10 Happiness Habits You Often Forget

Happiness is achieved by the simplest of habits that we can practice every day, without learning fancy principles. But often the simplest ways are the ones we most easily forget. If you can’t beat the blues, then you have most likely forgotten these happiness habits:

1. You forget to breathe consciously

Most spiritual teachings today talk about meditation of all forms and kinds. And they all share the same fundamental instruction: breathe. Go out, find a natural spot under the shade of tree or in a park. Inhale deeply, then exhale. Repeat this 10 times and watch how you lighten up your mood.

2. You forget to smile at people around you

Smiling is not just a happiness booster for yourself, you also boost other people’s happiness. In fact, the more you smile at the people around you, the more they are eager to help you when you need it, even without asking. That’s because smiling breaks the ice between strangers and brings so much positive energy that you’ll end up making great friends.

3. You forget to say thank you

Saying thank you is not just about appreciating someone who did you a favor. It is also about your overall feeling and imagination: of being thankful for the littlest things that you receive and enjoy. Never let those things go unnoticed. Feel good, be thankful and you’ll be always happy.

4. You forget to savor your experience

Are you always hurried with what you are doing? Do you always feel that you’re running out of time or money? Or do you always think that there’s not enough for you to enjoy? Take some time to enjoy the taste of the food you are eating, or the comfort of the chair you are sitting on, or anything that brings convenience to your life that you often take for granted. Savoring each moment and experience brings more life to your life.

5. You forget to stay quiet for a while

You surf the internet, you watch TV, you go to work, you hang out with friends, you do so many errands. You are so caught up with all these things that you have forgotten to spend some quiet time. Take a moment to sit down, find a quiet place, breathe, and do nothing – feeling the silence and being happy.

6. You forget to stretch like a cat

How often do you wake up in the morning and still feel stressed and heavy? Stretch out your arms and legs (look at your cat and see what I mean). You don’t need to do yoga when you stretch (although it helps if you know the basics). Stretching makes you feel lighter and more energetic.

7. You forget to dance

It seems like dancing is the most awkward thing for many people, especially those who often feel the blues. To dance is always an expression of happy celebration. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a pro. All you have to do is move to the beat, glide your feet on the ground, swing your arms and happily sway your hips. You’ll notice how easy it is to be happy when you dance.

8. You forget to pay attention

Have you ever stopped for a while just to look at the vivid colors of flowers and plants? Have you ever listened intently to the birds singing in the morning? Have you ever hugged someone tightly, hugging much longer than usual? Have you walked barefoot on the grass or dried leaves? Paying attention is about engaging yourself in the unnoticed world around you, no matter how seemingly trivial things are. See how this habit can instantly bring you so much happiness.

9. You forget to watch the sunset

Sunsets are always a beautiful view beyond words. Every sunset is kaleidoscopic, with beautiful patterns that cannot be repeated. The clouds change shape in a matter of seconds. The skies change color from golden yellow to orange to dark blue, and the setting sun turns into a bright red disk. Watching how the sun sets is a bliss all by itself.

10. You forget to daydream

For people who work too hard, daydreaming is such a waste of time. At school, teachers scold students who daydream more than listen to boring lectures. We never thought that daydreaming was a healthy way to reboot your mind. You get to make your imagination work and get your creative juices flowing, and sharpen both your memory and concentration without being dragged down by all the worries that eat up your energy. Pause and daydream, and unleash happiness in a very simple way.

Happiness is about the simplest habits we often forget. Do just one or all of them every day, and let happiness be your daily thing!