Four habits of happy people, as recommended by a psychologist

Experts say we can all improve our happiness levels with daily practice.

What makes you happy? Maybe it’s getting up early to watch the sun rise, spending the weekend with family and friends, or taking a dip in the sea.

But what does science say about the habits of happy people?

We know that happy people tend to have strong relationships, good physical health, and contribute regularly to their communities.

Over the past seven years, I’ve experimented with a variety of happiness and wellbeing-related practices in an effort to improve my mental health and figure out how to best help others. Some strategies have been successful, while others have not worked for me. But here’s what I learned along the way.

The truth is, there will be times when we are able to develop habits related to happiness and feel positive. But there will be times when life creeps up on us and our happiness suffers.

The good news is that we can all improve our happiness levels with daily practice.

1. Move your body

My body needs to move regularly throughout the day. Sitting for long periods of time doesn’t make my body or mind happy. At a minimum, I walk briskly for an hour every day. I also like swimming, dancing and yoga.

Physical activity and regular exercise top the list for achieving happiness. Studies consistently show a relationship between being physically active and increased subjective well-being, otherwise known as happiness.

Research suggests that walking for 30 minutes a day can improve your health. But studies on happiness show that people benefit most from moderate to vigorous exercise, which gets your heart rate up.

Moderate exercise is any activity that leaves you slightly out of breath — you can still talk, but you probably wouldn’t be able to sing a song.

2. Prioritize your connection

The latest research on happiness shows that our social connections matter in terms of overall well-being and life satisfaction. In fact, making time to talk, listen, share, and have fun with friends and family is a habit I try to prioritize.

But a recent study found that we generally interact more with friends and family when we’re feeling unhappy and less when we’re happy.

This can happen because we naturally seek comfort and support to feel happier, and we seek out other activities when our happiness is stable.

It seems to be a matter of balance, a lot of alone time can lead to negative emotions, so reaching out to other people is a natural way to ease this feeling and improve our mood.

On the other hand, when we feel positive and happy, we are more inclined to support others and lend a helping hand.

However, spending time in the company of friends and family offers both short-term and long-term gains in happiness.

3. Practice gratitude

Our outlook on life and how we evaluate things also play a large part in our levels of happiness.

Studies show that having a more optimistic mindset and practicing a sense of gratitude can protect against negative emotions and increase happiness.

Practicing daily gratitude, like counting my blessings or listing the things I’m thankful for throughout the day, helps me think more positively and feel happier.

You can do this in a variety of ways, such as through a gratitude journal, which can be handwritten or written on your cell phone.

The three good things exercise is a quick and easy habit to adopt to increase optimism.

Simply write down three things that went well that day and reflect on what was good about them.

There are now many apps that can send you notifications and track your gratitude. Others allow you to create a wall of visualizations and positive affirmations for your day.

While some may seem deceptive, this is a gentle nudge toward science-backed positivity.

Or to put it another way, practicing and cultivating an attitude of gratitude and appreciation often works and helps you feel more positive about your life.

Gratitude also helps you see the big picture and become more resilient in the face of adversity.

You can also practice gratitude more naturally by giving thanks, telling someone what you’re thankful for that day, or sending them thank-you messages.

It may sound trivial, but it’s important, as research shows that everyday feelings of gratitude are associated with higher levels of positive emotions and better social well-being.

4. Spending time with animals also helps

My pets are part of our family’s routine and they also help in my daily happiness. I find it easier to go for a walk because of my dogs.

Research shows that dogs motivate their human companions to be more active, and in return, both pet and owner share an enjoyable experience that increases their happiness.

I also like to sit with my cats while drinking tea and reading a book.

Studies suggest that pets offer many health and happiness benefits, as they not only provide companionship, but also reduce instances of depression and anxiety, helping to increase our levels of happiness and self-esteem.

The main ingredients of happiness, to which the quest boils down, are social connections and activities, both mental and physical. And finding a flow of life through our daily habits and intentions can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

* Lowri Dowthwaite-Walsh is Professor of Psychological Interventions at the University of Central Lancashire, UK.

This article originally appeared on academic news site The Conversation and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. Read the original version here (in English).

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.