habits of happy people

I shared this article last week on Facebook and Twitter, but knew it was right up the Polish My Crown alley. The Huffington Post article shares 21 habits of happy people and statistics and studies behind the statements. I included the habits and shortened blurbs of the statistics and info below, but definitely read the full article here. Happy Monday!

1. They surround themselves with other happy people.
Those surrounded by happy people “are more likely to become happy in the future.” That’s enough reason to dump the Debbie Downers and spend more time with uplifting people.

2. They smile when they mean it.
Even if you’re not feeling so chipper, cultivating a happy thought — and then smiling about it — could up your happiness levels and make you more productive.

3. They cultivate resilience.
Resilience, not happiness, is the opposite of depression: Happy people know how to bounce back from failure.

4. They try to be happy.
Those who actively tried to feel happier in the studies reported the highest level of positive moods, making a case for thinking yourself happy.

5. They are mindful of the good.
Being mindful of the things that do go your way (even something as simple as the barista getting your coffee order right) can make you feel a greater sense of accomplishment throughout the day.

6. They appreciate simple pleasures. {read more about thankfulness for simple things here}
Finding meaning in the little things, and practicing gratitude for all that you do have is associated with a sense of overall gladness.

7. They devote some of their time to giving.
“Volunteer work was good for both mental and physical health. People of all ages who volunteered were happier and experienced better physical health and less depression.”

8. They let themselves lose track of time. (And sometimes they can’t help it.)
Happy people seek this sensation of getting “caught up” or “carried away,” which diminishes self-consciousness and promotes the feelings associated with success.

9. They nix the small talk for deeper conversation.
Those who take part in more substantive conversation and less trivial chit chat experienced more feelings of satisfaction.

10. They spend money on other people.
Spending money on other people has a more direct impact on happiness than spending money on oneself.

11. They make a point to listen.
A good listener may walk away from a conversation feeling as if their presence served a purpose, an experience that is closely connected with increased well-being.

12. They uphold in-person connections. {more on real-life conversations and friendships here}
Social media, while it keeps us in touch, doesn’t allow us to physically touch, which harvests the warm-and-fuzzies and even decreases feelings of anxiety.

13. They look on the bright side. {more about positivity here}
Optimism touts plenty of health benefits, including less stress and a better tolerance for pain. When you choose to see the silver lining, you’re also choosing health and happiness.

14. They value a good mixtape.
Patients who simply listened to music had the same decreased anxiety symptoms as those who got 10 hour-long massages.

15. They unplug. {read more about unplugging here}
Whether by meditating, taking a few deep breaths away from the screen or deliberately disconnecting from electronics, unplugging from our hyper-connected world has proven advantages when it comes to happiness.

16. They get spiritual.
Transcendent spiritual and religious experiences have a positive, healing, restorative effect, especially if they are “built in,” so to speak, to one’s daily, weekly, seasonal, and annual cycles of living.

17. They make exercise a priority.
Exercise has been shown to ease symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, thanks to the the various brain chemicals that are released that amplify feelings of happiness and relaxation.

18. They go outside.
Just a 20-minute dose of fresh air promotes a sense of vitality.

19. They spend some time on the pillow.
“A good night’s sleep can really help a moody person decrease their anxiety,”

20. They LOL.
A good, old-fashioned chuckle releases happy brain chemicals that, other than providing the exuberant buzz we seek, make humans better equipped to tolerate both pain and stress.

21. They walk the walk.
Ever notice your joyful friends have a certain spring in the step? It’s all about the stride.