“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

Have you ever noticed that happy people tend to have higher expectations, and also getter better results?  There’s a reason why life flows more smoothly when your happy switch is turned on, and cultivating these habits of happy people will surely put your life on the right track toward becoming a habitually happier, healthier, and whole.

11 Habits of Happy People

 1. Unconditional love

The only way love can last a lifetime is if it’s unconditional. The truth is this: love is not determined by the one being loved, but rather by the one choosing to love. – Stephen Kendrick, The Love Dare

Loving and loving unconditionally have a few fundamental differences.  You can choose love, but to choose unconditional love means that you see past the imperfections.  You release judgment and accept others as they are and choosing to act in a loving manner always.  Choosing to love unconditionally means that you’re choosing to love in a BIG way.  Bigger than the social and emotional restrictions that hold our love in bondage.

Your unconditional love doesn’t have to be outwardly in all situations either; unconditional love can also be inward. Accepting yourself fully as you are and showing yourself this same unconditional love can provide protection, healing, and the confidence you need to take your next step toward victory.

2. Gratitude

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” – Epictetus

We cannot express the importance of gratitude as a habit of happy people.  When you make a habit to think of, and express, everything you’re grateful for, you’ll see that these joyous experiences continue to expand in your life.  Just like the law of gravity, the law of attraction will expand what you focus on – and if you’re focusing on what you’re thankful for, you can certainly expect to be more thankful in the future.

3. Service to others

Doing nothing for others is the undoing of one’s self.  We must be purposely kind and generous, or we miss the best part of existence. The heart that goes out of itself, gets large and full of joy. This is the great secret of the inner life. We do ourselves the most good doing something for others. – Horace Mann

Taking time to be of service shows a great deal of character, especially when you aim to serve without expectation of return.  Giving your time without the need for gain returns something much greater – it gives you the satisfaction of adding value to the world.  Working to help improve a physical, mental, environmental, or spiritual state will not only help improve the world, but will also help build positive karma in your life.

4. Self Care

You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy.  You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love & affection. ~Buddha

If your own needs aren’t taken care of, how can you take care of the needs of others?  There’s nothing selfish about setting aside a certain time for yourself each day or week to make sure that your own mind, body, and soul are well and rested.  Here are just a few things we do ourselves to meet our self care needs.  Try a few and/or add your own self care habits in the comments below:

• 15 minute morning meditation- This is very grounding.  Try it each morning before you get out of bed, or each night before sleep.
• Affirmations – Affirmations are key in our lives.  Select affirmations that resonate with you and repeat them in the mirror DAILY.
• Reading a chapter of a book – Just 6 minutes of reading can reduce stress by 68%. 
• A warm soak in the tub – Try adding 2 cups of iodized sea salt with 2 cups of pure baking soda to a hot tub of water – you’ll LOVE it!
• Exercise – Staying active not only helps you look and feel better, it also clears your mind of negative, doubting thoughts.
• Eat raw, organic fruits and vegetables (you can put them in juices or smoothies, or eat them right out of the garden!)
• Buy a new outfit – Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little retail therapy every now and then!  Treat yourself, you deserve it!

5. Forgiveness

Forgiveness can bring you a renewed peaceful spirit. You’ll find yourself feeling more positive overall and less stressed. You may even experience health benefits like lower blood pressure.  When someone hurts or offends you, negative feelings of bitterness or revenge are created. Don’t let yourself pay the price over and over. Oftentimes the focus on the past and the hurt will keep you from enjoying the wonders of today and the potential of tomorrow.

Good news: Although you cannot control their actions or their decisions, you CAN control yours.

6. Compassion

Compassion is a foundation for sharing our aliveness and building a more humane world. — Martin Lowenthal, Opening the Heart of Compassion

Having compassion brings out an important human element.  Showing recognition and respect for all situations can not only solve many of the world’s problems, but can also bring people comfort, knowing that they are cared for, loved, and recognized as equal.  Show compassion for others and where they are in life.

Although their situation may not be desirable to you, it’s where they are – and if they’re going to get closer to where they want to be, they need caring support from people just like you.

7. Humor

As the old adage states, “Laughter is the best medicine.” It’s true and happy people know it. They laugh often and even at themselves sometimes. Laughter can create a lightness out of a heavy or negative situation. One good belly laugh is all it takes too; humor is contagious. One funny, happy person in a group can create a roomful of happy people.

Humor doesn’t just make you happy, but healthy too. Studies show humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boosts your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress.

“Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you can have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health.” – Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D

8. Responsibility

Taking responsibility for your thoughts, words, actions, and reactions can ultimately bring you more happiness in life. If your intention is to create a more positive world for yourself and those around you, it’s up to you to have the thoughts, moods, and actions that will create that positive world.

If however, you analyze your current situation and see a negative consequence being created as a result of your moods/actions/reactions, taking responsibility for that will make you adjust your sails to strive toward a better outcome.  Release the fear of judgment and create responsibly, the Divine never loses count of your true intention.

9. Persistence

If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Focus on what you want and build yourself to be that person through positive affirmations, intention, and action.  When we pursue something of great value with an undying spirit, the Divine knows this and will deliver.  It may not come all at once, or through the avenue you expect, but persistence will grant the achievements that create happiness.

10. Focus on the Solution

Happy people focus on solutions.  Unhappy people focus on problems. – Chris Butler

Releasing focus on problems is relieving yourself of the negative focus. Great problem solvers, and many millionaires exist because they don’t see a need to focus on the problem as much as the solution for it.  Life is full of possibilities and solutions when you believe and focus on them.  Life is also full of problems when you focus on them.  Where will you put your focus?

11. Honesty

You may get away with dishonesty at times, but as mentioned earlier, the Divine ALWAYS keeps count. For every thought, word, or action you express, an equal energy will be returned to you.  If honesty is what you portray, you will gain respect, trust, and honesty in return.  With dishonesty, a barren and lonely environment that is devoid of happiness is sure to ensue in time.  You may not see the effect of dishonesty right away, but it will erode you from within.  The option to repair however, is always available. You can begin practicing honesty RIGHT NOW to build a better, happier tomorrow.

(BONUS) 12. Optimism, of course! 😉

Positive thinking is key to happiness. Happy people have practiced turning negative thoughts or experiences into positive ones. Seeing the glass half full, living a life full of positive habits, and learning to turn on your own “happy switch” consistently will turn your life around in ways you’ve never imagined.