How to be Happy in Life
It may feel like happiness is something that just happens to you, but in reality, you have more control over your happiness than you may think. Taking time to identify the areas of your wellbeing that are in your control, then outlining key strategies and principles to steer them in your chosen direction, can help you to foster lasting happiness in your life.
The Modern Day Dilemma
For those who are currently struggling with happiness, the structure of modern society may have a part to play. While finding things to make you happy may be a central concern for most individuals, it is not a central concern for most societies, which prioritize things like wealth, success and power ahead of health and happiness. Another disconnect may be internal, since individuals are notoriously bad at predicting what will bring them long-term happiness according to Robert Waldinger, MD, a Harvard psychiatrist, co-author of The Good Life and current director of the Harvard Adult Development Study, the longest-running study of happiness in the world. The good news is that you are able to influence many factors affecting your happiness: about 40% of them, according to Dr. Waldinger. He continues, “And what you do with that 40% can determine 100% of how you feel about your life.”
Here are a number of deliberate actions and changes to your daily routine to consider if you want to learn how to be happy in life.
Smile!
The phrase “fake it till you make it” applies here. Whether or not there are legitimate things to make you happy, try smiling – into a mirror, at others, or even just sitting at your desk. Smiling causes the brain to release the hormone dopamine, which makes you feel happier and motivated.
Start Cultivating a Positive Mind-Set
It may sound like trite advice for how to be happy in life, but simply deciding to view the world through a more optimistic lens can help you be more open to positive outcomes. Tuning into difficult feelings rather than ignoring or avoiding them, looking for things to make you happy, and noticing when things are going better than you think can all have a positive effect.
Look After Your Body
Unsurprisingly, the state of your body – home to your mind and emotions – plays a huge role in how to be happy. Stick to a nutritious diet high in healthy fats, proteins, micronutrients and probiotics, and low in sugar and processed foods. Prioritize regular exercise, especially types that elevate your heart rate, for an instant mood boost, and ensure you get enough quality sleep each night: between seven to nine hours.
Nurture Meaningful Relationships
The quality of people’s relationships with one another and within their communities is typically the highest predictor of their happiness. They also tend to live longer. Connections don’t need to be deep or long-term to provide joy either, if they are rooted in kindness. In addition to prioritizing your most important relationships and surrounding yourself with those who uplift and support you, exchange pleasantries with strangers, hold the door open for others or make a meal for an elderly neighbor.
Learn to Manage Stress Effectively
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how you manage it plays a pivotal role in how to be happy. Develop effective stress management strategies, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, setting boundaries with others, or delegating tasks. By mitigating stress, you create space for happiness to flourish.
Practice Gratitude Daily
Recognized as one of the simplest and most powerful “how to be happy” strategies, identifying things and people you are grateful for can provide an instant happiness boost. Training yourself to notice the good in your life will make you less likely to compare yourself with others. Using a gratitude journal daily is a good place to start.
Make Your Home Happy
A cluttered or disorganized space can contribute to feelings of unhappiness and overwhelm. Conversely, a comfortable, orderly home gives you a positive base to start from and return to each day. Take an easy step towards how to be happy by making small, beneficial changes to your home.
Set and Pursue Meaningful Goals
People who have a growth mind-set or a sense of purpose and direction are typically more satisfied with their lives. Explore what motivates and energizes you, stay focused on goals you have identified, engage in activities that bring you joy, be open to trying new things, and take positive risks to feed your happiness long-term.
Embrace Mindfulness and Presence
Most of your stressful thoughts, rumination and regret takes place solely in the mind. Stepping back into the body and fully engaging in the present moment is an essential practice to avoid anxiety and depression while fostering feelings of happiness . Avoid mindless scrolling on your phone, and try meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or any activities that engage the five senses.
Learning how to be happy in life is not a one-size-fits all process. Give some of these habits a try and experiment with different activities and behaviors to see what resonates best with you.
