How to be happy? It’s one of the most searched questions on Google. In fact, searches for how to increase happiness and ways to be happy spike every year, proving that happiness is a universal pursuit. Everyone wants to be happy, but what sets happy people apart?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but science and psychology give us some clear clues. When researchers study happy people, they discover patterns and outliers: They practice gratitude, mindfulness, and self-compassion. No matter their age, income, or background, happy people tend to share daily habits that help them feel fulfilled and resilient.
The good news? You can learn and practice them starting today. In other words, happiness is a choice you make and reinforce through your daily actions.In this article, we will explore the most important traits of happy people, the habits they practice, and practical steps you can take to bring more happiness into your life.
The Science of Happiness: Why are some people happier than others?
No matter their circumstances or the challenges they face, some people seem to experience happiness with an ease that others struggle to find. Positive psychology research has sought to understand the reasons behind this. Science reveals that happiness is shaped by three key factors: about 50% is influenced by genetics, 10% by life circumstances, and the remaining 40% by intentional activities and daily choices. (Lyubomirsky, Sheldon & Schkade, 2005)
That 40% is where possibility lives. This means that much of our happiness is within our control and is the result of intentional actions and choices repeated over time. Moreover, positive psychology, led by researchers such as Martin Seligman and Sonja Lyubomirsky, shows that happiness doesn’t just feel good, but it also leads to better health, stronger relationships, and even longer life expectancy.
That’s why looking at what happy people do differently is such a powerful guide.
What Makes People Happy?
1. Gratitude
“It’s not the happy people who are grateful. It is the grateful people who are happy.” – Francis Bacon
Gratitude is a foundational trait of happy individuals. They actively appreciate what they have, whether it’s writing down three things they’re grateful for each night or pausing to notice something positive. Research shows that gratitude rewires the brain and shifts focus away from what’s missing to what’s present.
👉 Read more: How Gratitude Impacts Your Brain
👉 Try this: Start a gratitude journal. Write a list of things you are grateful for, no matter how small they might seem. Here’s my favorite journal and what my entries look like.
2. Optimism and Resilience
“Say something positive, and you’ll see something positive.” – Jim Thompson
Life isn’t always easy. Happy people don’t avoid problems, but they approach challenges with a belief they can handle them and tend to view challenges as opportunities. Resilience, or the ability to bounce back after setbacks, is a defining trait of long-term happiness.
👉 Try this: When faced with a challenge, ask: What can I learn from this? Break down the situation and try to find positives. Ask for support
3. Strong Social Connections
“The greatest sweetener of human life is friendship.” – Joseph Addison
Study after study shows that relationships are one of the strongest predictors of happiness. Happy people don’t necessarily have hundreds of friends, but they invest in deep, supportive connections. I must admit that I wasn’t always good at making time for this, but about two years ago, I revved up my social connections and started investing more heavily in my friendships. Now my husband and I play pickleball twice a week with a friend group, and I also have a girlfriend group who meets for dinner every other week. It’s helped me feel much more overall happiness in my life. Also, remember happiness is contagious: Surrounding yourself with happy people can instantly boost your mood.
👉 Try this: Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Start a dinner date group and maybe just begin with once a month. Consider joining hobby-based groups or online groups on social media, where you can connect with others in your area.
4. Self-Acceptance
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” – Dr. Seuss
Self-acceptance is crucial for happiness, and reducing self-criticism is crucial for this. Happy people accept their flaws and celebrate their strengths. They practice self-compassion and work on self-growth. This is not easy to do, but it’s so important, and learning to love ourselves is one of the biggest gifts we can give ourselves.
👉 Try this: Try not to compare yours to others. Talk to yourself as you would to a friend. It’s okay to even tell yourself that you love you!
Daily Habits of Happy People
Traits shape mindset, but habits turn happiness into a lifestyle. Here are the practices happy people repeat daily:
1. Movement and Exercise
Physical activity isn’t just for physical health; it’s a happiness booster. Exercise is directly linked to higher serotonin and dopamine levels—neurochemicals that regulate mood. Happy people prioritize movement, even if it’s just a walk.
👉 Try this: Start with daily activity, walking, exercising at home, consider using exercise apps (Beach Body is one of my favorites), or watch videos with easy workouts.
2. Mindfulness and Presence
Meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness are common practices among happy people. Research shows that incorporating mindfulness into daily life not only reduces stress but also increases happiness and improves overall well-being.
👉 Try this: Use short guided meditations using online videos or apps (the Calm app, Ananda app, and Headspace are three of my favorites), start by focusing on your breath.
3. Acts of Kindness
Small, intentional acts of kindness increase feelings of connection and purpose. From giving a compliment to finding ways to give back, or even simply wishing others well, these daily choices cultivate a kindness mindset.
👉 Try this: be mindful of how you talk to others, even strangers, and find meaningful causes to support.
4. Continuous Learning
Happy people tend to be lifelong learners who embrace a growth mindset. Unlike a fixed mindset, which assumes that one cannot change who he/she is. By pursuing hobbies, reading, or learning new skills, they keep curiosity alive. Growth and curiosity are happiness boosters.
👉 Try this: Read or listen to books and podcasts about something you’ve always been curious about.
Bonus Tip: Keep Healthy Boundaries
Saying “no” to things that drain energy is just as important as saying “yes” to joy. Happy people protect their time and energy.
How to Increase Happiness in Your Own Life
If you’re wondering how to increase happiness, here are actionable steps backed by research:
- Practice gratitude daily – Write down or share three things you’re thankful for.
- Strengthen relationships – Invest in quality time with people who matter.
- Move your body – Exercise three times a week, even lightly, to boost mood.
- Prioritize rest – Sleep and relaxation are essential for emotional stability.
- Give back – Volunteering or small daily acts of kindness add meaning.
- Stay curious – Learn something new or revisit a hobby you once loved.
These practices don’t require massive life changes. They are small, intentional choices that, when repeated, create lasting joy.
👉 Read more: A Creature of Habits — why daily choices and habits matter for long-term happiness.
Final Thoughts: Happiness Is a Practice
Happy people aren’t happy by accident. They nurture gratitude, resilience, and strong connections. They exercise, rest, and give back. They focus less on what they can’t control and more on what they can.
This means you don’t have to wait for your dream job, a perfect partner, or a certain income to feel happy. You can start building happiness right now through small shifts in mindset and daily routines.
The path to happiness is not about perfection but about practice. Start with one or two habits, stay consistent, and you’ll notice how your overall outlook begins to shift.
Remember, the question isn’t just “how to be happy” but “how to practice happiness daily.” Because at the end of the day, happiness is a choice.
👉 Get this book: “Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy”