If you have been chasing happiness for a bit, odds are that you already know that our society’s most commonly held formula for success is broken. 

Conventional wisdom states that if we work hard, we will be successful and if we are successful, we will be happy. The fact, however, remains that as long as happiness is linked to an external goal- finding a great job, being in a fulfilling relationship, happiness is likely to remain a shifting goalpost. The reality is that event-based happiness is fleeting. The real answer to how to be happy lies in this quote- “Happiness is an inside job.” The happiness that lasts is earned through your habits.

So why not work hard at engraining some positive habits that can go a long way in creating inner happiness? Here are some habits, happy people have honed. If you are looking for answers to how to live a happy life, bring in some of these lifestyle changes:

Appreciate Life’s Little Pleasures

Slow down! The secret to being happy is taking the time to stand and stare. Soak in nature’s beauty; savour that meal. Put on those headphones and groove to your favourite song without a care in the world or have those deep conversations with loved ones. Appreciating life’s little pleasures is really the key to staying happy.

Surround Yourself With Positive People

Let us look at it this way, you would not go and plonk yourself in a place where there are poisonous fumes that could damage your lungs, would you? Similarly, there is no reason to surround yourself with people with negative vibes. Surrounding yourself with positive people isn’t just fun, it helps build confidence and is a great creative boost. It will be a great motivator for you to remain positive through life’s ups and downs as well. Remember that pessimistic thinking is like a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more you think negatively, the more likely you are to experience those negative events.

Exercise

Exercise not only has physical benefits but also is the best mood-uplifter. Choose an exercise regimen that works for you. Pump the iron, go for a jog in the outdoors or choose a dance regimen with your favourite music flooding your ears. 

Help Others

Taking the time to help others does not just give them happiness but also makes you happy. When we help others, our brains release oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, all of which are responsible for that feel-good effect. 

Have a Growth Mindset

People are known to have either of these two mindsets- a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. With a fixed mindset, you tend to believe that you are who you are. The problem with this mindset is when you face a crisis you tend to feel hopeless and overwhelmed. On the other hand, with a growth mindset, you believe that you can grow with effort. This means that when faced with difficulties, you tend to treat them as learning opportunities.

Set up Some me-time

Look back and you are likely to find that many of the things that you loved to do have fallen by the wayside. Take the time to set up some me time doing things that you love. Try and keep guilt at bay. If it helps, think of how you cannot give from an empty cup. It is important, therefore, to fill your own cup.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Sleep has a lot to do with your physical well-being and your emotional health. Most adults need 7 to 8 years of sleep every night. Make it a point to listen to your body and resist compromising sleep while being on the productivity treadmill. How to be happy in life has a lot to do with feeling rested. Follow a healthy sleep routine with some relaxing bedtime rituals. It will also help to track your sleep patterns to see how well you are doing.

Reevaluate your Goals

Ever so often in our mad routines, we tend to cling on to deadwood; to goals that no longer serve us. Take the time to step back every now and then to reevaluate your goals and replace them with new ones, if need be.

Invest in the right habits and see the answer to how to be happy, unfold right in front of you!