7 tiny habits of joyful people

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We all want to be happy, but sometimes happiness feels like this big, elusive goal we’re constantly chasing. The truth is, finding happiness isn’t about major life changes or waiting for everything to fall into place—it’s about the small, intentional habits we build every day.

Joyful people know this well. They focus on finding joy in the journey, embracing little moments, and choosing habits that help them live better, no matter what life throws their way.

Today, we’re diving into 7 tiny habits of joyful people that can inspire you to start living better—one small step at a time.

Let’s get started!

1) Savoring the small moments

Joyful people seem to have an innate ability to truly savor life’s small moments. It’s not about the grand accomplishments or big events – but rather the everyday experiences that we often overlook.

Take a simple cup of coffee in the morning, for instance. Most of us drink it as a matter of routine, barely noticing the taste. But joyful people? They take the time to savor each sip, appreciating the flavor and the warmth.

This habit of savoring small moments doesn’t just apply to coffee, of course. It can be seen in how they appreciate a good book, a beautiful sunset, or even a heartfelt conversation with a friend.

Next time you find yourself rushing through your day, try to slow down and truly savor those small moments. You might just find that they bring you more joy than you ever thought possible.

2) Cultivating gratitude

Another habit I’ve noticed among joyful people is their active practice of gratitude. They don’t just feel thankful; they make a conscious effort to acknowledge it.

Let me share a personal example. I have a friend, let’s call her Lisa, who is one of the most joyful people I know. And every day, no matter what, she writes down three things she’s grateful for. They don’t have to be big things – in fact, they’re often quite small.

One day, she might write about a good cup of tea, a phone call with an old friend, and a beautiful sunrise. Another day, she might be thankful for a good book, a warm bed, and her cat purring on her lap.

I started this this habit myself and I’ve noticed a significant shift in my mood and overall happiness. Even on tough days, it helps me focus on the positive and find joy in the little things.

This is well backed up by experts, too. For instance, the folks at Harvard Health have noted that “Gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.”

Gratitude doesn’t just happen, though. Like any other habit, it requires practice. But the payoff? A more joyful life.

3) Making time for self-care

When was the last time you truly did something just for yourself—something that recharged you and brought you peace?

If you can’t remember, something needs to change.

In our hustle culture, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that self-care is selfish or a luxury we can’t afford. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

As noted by the folks at Psych Central, a lack of self-care is associated with a long list of not-so-great outcomes: decreased patience, low energy, feelings of hopelessness, reduced work performance, and even worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety.

We simply can’t pour from an empty cup. Those who truly enjoy life understand this. They know that taking time to care for themselves isn’t indulgent—it’s necessary. 

Whether it’s a quiet walk, reading a good book, journaling, or simply taking a deep breath, they carve out time for activities that recharge their minds and bodies.

Making time for self-care in your own life might just be the reset you’ve been looking for.

4) Hanging with the right kind of people

Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” 

And he couldn’t be more right when it comes to our moods. The people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our mindset, energy, and overall happiness.

Happy people understand this. They make a conscious effort to spend time with those who lift them up, inspire them, and bring positivity into their lives. These are the friends who celebrate your wins, support you during hard times, and encourage you to grow.

On the flip side, being around negative, draining, or toxic people can easily sap your joy. You might not even notice it at first, but over time, their energy can influence your own outlook and mood.

Take a moment to reflect: Who are the people you spend the most time with? Do they leave you feeling energized and valued, or do they leave you feeling drained?

If it’s the latter, it might be time to make a change. Surround yourself with people who help you find joy in the journey—those who make you laugh, share your values, and inspire you to live better. 

After all, happiness is contagious, but so is negativity. Choose wisely!

5) Embracing imperfection

I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. For the longest time, I believed that things had to be ‘just so’ for me to be happy. 

But over time, I’ve learned that joy doesn’t come from everything being perfect – it comes from embracing the imperfections.

Joyful people seem to have this figured out. They understand that life is messy, and that’s okay. They don’t tie their happiness to flawless outcomes or perfect scenarios. Instead, they find joy in the journey, bumps and all.

They celebrate their mistakes as learning opportunities. They don’t shy away from challenges; they embrace them as part of life’s adventure. And they find beauty in the imperfections – both in themselves and in their surroundings.

Don’t be too hard on yourself when things aren’t perfect. Embrace the imperfections, learn from them, and let them bring you joy. It’s a liberating habit that can profoundly alter your perspective on life and happiness.

6) Exercising

So this one might seem a bit out of place in a post about joy, but hear me out.

Exercise isn’t just about looking good or staying fit—it’s about feeling good, both physically and mentally. Joyful people know that movement is a powerful mood booster, and they make it a regular part of their lives.

When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins—those feel-good chemicals that reduce stress and lift our mood. It’s why even a short walk, a quick yoga session, or a dance break can make you feel lighter and more energized.

But it’s not just about biology. Exercise is also a form of self-care, a moment to clear your mind and focus on yourself. 

As someone who’s experienced this firsthand, I can say that even on my toughest days, getting up and moving has been one of the quickest ways to shake off a bad mood and feel more in control.

You don’t need to hit the gym for hours or run marathons to feel the benefits. A little bit of movement—whether it’s 20 minutes of stretching, a brisk walk outside, or your favorite workout—can make all the difference.

7) Choosing joy

Joy is a choice. It might not always feel like it, especially during tough times. 

But joyful people understand this better than anyone. They actively choose joy, even when life throws curveballs their way.

They don’t let external circumstances dictate their happiness. Instead, they find happiness in their response to these circumstances. They make the conscious decision to focus on the positive, appreciate the good, and cultivate happiness from within.

It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. After all, our lives are shaped not by what happens to us, but by how we choose to respond. And choosing joy? That’s the most powerful choice of all.