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Have you ever wondered what makes someone genuinely happy? True happiness is not just about the occasional burst of laughter or a fleeting moment of joy. It’s a state of being based on a few specific characteristics that happy people share.
Dr. David Myers’ insightful research into the pursuit of happiness[1] sheds light on these traits, painting a picture of what it means to live a fulfilled life. From embracing optimism to valuing deep, meaningful relationships, the secrets to happiness might be more tangible than you think.
As you explore the characteristics of a happy person, you’ll discover not just what makes them tick but also how you can implement these traits into your own life.
The Psychology Behind Happiness
First off, let’s get this straight: happiness isn’t just a random event like finding a $20 bill on the sidewalk (though, hey, that sure does help). Scientists have been poking around in our brains, trying to figure out what makes us tick or, more accurately, what makes us smile. And guess what? A lot of it boils down to perspective and a few well-practiced habits.
“We can view happiness in at least three ways—as a hedonic state, as a cognitive state, or as a general life philosophy. Happiness, then, can refer to a way of thinking, such as being optimistic; a way of feeling joy, pleasure, relief, or gratitude; or simply a way of being”, says Nancy Etcoff, an HMS assistant professor of psychology in Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry.[2]
One thing that influences our happiness is that happiness is at least partially genetic. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that identical twins appear to share not only the same DNA but the same general level of happiness, regardless of whether they were raised together or separately.[2]
Fun Fact: Did you know that happiness is contagious and sadness is not?[3]
However, as we already briefly mentioned, happiness often comes down to habits. Happy people engage in more happiness-boosting habits, while unhappy people engage in more misery-inducing habits.
This means that you can change a significant amount of your current state of happiness by adjusting your life and maybe adding (or removing) a few things here and there. That’s good news, right?
In the rest of the post, we’ll discuss the characteristics of a happy person so you can actually see what you can do to improve your own life through habits.
20 Core Characteristics Of A Happy Person
They Appreciate The Small Things
Some people can find joy in the small things in life, transforming ordinary moments into magical ones. Their appreciation for simple things—like a perfect cup of coffee, a spontaneous compliment, or the beauty of sunlight through leaves—reflects their positive and open-hearted approach to life.
This habit not only boosts their mood but also provides strength during tough times by focusing on silver linings. Mindfulness is key to cultivating this joyful outlook; it involves fully immersing oneself in the present moment and savoring life’s little joys without distraction.
They Live In The Present Moment
Happy people don’t let their past hold them back or fret too much about the future. They’re all about embracing the now and realizing that this moment is all we truly have. It’s like they’re always at the best party ever – the present.
It actually makes sense if you think about it: if you’re thinking about your past, you might be feeling depressed or thinking about old pains, and when you think about your future, you probably feel anxious, which leaves the present as the only moment we need to pay attention to. That’s also a reason why happy people practice mindfulness.
They Practice Gratitude
Happy people see the glass half full, no matter what’s thrown their way. Yeah, focusing on the good stuff instead of getting hung up on the not-so-great bits is totally their thing. They’re all about cherishing the little wins and big deals in life rather than fussing over what’s missing.
This whole vibe switch from “I don’t have enough” to “Wow, I actually have a lot!” does wonders. Being thankful doesn’t just make them feel good about the present; it kinda acts like a magnet for more happy moments down the line by shifting how they see things—from just reacting to stuff happening to playing an active role in seeking joy.
They Are Optimistic And Have A Positive Outlook
You know those folks who always seem to be in a good mood, like they’re walking around with rose-colored glasses on all the time? They have this incredible way of looking at life that helps them see opportunities instead of problems.
It’s like they’re super good at bouncing back from tough situations—think of a yo-yo that shoots right back up after hitting the ground. When faced with challenges, they go at it with a grin and loads of hope rather than getting bogged down by negativity.
Staying upbeat through hard times isn’t just great for getting past personal hurdles; it also strengthens their relationships and brings more happiness into their lives by spreading those positive vibes everywhere.
They Move On And Don’t Get Stuck Overthinking
So, happy people have this knack for just rolling with the punches and not sweating the small stuff that might trip others up. They avoid falling into that trap of overthinking everything, which can pull you down into a swamp of negativity and stress.
Instead, they’re all about living in the moment, soaking in all the good vibes instead of getting caught up in minor issues or freaking out over scary what-ifs. They create this warm bubble of happiness around them by filling their lives with laughter, diving into fun activities, and surrounding themselves with awesome people.
They Set Goals and Work Towards Them
Setting goals and working towards them is an essential habit of happy people. Having something to strive for gives people a sense of purpose and direction. Setting both short-term and long-term goals is important and ensures they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
By having goals and working to achieve them, people can stay motivated and focused on what they want to achieve in life. This can help them to stay positive and maintain a sense of purpose.
They Focus On Their Health
Happy people know that a sound mind and a healthy body are BFFs. They tend to eat well, stay hydrated, and listen to their bodies. It’s not about six-pack abs; it’s about feeling good inside out.
Taking care of our mind and body is integral to feeling happy. Managing your stress levels makes you less grumpy and pessimistic, too. Taking care of your mind and body isn’t only working out; it’s also smiling/laughing, engaging with others, and taking time to wind down.
They Put Themselves First
Putting your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health first is a must. Being balanced and feeling good about yourself and your life helps you take care of yourself first, and second, you can take care of others. When you’re happy, you have so much more to give.
Selfish? Nope, it’s self-love. They make time for themselves because recharging their batteries is key to spreading joy to others. You can’t pour from an empty cup, after all.
They Have Healthy Coping Strategies
Life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but happy people have solid ways to deal with stress and bounce back. Whether it’s journaling, meditation, or dancing it out, they have their go-to stress busters.
This way, they can see the good in a stressful or challenging situation. Learning how to seek lessons after challenging situations gives people a renewed appreciation for life and makes it easier to cope with it.
Unhealthy coping strategies could be using drugs, alcohol, or online shopping (I’m guilty). It makes you happy for a couple of minutes, but not in the long run. We want to avoid that and create healthy coping strategies to prevent those high highs and lowest lows.
They Spend Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is another habit of happy people. Being in nature can have a positive effect on mental health. It can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Activities such as hiking, gardening, or simply walking in a park can be a great way to spend time outdoors.
Studies have shown that exposure to nature can help improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve overall cognitive function.[4] Additionally, spending time outdoors can also increase physical activity, which is also beneficial for physical health.
So, schedule some time to enjoy the natural world around you. It can be a great way to boost your mood and improve your overall well-being.
They Take Time to Relax and Unwind
Happy people prioritize taking time to slow down and engage in activities like watching Netflix, practicing yoga, or reading as a way to rejuvenate their minds and spirits.
This intentional slowdown is crucial for maintaining mental well-being in today’s fast-paced world. Watching Netflix series allows them to disconnect and immerse themselves in different worlds, while yoga provides a spiritual retreat focusing on mindfulness and inner peace.
Reading enriches their understanding of life, fostering empathy, creativity, and introspection. Together, these practices form essential habits that contribute to happiness by serving as a reset button amidst the chaos of daily life.
They Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is a staple in the lives of happy people, whether it’s hitting the gym, doing yoga, or just dancing around the living room. Exercise isn’t just good for the body; it’s a mood lifter.
Exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall physical and mental health.[5] Regular exercise can help us to feel more energized and productive throughout the day. Even just a few minutes of exercise a day can make a big difference.
They Get Enough Sleep
Underestimating the power of a good night’s sleep? Not them. Snoozing is crucial for emotional well-being, so they make sure to catch those Zs.
Lack of sleep can lead to many health problems, including poor mental health. Sleeping between 7 and 9 hours per night is essential for optimal health.
They Practice Self-Care
Self-care Saturdays or Sundays (or any day, really) are a thing. Happy people indulge in activities that make them feel good, treating themselves with kindness and compassion.
This can include eating a healthy diet, meditating or practicing yoga, or simply taking a relaxing bath. Taking care of yourself is crucial for overall well-being.
They Have Fun And Smile Often
Life’s too short not to have a blast. Happy people don’t need permission to enjoy themselves; they find reasons to smile and laugh, making their journey a joyful ride.
Having fun is such a massive part of being happy. Enjoying time with friends and family, doing the hobbies you love, and enjoying the little things will increase your happiness hormones. Moreover, dwelling on your mistakes will decrease your happiness, so learn and grow from your mistakes and find fun in such a situation!
Smiling often is another habit of happy people. Smiling can help improve mood and reduce stress. It’s also contagious, so when you smile, others around you are more likely to smile as well.
They Spend Time With Friends and Family
Quality time with loved ones isn’t just important; it’s essential. Happy people cherish their relationships, knowing that connection is key to happiness.
Being around people who make us feel valued and appreciated is a great way to cultivate positive emotions. A strong support system of people who care about you is important for your overall well-being.
This can include having regular family dinners or game nights with friends. Either way, sharing time with loved ones can help us feel more connected to the people we care about.
They Praise And Give Compliments
Happy people possess a superpower: lifting others through generous praise and acknowledgment of their achievements, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances the well-being of both the giver and the receiver.
This behavior, rooted in the understanding that happiness grows when shared, leads to stronger connections and supportive communities built on mutual respect. By celebrating others’ successes, happy people reinforce their own joy and contribute to an environment where everyone feels valued.
This approach proves that sharing happiness by recognizing efforts costs nothing but yields significant rewards, highlighting a belief in collective success as the source of genuine contentment.
They Don’t Blame Others For Their Mistakes
Ever noticed those folks who seem to bounce back from anything with a smile? They’ve got this knack for not getting all caught up in pointing fingers when things don’t go as planned.
They see every mistake as a chance to grow instead of hitting a dead end. Happy people understand that life is full of surprises and slip-ups are part of the journey. Their secret? They don’t let setbacks drag them down or waste time blaming everyone else. After all, playing the blame game is like running in place—you’re working hard but not moving forward.
So when plans fall apart, these happy-go-lucky individuals take a moment to breathe (without being too hard on themselves) and try to figure out where things went sideways. And you know what? This fantastic approach doesn’t only apply to personal setbacks; it extends to how these joy-seekers treat others, too!
Since they focus on learning from situations instead of dishing out blame, they foster relationships filled with positive vibes based on understanding and mutual respect instead of resentment or drama—kicking their happiness level up several notches even more.
They Don’t Have A Materialistic Focus
Diving into what makes us happy, we find something pretty unique: happiness isn’t about having everything. The happiest people out there know that it’s not the shiny new things that make life great but the unforgettable moments and deep connections they share with others.
When we look closer at what brings lasting joy, experiences win every time. Think about it – does anything beat laughing till your sides hurt with your besties or going on an adventure where you watch breathtaking sunsets? These memories stick with us way longer than any gadget ever could.
One of the biggest happiness boosters? Spending quality time with our loved ones. It turns out gadgets get boring fast, but good old heart-to-heart chats and belly laughs at family dinners only get better with time. It’s these relationships that sprinkle extra joy in our lives.
They Give Back to Their Community
Helping others isn’t just a duty; it’s a joy. Happy people understand the value of giving back and sharing their time and resources to make the world a little brighter. This can include volunteering at a local charity or organization or helping a neighbor in need.
However, it can also be a small act of kindness, such as holding the door open for someone or offering to help a neighbor with a task. Not only does this make the other person feel good, but it also makes the person performing the act of kindness feel good.
