With all of life’s distractions, it’s easy to live life on autopilot and forget about the little things that make us truly happy.
Do you find yourself constantly stressed out and feeling as if you don’t have enough time to do everything you want to do?
Do you feel that your routine is all out of whack and it’s becoming more difficult to even stick to one? Is your health and quality of life deteriorating?
Developing happy habits can change all of that.
““All our life, so far as it has definite form, is but a mass of habits – practical, emotional, and intellectual – systematically organized for our weal or woe, and bearing us irresistibly toward our destiny, whatever the latter may be.” – William James”
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How Habits Can Make You Happy
We all have an idea or dream about the world we want to create for ourselves and the life we desire to live. Small actions that we take consistently each day can help us to get to where we want to be.
We can improve our quality of life, overall happiness, and even our perspectives. Investing in yourself in even the simplest ways can change your life course.
Here are 50 simple happy habit ideas that you can instantly apply to your life.
50 Happy Habits to Start Today
1. Drink more water
We all know we should be doing this, but few of us actually do it! Make a point to drink at least 8 cups of water a day. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will also help to flush out toxins and help your skin look its best.
2. Stick to a routine
Whether it’s a daily skincare routine, working out 3 times a week, or meal prepping on Sundays, find something that works for you and stick to it! Routines help to make us feel more productive and put together.
3. Set goals
Having something to work towards can be a great motivator. Whether it’s a fitness goal, a work goal, or a personal goal, setting and achieving goals can help you to feel more accomplished and proud of yourself. Eat breakfast
4. Consume less sugar
Too much sugar can lead to breakouts, fatigue, and irritability. Cut back on sugary drinks and snacks, and opt for healthier alternatives like fruit or nuts.
5. Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A moderate amount of exercise is the key to maintaining a happy and healthy lifestyle.
6. Get enough sleep
Most people need around 8 hours of sleep per night. Getting a good night’s rest will help you to feel more energized and alert during the day.
7. Spend time with loved ones
Spending time with loved ones can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Whether it’s going for coffee with a friend or taking your dog for a walk, quality time with those we love is crucial for a happy life.
8. Make time for yourself
This can be anything from reading for 20 minutes before bed, to taking a luxurious bath.
9. Take a break from social media
Social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, but it can also be a big source of stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break from social media and give yourself some time to disconnect.
10. Limit your alcohol intake
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration, skin problems, and weight gain. If you’re looking to improve your health, it’s important to limit your alcohol consumption.
11. Volunteer
Giving back to your community can be a great way to make new friends and feel good about yourself. There are many different ways to volunteer, so find an opportunity that interests you and get involved!
12. Be grateful
Focusing on the positive things in your life can help to increase happiness and satisfaction. Keep a gratitude journal and write down five things you’re grateful for each day.
13. Laugh more
Laughter is said to be the best medicine, so make an effort to laugh every day! Watch a funny movie, read a hilarious book, or spend time with friends and family who make you laugh.
14. Meditate
Meditation can help to improve mental well-being and reduce stress levels. If you’re new to meditation, there are many resources available to help you get started.
15. Take walks in nature
Spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental and physical health. Make an effort to get outside and enjoy the fresh air every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
16. Spend time with animals
Interacting with animals has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being. If you don’t have a pet of your own, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter.
17. Avoid negative people
Surrounding yourself with positive people will help to improve your mood and outlook on life. If you have negative people in your life, try to limit the amount of time you spend with them.
18. Do something nice for someone else
The act of doing something nice for someone else can also benefit you. It can help to increase positive emotions and make you feel good about yourself.
19. Connect with your heritage
Learning about your ancestors and cultural background can help you to feel connected to something larger than yourself. If you don’t know much about your heritage, start by doing some research or asking family members for stories.
20. Practice mindful eating
Mindful eating is about being present and aware of the experience of eating. It can help you to savor your
21. Practice yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility, strength, and mental well-being. There are many different types of yoga, so find one that suits your needs and abilities.
22. Play a musical instrument
Playing a musical instrument can provide a great sense of satisfaction. It can also help to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being.
23. Listen to music
Listening to music has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental and physical health. It can help to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and boost immune function.
24. Get a massage
Massages are not only relaxing, but they can also help to reduce pain and tension. If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress, consider getting a massage.
25. Read a chapter of an interesting book
Reading can help to improve mental well-being and reduce stress levels. If you’re looking for a way to relax, try reading a chapter of an interesting book.
26. Go for a swim
Swimming is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It can also help to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being.
27. Play with a child
Playing with children can be a great way to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being. If you don’t have any children of your own, consider volunteering at a local school or daycare.
28. Do a puzzle
Puzzles are a great way to improve mental well-being and reduce stress levels. If you’re looking for a way to relax, try doing a puzzle.
29. Plant a garden
Gardening can be a great way to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being. If you don’t have a lot of space, consider planting a few plants in pots.
30. Spend time with friends and family
Spending time with loved ones is a great way to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being. If you’re feeling isolated, reach out to friends and family members and make an effort to connect.
31. Declutter a space in your home
Having a cluttered home can add to your stress levels. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start by decluttering one space in your home. This could be your bedroom, kitchen, living room, or home office. Once you’ve decluttered that space, you’ll feel more organized and less stressed.
32. Donate items you no longer need
Donating items you no longer need is a great way to declutter your home and help others in the process. If you have clothes, furniture, or other items that you don’t need, consider donating them to a local charity.
33. Clean one room of your house
Cleaning can be therapeutic and help you to feel more in control of your environment. If you’re feeling stressed, start by cleaning one room of your house. Once that room is clean, you’ll feel accomplished and less stressed.
34. Do a load of laundry
Laundry can be a never-ending chore, but it’s important to keep on top of it. If you’re feeling stressed, try to do one load of laundry. Once it’s done, you’ll feel more organized and less stressed.
35. Make your bed
Making your bed is a simple task that can help you to feel more in control of your environment. If your bedroom is cluttered, making your bed is a good first step to decluttering it. Once your bed is made, you’ll feel more relaxed and less stressed.
36. Make a healthy morning smoothie
37. Compliment someone you don’t know
38. Get some fresh air several times a day
39. Call a good friend
40. Cook a healthy new recipe
41. Drink green tea
42. Organize your emails
43. Cultivate positivity
44. Begin a new challenge
45. Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee
46. Take productive breaks from work
47. Add to your vision board
48. Plan your tasks for the next day
49. Treat yourself with kindness
50. Share a meal with someone
Final Thoughts
Developing happy habits daily can have a positive effect on our overall well-being.
We can begin to apply small changes that will lead to big results.
What happy habits will you take away from this list? How will you apply them to your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below: