6 Habits to Boost Your Happiness
Well, hello there! Have you been feeling kind of meh lately? Like you just wanna lie in bed eating cookies while watching cute puppy videos on repeat? Hey, no judgement here. We all have those days!
I’m here to share 6 habits that researchers swear will make you happier.
“But how can you be so sure these will work?” you ask. Well, I personally can’t guarantee anything obviously. But if these totally wacky tips don’t brighten your day at least a little, I’ll refund every single penny you paid for this article! (…Which is nothing. But still!)
1. Read Books That Make Your Heart Soar
Alright, this first habit might sound boring at first. But stick with me! Reading can actually be pretty cool.
See, scientists found that reading uplifting stories boosts people’s moods and life satisfaction. Even just reading something short and inspirational made folks happier!
“But reading isn’t my thing,” you say. I hear ya. I’d usually rather watch TV or funny videos on my phone too. But certain books can totally suck you in before you know it!
Here’s my suggestion: find a happy medium. Check out graphic novels, funny memoirs, or fast-paced adventure stories. They call reading “escapism” for a reason — it whisks you away from life’s worries!
For example, every night I like to read a few pages of Calvin and Hobbes comics. That kid’s silly antics never fail to crack me up!
So next time you’re feeling blah, grab an uplifting comic book, inspiring biography, or any feel-good story. Let yourself get whisked away, and see if you don’t feel a little lighter!
Alright, onto habit #2…
2. Drink Coffee Like There’s No Tomorrow!
Coffee lovers, stand up!
If you’re like me, choking down bitter, scalding coffee each morning is the only thing getting you out of bed. Well, prepare to have your mind blown.
Studies show that gulping down moderate amounts of coffee every day can actually make you less depressed! It’s true! Scientists found that people who regularly drank coffee had fewer signs of being down in the dumps.
Now don’t overdo it, or you’ll get all jittery and irritable (like my friend Jess after she drank six espressos — yikes!) Stick to a cup or two per day, then sit back and feel that sweet caffeine work its magic!
Personally, I look forward to my morning coffee like Christmas morning. I even talk to my coffeemaker as it gurgles to life — “Good morning, Deborah! Let’s do this!”
Hey, embrace your quirky coffee habit! Odds are, it’s boosting your mood along with your energy. Bottoms up!
3. Stop Buying Useless Crap!
Alright folks, it’s time for a reality check. We all love buying flashy new stuff — I know I do! But if we’re being honest, all those gadgets and clothes rarely make us happier. At least not for long.
Research shows that the more people focus on material things for happiness, the less satisfied they become overall. Dang.
Buying something exciting gives you a temporary rush. But a week later, you’re itching for the next new thing! It’s an endless letdown cycle.
So what can you do? I’m not saying never treat yourself to something nice again. But try putting more energy into activities that nourish you, like spending time with friends, traveling, or learning new skills.
Leave the mindless shopping for a rainy day (quite literally — retail therapy during bad weather is the best!) Focus on making joyful memories, not just buying joyful things.
4. Bring On the Happy People!
Introverts, hang in there. Being around positive, energetic people can actually boost your mood too!
Studies show that surrounding yourself with upbeat friends increases your own happiness. Even having cheerful neighbors made people more satisfied. How crazy is that?
So next time you make plans, call the friend who always leaves you feeling pumped up, not drained. Reach out to old pals who make you laugh til it hurts. Plan a meal with you relentlessly optimistic aunt (you know, the one who comments smiling emojis on every Facebook post).
Infuse your life with as much cheerfulness from other people as you can handle! Let their perky vibes rub off on you. Your smile muscles will thank you.
5. Learn Something Ridiculously Fun!
Are you ready to finally learn how to juggle chainsaws? Tame lions? Do stand-up comedy?! Well, maybe not those exactly. But embracing new hobbies you’re passionate about can work wonders for your happiness!
Studies show picking up new skills decreases anxiety and leaves people feeling more satisfied overall. When you’re totally focused on an activity you love, worries just melt away.
Here are a few upbeat classes to try:
- Improv comedy (learn to crack people up!)
- Salsa dancing (shake what your mama gave you!)
- Circus skills (juggle and walk tightropes…what could go wrong?)
- Painting (Use your inner Picasso!)
- Karate (hi-ya!)
Keep yourself in communities centered around what makes you giddy. Then watch as learning new stuff ignites a spark in you!
Okay, final habit coming at you…
6. Be Grateful, You Big Baby!
This is the sappiest one yet — but also one of the most powerful.
Studies show that taking just a few minutes each day to write down things you’re grateful for makes people happier and less depressed. (you knew? why aren't you trying?)
Here are some cheerfully mushy ways to try it:
- Every morning, jot down 3 things that make your life swagalicious.
- Before bed, shout out 5 good moments from your day.
- At dinnertime, go around the table sharing grateful moments.
I know, it sounds pretty cringey. But being forced to express gratitude shifts your mindset over time. You start focusing less on problems and more on the good stuff surrounding you.
So pick up that pen and get in touch with your sappy side! Let the gratitude overflow and give your happiness a boost.
We made it through all 6 habits! From laughing at funny stories to writing mushy journal entries, I hope you found a few ideas to try shaking up your routine.
If these tips don’t bring a little more laughter and lightness into your days, let me know and I’ll issue you that full refund! ;D
Wishing you many silly, joyful days ahead! You got this.
Scrolled this far? You deserve more!
Hit that follow button for juicy content like this delivered straight to your feed.
Plus, Grab my free Substack newsletter for bonus goodies. You won’t regret it! ✨
If you’d like to show your appreciation, feel free to buy me a coffee.
