9 daily habits of people who always seem upbeat and happy, says a psych expert

Have you ever looked at someone who’s always upbeat and happy and wondered, “How do they do it?”

It’s easy to feel like some people are just naturally positive, while you’re stuck in a cycle of negativity.

But what if I told you that there are specific daily habits that happy, upbeat people practice—habits that you can adopt too?

According to psychological experts, these people aren’t born with a sunny disposition. Rather, they adopt small, consistent actions that shape their mindset and boost their overall well-being.

In this article, we’re going to dive into 9 daily habits of people who always seem to radiate positivity, and how you can start incorporating them into your life to feel more energized, grounded, and, yes, genuinely happy.

1) They start their day with gratitude

There’s something special about people who always seem upbeat and happy. They often have a unique way of starting their day, and it’s simpler than you might think – they begin with gratitude.

Gratitude is a powerful mood enhancer. It’s all about focusing on what’s going right in your life, rather than dwelling on what’s wrong.

It’s like starting your day with a cup of positivity. By acknowledging the good things in your life first thing in the morning, you set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

So, if you’re keen to join the ranks of perpetually upbeat people, start tomorrow morning by listing three things you’re thankful for?

It’s a powerful habit that can subtly influence your mood and perspective, steering you towards happiness.

2) They prioritize physical activity

I’ve personally noticed a significant difference in my own mood and energy levels when I make time for physical activity.

I recall a period when I was feeling particularly down and lethargic. It was during this time that I decided to incorporate a simple 20-minute walk into my daily routine.

The difference was astonishing. Not only did I feel more energized, but I also found myself entering each day with a more positive mindset.

This is because physical activity releases endorphins, often referred to as ‘feel-good’ hormones, which naturally elevate our mood. It’s no wonder that those who seem perpetually happy often incorporate some form of physical activity into their daily routine.

So, whether it’s dancing to your favorite tunes, cycling around the neighborhood, or simply stretching your muscles, get moving! It’s a habit that has worked wonders for me and could do the same for you.

3) They practice mindful eating

People who seem to be always upbeat and happy often have a unique approach to food. They practice mindful eating, a habit that not only affects physical health but also contributes significantly to their mental wellbeing.

Mindful eating involves paying close attention to what you’re eating and how you’re eating it. It’s about savoring bites, appreciating flavors, and listening to your body’s hunger and satisfaction cues.

This practice has roots in Buddhist teachings, but it’s not just about spirituality or diet. It’s also linked to better mental health.

Studies have found that individuals who practice mindful eating have lower levels of stress and depressive symptoms.

So, if you want to cultivate happiness, consider adopting this habit of mindful eating. It can lead to a healthier relationship with food and an overall more positive outlook on life.

4) They cultivate strong relationships

Happy and upbeat people often place a lot of value on their relationships. It’s not just about having a large social circle, but nurturing meaningful connections and investing time in them.

Deep, genuine relationships provide a support system, a sense of belonging, and an outlet for sharing joys and challenges. These are all factors that contribute to overall happiness.

So, make it a habit to spend quality time with the people you care about. Build strong bonds with your family, friends, and even colleagues.

This can significantly increase your happiness levels and bring more positivity into your life.

5) They take regular breaks

We live in a world that often idolizes busyness and productivity. However, those who consistently seem upbeat and happy understand the importance of taking regular breaks.

Breaks aren’t a sign of laziness or lack of commitment. Instead, they’re essential for maintaining mental wellbeing and sustaining productivity. It’s about giving your mind a chance to rest and recharge.

Whether it’s a five-minute walk, a quick meditation session, or just stepping away from the screen to stretch, taking short breaks can significantly improve your mood and energy levels.

By incorporating regular pauses into your daily routine, you’re not only boosting your productivity but also promoting your happiness.

6) They practice kindness

One habit that can often go unnoticed but plays a significant role in happiness is practicing kindness.

People who seem to be always upbeat and happy often have a natural inclination towards kindness, not just towards others but also towards themselves.

Kindness creates a ripple effect – When you’re kind to others, it not only brightens their day but also lifts your mood. It’s a beautiful cycle of positivity that can significantly contribute to your overall happiness.

But it’s equally important to extend that kindness towards yourself. It’s about treating yourself with compassion, acknowledging your feelings without judgment, and giving yourself the grace to make mistakes and learn from them.

Practicing kindness isn’t always easy, especially when we’re dealing with challenges or facing difficult people. But making it a daily habit can bring about an incredible shift in your mood and outlook on life.

7) They embrace mistakes as learning opportunities

I’ll let you in on a little secret. I wasn’t always the kind of person who could easily shake off mistakes. In fact, I used to agonize over every little error, letting it consume my thoughts and rob me of my happiness.

But over the years, I’ve realized that people who always seem upbeat and happy have a different approach. They embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.

Nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes, and that’s okay. What’s important is how we deal with these missteps.

Instead of dwelling on them, it’s more productive and healthier to consider what each mistake has taught us and how we can grow from it.

Now, when I make a mistake, I see it as an opportunity to learn something new and improve myself. This shift in perspective has made a huge difference in my mood and overall happiness levels.

So remember, next time you make a mistake, don’t let it pull you down. Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

8) They disconnect to reconnect

In our increasingly digital world, it’s easy to become consumed by technology. But people who always seem to be upbeat and happy often have a habit of regularly disconnecting from their digital devices.

Disconnecting doesn’t mean completely abandoning technology. It’s more about taking intentional breaks from screens to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

This could mean:

• Taking a walk in nature
• Reading a physical book
• Engaging in a hobby
• Spending quality time with loved ones without any digital distractions

Disconnecting allows you to be more present in the moment, reducing stress and boosting your mood.

So, make it a habit to regularly disconnect from your devices, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.

9) They choose happiness

At the end of the day, people who always seem upbeat and happy make a conscious choice to be so. Happiness, in a lot of ways, is a decision.

It’s about choosing to find the silver lining in difficult situations, choosing to be grateful for what you have, choosing to maintain a positive outlook on life despite the challenges.

This doesn’t mean ignoring problems or suppressing negative emotions. It’s about acknowledging them but still choosing to focus on the positive aspects of your life.

So remember, happiness is a choice, and it’s one that you have the power to make every single day. It’s the most significant habit you can cultivate for your well-being and positivity.

Final thoughts: It’s all about the habits

Happiness isn’t reserved for a lucky few—it’s something you can cultivate through consistent, intentional habits.

The daily practices we’ve explored are simple yet powerful steps that can help you shift your mindset and embrace a more positive, upbeat outlook.

The beauty of these habits is they’re accessible to all of us. They don’t require any fancy equipment or expensive memberships. They require only a commitment to personal growth and a willingness to try something new.

Start small, focus on progress, and watch how these habits begin to transform the way you feel, think, and approach each day