How to Increase Your Happiness: 20 Key Things to Do

In today’s article you’re going to learn everything you need to know about how to increase your happiness.

Happiness is a fantastic goal, but it’s something that requires consistent effort. Rather than being a one-time success, happiness is the result of the choices and actions you take every day. It’s about deliberately cultivating a mindset that enables you to live in a way that feels fulfilling and joyful to you.

Surrounding yourself with positive people, building strong relationships, and taking care of both your body and mind can all help you along the way. However, it’s important to recognize that mental health issues like depression can make it hard to experience happiness without professional support.

How to Increase Your Happiness:

1. Practice Gratitude Daily

Being grateful for the great things in your life can significantly shift your mindset. Gratitude helps you focus on the positives, which in turn makes it less likely for you to dwell on the negative aspects of life. Make it a habit to take a moment or two every day to savor happy moments or appreciate easy pleasures. Additionally, don’t forget to express your thanks to others when they do something kind.

You might also find it helpful to keep a gratitude journal. Each day, list 3-5 things you’re grateful for. For example, “I’m thankful for my health,” “I have supportive friends,” “I get to enjoy nature every weekend,” “My home is comfortable,” or “I have the opportunity to pursue my passions.” On difficult days, revisiting your gratitude list can remind you of the great things in your life, helping to lift your spirits.

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts with Positive Self-Talk

Negative thoughts can easily rob you of joy, but you have the power to change them. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, pause and question whether the thought is actually true. Then, replace it with a more positive or neutral statement. For example, if you think, “I always mess things up,” challenge that thought by reminding yourself of times when you succeeded, and replace it with something like, “Everyone makes mistakes, but I learn and grow each time.”

Positive affirmations are another powerful tool. Use phrases like, “I am capable,” “I am worthy of happiness,” or “I am doing my best.” These affirmations can help reinforce a more optimistic and self-compassionate mindset. The way you talk to yourself matters—try to speak to yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a close friend. If your friend were feeling down after a mistake, you’d likely encourage them to keep going and reassure them that it’s okay to stumble. Offer yourself the same grace.

3. Give Yourself Compliments Regularly

Make it an everyday habit to acknowledge your strengths and achievements. Self-compliments can help you build self-esteem and encourage a positive self-image. Every day, remind yourself of something you’ve done well, whether it’s an accomplishment at work or a personal quality you admire. It could be as easy as, “I handled that situation well,” “I’m proud of my creativity,” or “I have a lot of resilience.”

Focusing on your positive attributes will make it easier to maintain a healthy perspective about yourself, which directly contributes to your overall happiness.

4. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your life to the lives of others, but this often leads to frustration and unhappiness. Everyone is on their own unique path, so measuring your success against others doesn’t do justice to your individual journey. Instead of looking at how far someone else has come, look at how much you’ve grown.

For example, if your peers appear to be advancing faster in their careers, remind yourself that you’re on your own timeline, and your successes will come in their own time. Reflect on your own progress by comparing where you are today to where you were a year or even a few months ago. This shift in perspective helps you celebrate your personal development without feeling discouraged by others’ achievements.

5. Find Positivity in Challenges

Everyone faces obstacles at some point in life, but learning to find positives, even in difficult situations, can help you stay resilient. While some challenges are hard to navigate, they may offer opportunities for growth, change, or new beginnings. For instance, if you lose your job, rather than seeing it as purely negative, you might view it as an opportunity to explore a different career path that’s more fulfilling.

However, it’s also important to acknowledge that some situations, like losing a loved one, are purely painful, and there’s no need to force yourself to find a silver lining in these moments. Allow yourself to grieve, experience your emotions, and provide yourself time to heal. Processing difficult emotions is a vital step towards regaining your emotional balance.

6. Use Mindfulness to Stay Grounded in the Present

Worrying about the past or stressing over the future can leave you feeling overwhelmed, pulling you away from enjoying the present. Mindfulness helps you stay focused on the here and now, reducing overthinking and improving your mood. To practice mindfulness, try techniques like:

• Meditate for just 10 minutes daily to clear your mind and center your thoughts.
• Pay attention to your five senses—notice the smells, sounds, and textures around you.
• Focus on doing one task at a time, whether it’s eating a meal, walking, or working.
• Tune in to how your body moves, like how your feet feel as they touch the ground when you walk.

Mindfulness is all about fully engaging with the present moment, which helps calm anxiety about what’s out of your control.

7. Align Your Life with Your Core Values

Living in a way that doesn’t reflect your true beliefs can create inner conflict. To avoid this, it’s critical to understand what values matter most to you. Take some time to consider the things that make you feel fulfilled and happy. Ask yourself what sort of person you want to be and what brings you the deepest sense of satisfaction. Once you identify these values, aim to align your actions with them.

For example, if you value compassion and creativity, you might find fulfillment in a career as a teacher or therapist, while nurturing your artistic side through painting or writing. Making decisions that reflect your values, like choosing to volunteer or help others, will reinforce your sense of purpose and lead to a more content life.

8. Do Something You Love Every Day

Incorporating fun and fulfilling activities into your daily routine can have a large impact on your happiness. Make a list of things you genuinely enjoy doing, whether or not they’re hobbies, social activities, or even easy pleasures. Then, ensure you carve out time each day to do at least one thing that brings you joy.

You could engage in a hobby like photography, spend time with friends, play with your pet, enjoy a calming bath, read a chapter of your favourite book, or experiment with a new recipe. You can even explore something new you’ve at all times wanted to try—like learning how to dance or taking up an online class in a subject that excites you. Doing things that bring you pleasure boosts your mood and helps you maintain balance.

9. Embrace Your Strengths to Build Self-Confidence

One of the keys to happiness is feeling confident in who you are, and that starts with recognizing your own strengths. Take some time to list your talents, skills, and positive qualities. Regularly reviewing your list can help reinforce your belief in yourself and keep you motivated.

Your strengths might be tangible skills, like being good at math, writing, or sports, or they could be interpersonal abilities, such as being an incredible listener, having strong leadership qualities, or being excellent at teamwork. By recognizing and embracing your strengths, you’ll not only boost your self-confidence but also develop a stronger sense of self-worth.

10. Work on Your Weaknesses to Overcome Challenges

Everyone has areas where they feel less capable, but rather than letting your weaknesses hold you back, view them as opportunities for growth. Identify the things you want to improve and take small, consistent steps to get better at them.

For example, if you struggle with public speaking, you might join a group like Toastmasters or take a communication class to build your confidence. If you’re unhappy with your physical fitness, start a workout routine or try activities that make exercising enjoyable, like dancing or hiking. Improving your weaknesses not only makes you feel more capable but also contributes to personal development.

11. Let Your Emotions Out in Healthy Ways

Bottling up your emotions can intensify them and lead to frustration or stress. Instead of suppressing your feelings, find healthy outlets to express them. Acknowledge how you feel, whether it’s sorrow, anger, joy, or excitement, and let yourself experience those emotions.

There are several ways to express your emotions constructively:

• Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist to get your feelings off your chest.
• Write in a journal, allowing yourself to pour out your thoughts and reflect.
• Channel your emotions into a creative outlet, like drawing, painting, or writing poetry.
• Exercise, as physical activity is an incredible way to release built-up tension and clear your mind.

Giving yourself permission to express your emotions can stop them from weighing you down and contribute to a healthier, more balanced mindset.

12. Invest in Experiences, Not Things

While buying material items can bring temporary excitement, experiences often lead to lasting happiness and significant memories. Spending money on activities or trips, particularly with loved ones, tends to provide more joy than acquiring new things. Whether it’s going on a weekend getaway, trying out a new restaurant, or attending a concert, these experiences can enrich your life and help create cherished memories.

For instance, rather than buying a new gadget, you might spend that money on a cooking class, a hiking trip, or a day at the amusement park with friends. Experiences foster connection, learning, and joy in ways that physical objects often can’t. Of course, it’s still important to buy things you need, like work tools or personal care items, but prioritizing experiences can bring deeper fulfillment over time.

13. Surround Yourself with Uplifting, Positive People

The company you keep has a powerful impact on your mood and outlook. Spending time with people who are positive and supportive can lift your spirits and help you maintain a more optimistic mindset. Identify those in your life who make you feel good about yourself—whether it’s friends who encourage you, members of the family who listen without judgment, or colleagues who bring light to your day. Make a conscious effort to spend more time with them by organizing coffee catch-ups, movie nights, or casual meetups. Even a fast text or phone call can keep the positive connection alive.

You don’t need to totally distance yourself from people who might bring negative energy; rather, balance your time by focusing more on those who uplift you. Gradually, you’ll find that their positivity has a contagious effect on your own mindset.

14. Build Meaningful Connections to Strengthen Your Sense of Belonging

Being part of a community or having close relationships with others is significant for your happiness and well-being. Human beings are social creatures, and connecting with others on a deeper level helps us feel valued and understood. Focus on building relationships by finding common interests, sharing experiences, or simply being a good listener.

For example, if you meet someone new, try to find shared interests—whether it’s a love for reading, a passion for hiking, or a favourite TV show. Empathizing with others by showing genuine care about what they’re going through can even create strong emotional bonds. Over time, these connections can provide a greater sense of belonging, making life more fulfilling and enjoyable.

15. Join Clubs or Groups That Align with Your Interests to Expand Your Social Circle

If you’re looking to meet new people and form lasting friendships, consider joining groups or clubs that focus on activities you love. Whether it’s a book club, a hiking group, or an art class, engaging in shared activities is an incredible way to build relationships. The more time you spend around like-minded individuals, the more opportunities you must bond and make significant connections.

For example, if you love painting, you might join a local art class or a drawing meetup group. Even if friendships don’t form instantly, continuing to attend will help you find people who share your passions. Eventually, your interactions will naturally evolve into deeper relationships.

16. Prioritize 7-9 Hours of Sleep for Better Mood and Energy

Lack of sleep can leave you feeling irritable, unfocused, and usually low, making it harder to experience happiness. To function at your best, aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a bedtime routine that helps you unwind and fall asleep easily—this could involve taking a warm shower, reading a book, or listening to calming music. Consistency is key, so try to stick to a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

Adequate rest ensures that you wake up refreshed and prepared to take on the day, which naturally leads to a more positive mood and greater energy.

17. Fuel Your Body with a Balanced, Nutritious Diet

What you eat plays a major role in how you feel, both physically and mentally. A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides the nutrients your body needs to function well and maintain energy. Foods like chicken, fish, beans, and nuts are great sources of protein, while complex carbs—found in starchy vegetables and whole grains—provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Avoid processed and sugary foods, as they offer little nutritional value and can lead to energy crashes. Eating well not only nourishes your body but also boosts your mood, helping you feel more vibrant and capable of tackling life’s challenges.

18. Exercise for 30 Minutes Daily to Boost Your Mood and Vitality

Exercise is a robust mood enhancer. When you engage in physical activity, your body releases endorphins—chemicals that help reduce stress and make you feel happier. Whether it’s walking, dancing, running, or joining a gym, find an activity that you genuinely enjoy so that it feels less like a chore and more like something fun.

For example, you might take a brisk walk in nature, join a local sports league, or attend a yoga class. Even a straightforward dance session in your living room can lift your spirits. Exercising for at least 30 minutes each day not only keeps your body in shape but also boosts your mental well-being, helping you stay energized and positive.

19. Add Stress-Relief Techniques to Your Routine to Avoid Burnout

Stress is a natural part of life, but too much of it can lead to burnout, fatigue, and a negative mindset. To manage your stress effectively, it’s important to find and practice activities that help you unwind and recharge. Explore different stress-relieving techniques until you discover what works best for you, and then integrate those activities into your daily routine to keep your stress levels in check.

Some stress relievers might include:

• Talking to a friend: Sometimes venting your feelings to a trusted person can immediately lighten the load.
• Journaling: Writing about your thoughts and emotions helps you process them and gain clarity.
• Engaging in creative activities: Drawing, painting, or even knitting can be soothing and supply a sense of accomplishment.
• Taking a bath: A warm bath with calming music or scents can help you relax both mentally and physically.
• Playing with your pet: Spending time with animals has been proven to lower stress levels and improve mood.

Incorporating even just a couple of minutes of these activities into your day can make a big difference in how you handle stress, leaving you feeling more balanced and energized.

20. Step Away from Social Media to Avoid Comparison and FOMO

Social media can often trigger a sense of “fear of missing out” (FOMO), making it appear to be everybody else is living a more thrilling or successful life. It’s easy to forget that what you see online is generally a highlight reel of individuals’s best moments, not a full picture of their lives. To avoid falling into the comparison trap, consider taking regular breaks from social media, particularly when you’re feeling vulnerable or down.

Here are some ways to manage your social media use:

• Set time limits: Use an app that restricts access to social media for specific times during the day, allowing you to focus on other activities.
• Turn off notifications: This can reduce the temptation to check your phone continuously, helping you stay more present in your real-life moments.
• Schedule offline time: Designate specific times when you disconnect from social media, such as during meals, family time, or before bed.
• Engage in other hobbies: Instead of scrolling, spend time on activities that bring you joy, like reading, exercising, or trying out a new recipe.

Taking intentional breaks from social media can help reduce feelings of inadequacy, encourage real-world connections, and boost your overall sense of well-being.

Summary

To increase your happiness, focus on daily practices that nurture your well-being and foster a positive mindset:

1. Surround Yourself with Positive People – Spend time with those who uplift and support you, balancing their energy with your own.
2. Build Meaningful Connections – Engage with your community by forming deeper relationships and finding common ground with others.
3. Join Clubs or Groups – Expand your social circle by participating in activities that align with your interests, allowing for new friendships to develop.
4. Prioritize Sleep – Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to maintain a positive mood and adequate energy levels.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet – Fuel your body with nutritious foods like fresh produce, lean proteins, and sophisticated carbs to feel your best.
6. Exercise Regularly – Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to release endorphins and boost your mood.
7. Practice Stress Relief – Incorporate stress-relieving activities into your daily routine, such as journaling, creativity, or talking to a friend.
8. Take Social Media Breaks – Avoid comparing yourself to others and combat feelings of “FOMO” by stepping away from social media when needed.

By focusing on these habits, you can cultivate a happier, more fulfilling life over time.