just about staying fit or losing weight. It’s also a fantastic mood-booster.

You see, when you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These little guys are basically nature’s way of making us feel happier and less stressed.

Now, this doesn’t mean you need to start running marathons or lifting heavy weights. Just find a type of physical activity you enjoy.

It could be dancing to your favourite tunes, going for a brisk walk in the park, doing yoga, or even just stretching during TV ad breaks.

The goal here is to get moving and make it a regular part of your day.

Even just 20 minutes can make a difference.

So why not give it a shot? You might just find yourself feeling a little bit happier and more energetic throughout the day.

3. Practice Mindfulness

At first, I was a bit skeptical about this whole mindfulness thing. But one day, I decided to give it a shot. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer.

Mindfulness is all about being present and fully engaged in the here and now. It’s about not letting your mind wander off into yesterday’s worries or tomorrow’s to-do list.

I started by dedicating just five minutes a day to mindfulness. I would find a quiet spot, close my eyes, and focus on my breath. If my mind started to wander, I’d gently bring it back to my breath.

Over time, I found myself feeling more relaxed and centered. I was more aware of the beauty around me – the warmth of the sun on my skin, the sound of birds chirping, the smell of fresh coffee… And you know what? It made me happier.

So take it from me. Give mindfulness a try. You don’t need any fancy equipment or lots of time – just a few quiet minutes each day can do the trick. Who knows? It might just make your days a little bit brighter too.

4. Develop a Hobby

Did you know that having a hobby can significantly improve your mood and reduce stress levels?

Having a hobby that you enjoy can help you feel more relaxed and happier during your leisure time.

Whether it’s painting, reading, gardening, cooking, playing an instrument or even bird watching, hobbies give us something enjoyable to focus on outside of our daily responsibilities.

They provide an outlet for creativity, a sense of accomplishment, and they can even lead to new social connections.

So, if there’s something you’ve always wanted to try, why wait? Start today! It could be that little thing that adds a dash of happiness to your everyday life.

5. Connect with Loved Ones

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get so caught up in our own routines that we forget to truly connect with the people who matter most – our loved ones.

Think about it. When was the last time you had a heart-to-heart chat with your best friend? Or sat down for a leisurely meal with your family without distractions? These moments of genuine connection can bring so much joy and happiness.

So, make it a habit to spend quality time with your loved ones every day, even if it’s just a quick call or text. Let them know you’re thinking about them. Share a laugh. Offer support. Listen.

Remember, it’s these small moments of connection that often bring the biggest smiles. So why not make them a regular part of your day? You might just find they make your everyday life a little bit sweeter and happier.

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6. Limit Your Screen Time

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching Netflix more times than you’d like to admit. I get it. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re engrossed in the digital world.

But here’s the thing. While these activities might seem enjoyable in the moment, they often leave us feeling drained and unfulfilled in the long run. I noticed this about myself a while back and decided to make a change.

I started by setting a daily screen time limit on my phone and made a promise to myself to stick to it. Instead of reaching for my phone during breaks, I started reading books, going for walks or just taking a few moments to relax and recharge.

And guess what? I felt happier. I had more time for myself and for the things that truly mattered to me.

So, if you find yourself constantly glued to your screen, why not try limiting your screen time? It might be challenging at first, but trust me, it can make a big difference in your overall happiness.

7. Be Real with Your Feelings

Let’s get real for a second. We all have bad days. Days when everything seems to go wrong, when we feel down, or just plain ‘meh’. And you know what? That’s okay.

We’re often told to ‘stay positive’ or ‘look on the bright side’, and while that’s great advice sometimes, it’s equally important to acknowledge and accept our negative feelings.

Bottling up emotions is like shaking a soda can – eventually, it will explode.

So next time you’re having a rough day, don’t try to force a smile or ignore your feelings. Instead, allow yourself to feel them. Write them down in a journal, talk to a friend or simply sit with them for a while.

Remember, it’s okay not to be okay all the time. Acknowledging your feelings doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.

And dealing with our emotions in a healthy way can often lead to a deeper sense of contentment and happiness in the long run.

8. Get Enough Sleep

Did you know that your sleep can significantly impact your happiness?

Getting a good night’s sleep can improve your mood and make you feel more positive and productive.

Quality sleep is crucial for our physical health too. It helps our bodies repair themselves, boosts our immune system, and even helps in maintaining a healthy weight.

So, if you’re constantly staying up late or waking up feeling tired, it might be time to reassess your sleep habits.

Try setting a regular sleep schedule, making your bedroom a comfortable and quiet space, and winding down before bed with relaxing activities like reading or taking a warm bath.

Getting enough zzz’s is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. So let’s start prioritizing our sleep and see how it can make us feel a bit happier every day!

9. Learn to Let Go

This one’s close to my heart. Like many, I used to dwell on past mistakes, missed opportunities, and the ‘what ifs’. It was like carrying a heavy backpack wherever I went.

One day, I realized that this mental baggage was holding me back from enjoying the present and building a happier future. So, I made a conscious decision to start letting go.

Every time a regret or past mistake would pop into my mind, I’d remind myself that it was done, over. I couldn’t change it, but I could learn from it and move on. It wasn’t easy, but over time, it got easier.

Learning to let go has been one of the most liberating experiences of my life. It has freed up mental space for positivity and growth, leading to a happier me.

So if you’re holding onto past mistakes or regrets, consider letting them go. Remember, we all make mistakes and that’s how we grow. Don’t let your past weigh you down; instead, let it guide you towards a happier tomorrow.

10. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

The more you compare yourself to others, the unhappier you become. We live in a world where everyone’s highlight reel is on display, making it all too easy to fall into the comparison trap.

But here’s the thing – comparing your life to someone else’s is like comparing apples to oranges. You don’t know their entire story, their struggles, their sacrifices. You’re only seeing a fraction of their reality.

So next time you catch yourself in the comparison spiral, take a step back and remind yourself that everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your own path, your own growth, and your own happiness.

11. Practice Self-Love

This is probably one of the hardest yet most crucial habits to cultivate. Many of us are our own worst critics. We beat ourselves up over every mistake, every perceived flaw, every failure. But all this does is chip away at our happiness.

So try this instead: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d show a friend. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Forgive yourself for your mistakes. Nurture your body and mind.

Remember, self-love isn’t about being narcissistic or complacent; it’s about acknowledging your worth and taking care of your well-being. And trust me, nothing boosts happiness quite like a healthy dose of self-love.

There you have it – eleven habits that can help you become a little bit happier every day. They may not transform your life overnight, but with time and consistency, they can definitely add more smiles to your days!