7 Habits of Happy People

Every wondered why some people are happy all the time? Maybe they live their life looking through rose-tinted glasses? Maybe they view the world with an ever-optimistic mentality? Or maybe, just maybe.... they have mastered the art of overcoming challenges in a positive way. Here are some of the top habits, happy people incorporate into their lives.

SELF AWARENESS

They are fully aware of the connection between their mind and their bodies. What does this mean? Well, the term awareness is the state of being conscious. More specifically, it is the ability to understand, perceive and feel events or situations as they are happening. We are consciously aware of our thoughts without allowing them to control us. Being aware gives us more control. It allows us to assess what is important and needs attention and giving us the ability to react to that situation, with integrity.

MINDFULNESS

I'm sure you've heard this term, but what exactly is mindfulness and how does it contribute to happier living? Mindfulness is the simple act of being completely aware and fully present in the moment. Present with our actions and our feelings. Sounds simple right? Yet the majority of us live our lives on autopilot. We are constantly doing our daily tasks whilst thinking about something entirely different. We are not always fully present. When was the last time you sat down to have a drink and actually felt the weight of the cup? Or the comfortability of the chair you were sitting on? Chances are you were thinking or doing something entirely different. Happy people practise mindfulness often. Why? Because with mindfulness comes additional benefits, including lower stress levels, reduced anxiety, improved quality of sleep, reduced body aches and pains and improved moods. What's not to be happy about that!

PEOPLE & RELATIONSHIPS

Happy people know the impact mood and emotions can have on those around them. Think about the last time you were surrounded by an individual who is known to be consistently negative. You can feel that energy, and worse still, it can lower your energetic vibrations, making you feel unhappy. We've all been there. We all know people like this. Happy people choose to interact and built connections with like-minded happy people. This type of energy can empower you to feel brave, courageous, and inspired.

They also know that sometimes you cannot escape these types of people. Maybe they are work colleagues or family members. The key here is to recognise who they are and then limit the amount of time you spend with them.

POSITIVITY Positivity is understanding how you can think or act to make life more fulfilling. Finding solutions to overcome challenges and expecting positive results. It's the ability to look at life in an optimistic frame of mind. It's how we can train our minds to look at the brighter side of life, reducing worry and stress. Happy people tend to adopt a positive attitude because of the associated "happy" emotions including, joy, contentment, love, and inspiration. With a positive mental attitude, happy people do not dwell on negative and or unhappy feelings. Instead, they take the time to acknowledge how they feel and take the necessary action to feel better.

GROWTH MINDSET

Do you have a fixed or growth mindset? Having a growth mindset could be the reason happy people are happy. They embrace challenges and find ways to overcome obstacles in life. They believe in themselves and know everyone has the capability to learn new skills. They also recognise their own hard work and effort when they accomplish something new. They focus on what they can control and therefore appear happier and calmer than those who have a fixed mindset. They understand learning and intelligence and know both can grow with effort, and as a result, they have a much greater sense of freedom because they know they can truly achieve anything in life. It's a mindset choice!

SMILING & LAUGHTER

Smiling and laughter is contagious! It can affect the way you feel. Try it now. Go and smile at yourself in the mirror. Notice a difference? That's what happy people do. Ok, maybe they don't make a habit of smiling at themselves in the mirror, however, the more you smile and laugh, the more your body releases dopamine which makes us happy. It's a lovely ongoing circle of happiness. So, the next time you interact with a happy person, ask yourself. Are they smiling because they are happy, or are they happy because they are smiling?

HEALTHY HABITS

There is more than just the "h" similarity when we talk about the connection between happiness, health, and habits. When we actively look after ourselves, we feel good. We have more confidence and are more motivated to get involved with life. And so, it is perfectly logical why happy people consistently participate in healthy behaviours such as adequate amounts of sleep and or exercise. It allows our bodies to function properly, so we are well equipped to deal with life when it throws us a curve ball. Now there are endless amounts of healthy habits. The key is being aware of which ones make you feel great, so you have the strength to deal with life's little annoyances, when they arise.

Happy people are not just that stereotypical "hippie" character types. They are everywhere. They have problems and challenges just like everyone else. The fundamental difference is they are actively and routinely participating in the self-care, the groundwork which enables them to cope more effectively in a crisis. It doesn't mean they ignore hardship or hurt. They understand how and what they are feeling and take the necessary corrective steps to protect their happiness.

Happiness has so many benefits on our wellbeing, including improved heart health, a stronger immune system, reduction in pain, life longevity, and genuinely more productivity. So, it makes perfect sense to be happy. Even a few simple changes in your everyday rituals can have a lasting, positive effect on your overall mental and physical wellbeing. You have the power to control you, so you too can have the power to be haPpY!