“How to Get Happy: 7 Habits of Joyful and Happy People” — Do you have a friend who always just seems to be in a good mood all the time? What’s their secret? It’s not just a question of why they are happy all the time but don’t you wonder how they remain so optimistic on a daily basis?
Made You Smile Back is pleased to present this informative and engaging article about how you too can be consistently joyful and happy as well! We will explore the difference between being joyful versus happiness and why it is important to have both in your life.
Let’s get started and learn the top 7 habits of joyful and happy people. Then you too will be one of those friends that everyone seeks out because of your ‘joyful radiance’ you will soon have as well!
Believe or not, there is a subtle difference between happiness and joyfulness. Happiness is dependent to a large degree to circumstances of our everyday life. For example, happy people surround themselves with true friends who are happy too. They celebrate achieving personal goals or experience the ‘thrills’ of having fun and being among a close family.
Joyfulness, on the other hand, radiates from our inner soul of calmness and peace regardless of what the outward situation may be. Joyful people always thinks the best of people and their innate goodness. Joyful people are those who see the ‘glass half-full’ versus half-empty. Their optimism is ever present and they are actually ‘a JOY to be around’.
“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.”
Anyone can exhibit happiness. But is it genuine? With joy, there is no wondering whether a person is genuine or not. It just is. But can we have both? Of course, who wouldn’t want to be both joyful and happy? Let’s find out how.
7 Habits of Joyful & Happy People
Habit 1. Serving Others
There are so many ways you can create happiness. Happy people are always known for serving others. Positive people are also known for doing good for others.
They are the first to volunteer in community or charitable efforts. They are always seen doing ‘random acts of kindness’ on a daily basis. They get joy from knowing they have made a difference in someone’s life. They do it whether in public or in private.
By Jenny Santi There is a Chinese saying that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” For centuries, the greatest thinkers have suggested the same thing: Happiness is found in helping others.
Habit 2. Appreciating Simple Pleasures
One of the easier habits to learn in becoming more happier and joyful is simply learning to take time out to enjoy simple pleasures. I’m sure you have done so in the past, but let me remind you of some you probably overlook in a given day.
- Taking time out of your busy day and sipping on a cup of tea savoring the warmth and taste.
- Smelling the ‘freshness’ of spring rain or green grass newly mowed.
- Receiving ‘heartfelt’ smiles from friends and loved ones.
- Noticing ‘serendipity moments’ of unexpected surprises such as running into an old friend you haven’t seen in a while or seeing ‘deer’ by the side of the road.
- Appreciating the marvel of a sultry sunset or the daily tapestry found in the clouds.
- The list goes on and on…
Habit 3. How to Have Fun With Others
Who doesn’t want to have fun in their life. This is one of the easiest habits to get into. Take time out to get with special friends and do something exciting and full of joy.
Remember those feelings when you last went to the amusement park with your children or friends? What about experiencing that ‘euphoric high’ when playing a game of basketball or soccer. And of course, we can’t leave out the happiness of winning.
But the ultimate joy of happiness in my book is celebration. Celebration of birthdays, religious events, weddings, showers, anniversaries, etc. Don’t let these special days go by without engaging in positive ways with you family and friends.
Habit 4. Get Involved with Raising Kids
If you want to raise your happiness levels and feel real feelings of joy and contentment, I have 4 words for you. Get involved with kids.
There is no greater pleasure than taking time to get involved with children or even teenagers for that matter. And while parenting is definitely a big part of this, I shall save another blog on the wonderous benefits of being a Mom or Dad, whether biological or adoptive, of the joy of raising your children to be happy, responsible and healthy adults.
This habit mainly deals with those who are ‘teachers’ in all capacities and ‘volunteers’. These happy people make a conscious effort to make a difference in another child’s life. A child mainly wants one thing. Our time. Why not become a mentor and become a role model for our youth. There are many ways to get involved.
So what do you say? Change a chidl’s life and choose to become a role model or a mentor. Join a Boys or Girls club or your church or mosque’s youth schools and/or volunteer in a hospital specializing in children’s care. Do it now.
Habit 5. Connection with Family
One of the best habits a person can do is develop strong ties with their family. Connection with family is a vital role that plays in your life, and the health of your family relationships, can really affect your happiness levels.
Our families carry our history with them, and they generally share our future as well. This connection to fond memories, support in times of need and unconditional love is a unique way that family brings us happiness and joy.
Making time for your family is one of the most important habits of them all and well worth your daily attention.
Habit 6. Celebrating Achievement & Other People’s Success
Another highly desirable habit of joyful and happy people is not only their own personal achievement of their own life dreams but also their unselfish celebration of other people’s success.
They get real joy of not only acknowledging wins for their family, friends and associates. There’s even another attribute everyone should strive to achieve. When you also ‘help’ someone reach their own goals, well that’s more than a habit, that’s the kind of person everyone should strive to be.
Habit 7. They Get Spiritual
This last habit to me is by far the most important one of them all. Joyful people have a direct connection with nourishing their ‘soul’. Studies point to a link between religious and spiritual practice and happiness.
Asking the big questions helps to give our lives context and meaning. A 2009 study found that people who felt their lives had a purpose (which was promoted by a spiritual connection) were happier. So whatever your personal beliefs are, make sure you continue to pray, meditate or express gratitude on a daily basis.
Check Out These Additional Traits of Joyful & Happy People
- They are optimistic.
- They don’t hold onto grudges.
- They are busy people, but make it a point not to be rushed.
- They treat everyone with kindness and respect.
- They understand the importance of self-care, i.e., sleep, healthy diet and regular exercise.
- They go outside and connect with nature.
- They laugh alot and have a healthy dose of humor!
- They are ‘magnets’ of happiness and joy!
Join the conversation and share your thoughts about this blog! Thank you for all comments.
