7 Tiny Habits That Positive People Use to Cultivate Happiness Every Day

You might think happiness comes after big moments—the new job, the long-awaited PTO and grand vacation, or when you land that new customer account. The reality, however, is joy is not something you just stumble upon. Truly happy people know it’s something you build, in tiny increments and in small moments every day. 

Why does happiness matter in the workplace? Research conducted by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School found that happy workers are 13 percent more productive within their time at work. “We found that when workers are happier, they work faster by making more calls per hour worked and, importantly, convert more calls to sales,” explained Professor Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, one of the researchers in charge of the study.

The good news is this is not hard to do. The happiest people intentionally sprinkle those magic-dust happy moments into their days. For them, happiness is not a visit from a rare guest but a close and constant companion. Here’s how they do it and how you can too. 

1. Exercise like you adore your body. 

You step outside, and the sun is shining. You take a deep breath and start your stroll around the block. After a few minutes, the steam is coming off your head. Your body releases dopamine when you move. You don’t have to do CrossFit or slog it out on a treadmill for an hour. Ten minutes will do the trick. 

2. Eat with purpose. 

Healthy eating habits are another daily ritual, but happy people don’t do it just for the calories or nutrition. They do it to tell themselves that, yes, they love and respect themselves enough to put quality fuel in the tank.  

3. Always say thank you. 

Happy people don’t waste their time stewing on what someone said or did to them. Did that driver cut you off? Smile, shrug, and move on. Did your barista give you the wrong drink? Thank the universe that you’ve got bigger fish to fry and pay them a compliment anyway. 

4. Unplug from your devices and plug into the outside world. 

Shut your eyes and feel the wind on your face or the grass between your toes. Let the world in. The buzz and hum of nature will do the same for you, quieting your mind and clearing space for more clarity in just a moment’s time. 

5. Surround yourself with the right people. 

Can’t get away from the daily grind? Happy people know it’s important to set aside time for the friend who makes you laugh until your stomach hurts. These are the people who fill your cup instead of draining it. 

6. Practice daily gratitude. 

Has your day gone wrong? Find one good thing to be thankful for. A friend texted to let you know you were on her mind. That cup of coffee hit the spot. You made it through the day. Gratitude doesn’t mean you don’t still have a hard day, but it can give you a different vantage point from which to view the world. 

7. Commit to happiness. 

Life is going to throw you some curveballs from time to time. However, one of the happiest people I know ends every day by saying to herself, “You know what? I chose joy anyway.” It’s a habit that’s changed her life. 

Happiness is not a destination. It’s a journey of a thousand tiny actions. Start small. Start with just one of these tiny habits and see how much faster joy begins to take up residence within you. 

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