How to be Happy: 15 Ways to Live a Happier Life

Do you know how to be Happy? Here are 15 daily habits that will change your life completely.

Are you happy? It’s a simple question that can be surprisingly difficult to answer. 

Today, social media constantly showcases the highlights of other people’s lives, so it’s easy to feel like you should be happier. But in reality, happiness isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. No one is always happy, so don’t beat yourself up if you have low days!

Happiness isn’t about feeling positive 24/7. It is about achieving a sense of meaning, purpose, and overall well-being that makes life truly fulfilling.

Over the past five years, I’ve been on a personal development journey, trying to break free from negative emotions and anxiety. Through this process, I’ve learned that the little things, small, intentional habits, make a difference. From practising gratitude to creating healthy habits and finding a good way to cope with anxiety, I’ve discovered simple changes that can lead to a happier life.

Happiness isn’t about having it all. It’s about finding peace within yourself, regardless of life’s challenges.

The Science of Happiness

What does it mean to be happy? Is it simply feeling good all the time, or is there something deeper to it? According to positive psychology, happiness is more than just having good things happen in your life. It’s about cultivating positive emotions and maintaining a positive outlook, even when things get tough.

It involves finding joy in everyday life, building strong social connections, and practising gratitude for the little things. 

In short, happiness is about thriving, not just surviving.

Leading happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky has found that about 40% of our happiness is within our control, based on our habits, thoughts, and actions. That’s great news because it means we can increase our happiness levels through intentional choices.

The Greater Good Science Center also emphasises the importance of positive psychology practices, like practising gratitude and performing random acts of kindness, as powerful tools for increasing happiness. These small acts can boost positive emotions and social connections and lower stress hormones.

At the start of my journey from nursing to slower living, I did have professional help from a psychotherapist; if you feel like you have a genuine mental health disorder, I would advise you to seek professional help, too. 

How to be Happy: 15 Ways to Live a Happier Life

1. Ditch Social Media

It’s no secret that social media can increase feelings of anxiety, so when you’re constantly bombarded with bad news or comparing yourself to other people’s highlight reels, it’s easy to feel those negative emotions creeping in. 

Delete social media from your phone for a month and see how you feel. I guarantee you will feel more positive!

The first thing I did on my journey to happiness was reduce my screen time. I was glued to my phone, mindlessly scrolling for hours and before I knew it, entire evenings were gone, and I’d be left feeling guilty about how much time I’d wasted watching random videos that added nothing to my life.

Another life-changing decision I made which might resonate with you is to stop watching the news at night. I used to go to bed feeling anxious about things I had no control over. Once I cut this out, I noticed an almost immediate improvement in my sleep quality. 

But it isn’t just about cutting back on screen time; try replacing it with something more meaningful instead of scrolling through social media. This is where the magic happens.

Start reading books and listening to podcasts about personal development, mindfulness, and creating healthy habits. This will help you learn new skills and create a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment.

2. Start Journaling

Journaling is more than just writing down your thoughts. It’s a powerful tool for self-reflection, emotional processing, and personal growth. It helps you process emotions, reflect on experiences, and set positive intentions for the future. This practice is a form of self-therapy that enhances emotional well-being and promotes self-awareness.

I stumbled upon the podcast Saturn Returns by Caggie Dunlop. One episode with Kirsty Gallagher resonated with me. She talked about the moon and how being in sync with the lunar cycle can help us understand our moods and the moon’s transformational power. 

That episode inspired me to journal in sync with the full moon and new moon. It felt manageable since it was only twice a month, and I was likelier to stick with it. At first, I just wrote down everything I thought, my positive and negative emotions. It was a way to get all my thoughts out on paper without overthinking, and it became a safe space to express my fears, hopes, and gratitude without judgment. 

This habit will help you navigate hard times, reflect on your experiences, and set positive intentions. Hopefully, it will become your safe space for self-reflection and personal growth.

3. Identify and Manage Triggers

One of the most impactful habits I developed on my journey to a happier life was learning to identify and manage my triggers. Through journaling, I learnt how to be happy by noticing patterns in my emotions and what was causing them. For example, I realised that work-related stress was a significant source of negative emotions, as were the tummy aches I’d get after eating certain foods. 

Triggers are situations, people, or habits that provoke negative emotions or stress. Identifying your triggers is crucial because it helps you understand the root causes of your negative feelings, allowing you to manage them more positively and proactively.

When you know what sets off your anxiety or stress, you can make healthier choices that positively impact your mental and physical health. This isn’t about avoiding problems but about approaching them with awareness and healthier coping strategies.

4. Practice Gratitude

Practising gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for boosting happiness. It sounds simple, but focusing on the good things in your life each day can make a huge difference. It is one of the best ways to create a positive outlook and reduce negative emotions.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you” or being polite. It’s about intentionally focusing on what’s going well in your life, no matter how small it might seem.

I started my gratitude practice by keeping a gratitude journal. Each day, I would jot down a few things I was thankful for, big or small. It could be something as simple as enjoying a cup of tea in peace or something more meaningful, like reconnecting with an old friend. Writing it down helped me genuinely appreciate these moments and focus on the good things in my life.

Reflecting on these positive experiences will boost your happiness levels, give you a sense of accomplishment, and help you navigate hard times with a more positive outlook. 

5. Random Acts of Kindness

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to boost positive emotions is by practising random acts of kindness. It’s amazing how small gestures can have such a significant impact, not only on the person receiving the kindness but also on your sense of happiness.

Acts of kindness trigger the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, which naturally boost your mood and reduce negative emotions. Plus, being kind helps you feel more connected to others, giving you a greater sense of connection and increasing your overall happiness.

Ideas to Try

If you’re looking to spread a little joy, here are some simple ideas:

• Pay for a stranger’s cup of coffee. It’s a small thing, but it can make someone’s day.
• Reach out to an old friend to check in and see how they’re doing.
• Compliment someone sincerely. It’s free, and it can brighten someone’s day.
• Volunteer to help a homeless person or contribute to a charity that resonates with you.

6. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporating mindfulness and focusing on positive thoughts has been a game-changer for my mental well-being. It’s not about ignoring challenges or difficult emotions but about learning to manage them with a more balanced perspective.

Mindfulness helps manage negative emotions by encouraging you to stay present and fully experience each moment. This practice reduces stress and anxiety and allows you to create positive thoughts. 

I started integrating mindfulness into my daily life by focusing on the little things. Whether it was savouring my morning cup of tea or taking a moment to appreciate nature during a walk, being present helped me experience more positive emotions.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I practice mindful breathing. It’s as simple as taking a few deep breaths, but it helps me reset my mind and maintain a positive mindset. This practice keeps me grounded and encourages me to appreciate the present moment, no matter how hectic the day gets.

Try to integrate short meditation breaks throughout the day. It could be a 5-minute breathing exercise or a quick stretch to release tension. These small moments make a huge difference in managing stress and keeping a positive mindset.

7. Get Up One Hour Earlier for a Productive Morning Routine

Wake up an hour earlier each day. It’s amazing how that extra hour can set a positive tone for the entire day. For example, it isn’t always easy if you have children awake through the night. But when you can, start the day with intention, increase your productivity, and give yourself a sense of accomplishment. 

I recommend Reading the 5 am Club! 

Robin Sharma suggests we should wake up an hour earlier and divide this time into three parts:

• 20 Minutes Learning– Reading a book or learning something new for personal development.
• 20 Minutes Exercise– Getting your body moving boosts energy and mental clarity.
• 20 Minutes Meditation– Setting a positive intention for the day and cultivating positive thoughts.

Use these early mornings to plan your day, set priorities, and reflect on your positive experiences. This habit will help you maintain focus, reduce anxiety, and approach each day with a more positive outlook.

8. Go to Bed Earlier

Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining positive emotions and reducing feelings of anxiety, so this simple change makes a big difference. This will increase your chances of experiencing positive emotions and reduce the likelihood of being overwhelmed by negative emotions. 

In contrast, lack of sleep can be a significant trigger for irritability, anxiety, and even depressive symptoms. Prioritising sleep isn’t just about avoiding tiredness but nurturing your overall well-being.

Tips for a good night’s sleep:

• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. Read a book, practice mindfulness, or do light stretching. The key is to wind down in a way that feels good.
• Limit screen time to at least an hour before bed. Devices’ blue light can interfere with sleep quality.
• Create a comfortable sleep environment. Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Good bedding and a supportive pillow can also make a big difference.

When I realised that poor sleep was one of my biggest triggers for feeling anxious and overwhelmed, I made a conscious effort to go to bed earlier. By adjusting my bedtime routine, I noticed improvements in my mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.

9. Exercise More 

There is a strong connection between physical health and mental well-being, so taking care of your body and mind is essential to living a happy and balanced life. 

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your mental health; the benefits go way beyond just getting in shape. When you move your body, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which help boost your mood and reduce stress.

It also lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), making you feel calmer and more balanced. Plus, if you’ve ever gone for a walk or a jog and felt a little clearer-headed afterwards, exercise improves focus, memory, and overall brain function.

10. Eat More Healthy Foods 

Healthy choices include eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can cause mood swings.

The right foods help your brain produce feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which boost your mood and keep stress levels in check. Foods rich in healthy fats, protein, and fibre like avocados, salmon, nuts, and whole grains keep your energy stable so you don’t go through those dreaded sugar crashes and mood swings. Certain nutrients, like magnesium and antioxidants, help your body fight stress and keep you calm and balanced.

Gut health also plays a massive role in mental well-being since the gut and brain are closely connected. Eating probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kimchi, and fibre-packed veggies helps good bacteria thrive, which can improve your mood.

And let’s not forget the pure joy of food itself!

11. Spend Time in Nature

Spending time in nature has a magical way of making you feel happier, and there’s science to back it up! Being outdoors, whether walking in the park, hiking in the woods, or just sitting by the ocean, helps lower stress by reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosting feel-good chemicals like serotonin and endorphins.

Sunlight also increases vitamin D production, which is linked to better mood and lower risk of depression. Nature also gives your brain a much-needed break from the constant stimulation of screens, noise, and everyday stress. Even something as simple as touching the grass or feeling the sun on your skin can create a sense of peace.

When you practice grounding, walking barefoot on grass, and touching the earth, you calm your nervous system and reduce stress. Direct contact with the earth is believed to balance electrical charges in the body, which may help reduce inflammation and improve overall well-being.

12. Positive Self-Talk

The way you speak to yourself shapes your reality. Practising positive affirmations and positive self-talk can transform your mindset, build confidence, and improve your overall mental health. 

Positive affirmations and self-talk make you happier because they help rewire your brain to focus on the good rather than getting stuck in negative thought patterns. When you consistently tell yourself uplifting things like “I am capable” or “I deserve happiness”, your brain starts to believe them. This is thanks to neuroplasticity, which means your brain can form new, more positive thought habits over time. Replacing self-doubt with encouraging words boosts confidence, motivation, and overall well-being.

Positive self-talk also helps reduce stress and anxiety by shifting your mindset. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” telling yourself, “I’ll figure this out”, changes how you approach challenges, making you more resilient.

The more kindness you show yourself in your thoughts, the happier and more confident you’ll feel. It’s a simple but powerful habit that can make a big difference in your mood and outlook on life! This shift in perspective enhances self-esteem and helps you approach challenges with a more optimistic outlook.

13. Do Things that Spark Joy

Doing things that spark joy makes you happier because it taps into what naturally excites, fulfils, and energizes you. When you engage in activities that bring you happiness, like painting, dancing, playing upbeat music, or even just laughing with friends, your brain releases dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical that boosts motivation and pleasure. These moments of joy also reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and create positive memories that can lift your mood long after the activity.  

Creativity isn’t just for artists or writers. It’s for everyone. Engaging in creative activities can boost positive emotions, reduce stress, and provide a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose.

Beyond brain chemistry, doing what you love gives you a sense of purpose and fulfilment. It allows you to be present, express yourself, and connect with what truly matters.

I engage in creative writing and sewing to relax and reflect. It doesn’t have to be perfect or even good. It just has to be genuine. I write in my journal to process my emotions; other times, I doodle for fun. The key is to create without judgment, allowing the process to be as meaningful as the outcome.

14. Find Your Purpose

Find your purpose because it gives your life direction, meaning, and a more profound sense of fulfilment. Knowing what truly matters to you, whether helping others, creating something meaningful, or pursuing a passion, you wake up with a sense of motivation and excitement.

Purpose-driven people tend to have higher levels of dopamine and serotonin, the brain’s “happiness chemicals,” because they feel connected to something bigger than themselves.

Purpose gives you a reason to keep growing, learning, and contributing, naturally boosting self-esteem and life satisfaction.

Your purpose doesn’t have to be something huge. It can be as simple as spreading kindness, being a great friend, or doing work you love.

When you align your life with what truly fulfils you, happiness follows naturally!

15. Social Connections

Good social connections make you happier because humans are naturally wired for connection. Social interactions provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and create a sense of belonging. When you feel connected to others, you’re more resilient to stress and more likely to experience positive emotions. Simply put, relationships nurture your emotional well-being.

Laughing, sharing experiences, and simply feeling seen and valued by others can instantly lift your mood and create a sense of belonging. 

Strong relationships also provide emotional support during tough times, making challenges more manageable. Whether it’s a deep conversation with a close friend or just spending time with loved ones, social connections help reduce feelings of loneliness and increase overall life satisfaction.

It’s not about having many friends. It’s about having quality relationships that bring joy, support, and meaning to your life. 

How to be Happy: 15 Ways to Live a Happier Life

I found that periodically checking in on my happiness allowed me to stay attuned to my emotional well-being. For instance, when I noticed feeling low, I would evaluate whether it was due to a lack of sleep, stressful work commitments, or feeling disconnected from loved ones. This reflection helped me adapt and grow, adjusting my habits and behaviours to align with what made me feel fulfilled.

If you’re unsure how to be happy, choose one habit from this guide to incorporate into your daily life. Start small, be consistent, and experiment with what works best for you. 

Happiness is a journey, and it’s about more than just feeling good today. It’s about building a happier life by making small, meaningful changes that improve your well-being.