12 Things Happy People Do Every Day

Hi everyone!

I am so excited about today’s post. Lately, I’ve been reading some interesting articles on what makes people happy. Is it our environment? Our family situation? Or does it come from within?

I used to believe that happiness truly came from within, and while I do believe that still to an extent (I think people can be happy for the most part regardless of their circumstances), I now also see how our environment (and our family and what’s going on at home) can play a role.

I’ve been lucky enough to always consider myself a happy person (hence believing it came from within). I haven’t had the easiest life, by any means, but I’ve always been “happy.” I don’t really know why, haha.

But you know what? When we moved from Arizona to North Carolina last year, my level of happiness increased tenfold. I didn’t even know that that was possible, but I just LOVE where we live now. I miss my family and friends terribly, but this to me is “home.”

As a fun, light-hearted post, I thought I’d share some things that happy people do each and every day. If you’re struggling in this area, perhaps you can work a few of these things into your daily routine 🙂

12 Things Happy People Do Every Day

Have something in the morning to look forward to

For me, that’s coffee! Whether I wake up at 4:30 am to work, 6:00 am with my girls or sleep in if my husband gets up with the kids, I lay in bed for at least a few seconds thinking about my precious coffee. By focusing on that yummy cup of deliciousness (rather than the fact that I don’t want to leave my warm, cozy bed), I wake up in a much happier mood.

Focus on your blessings

Every morning, I visually think of all the things I have to be thankful for. I may not want to go to work, but I have a job that I love that pays well. I might not want to wrangle the kids and get them ready, but I have two very happy, beautiful, incredibly precious little girls. I might be frustrated the kitchen is a mess, but that means I have people living with me that I love. Everything in life can be a blessing – it’s just a matter of how you’re looking at it.

Get exercise

I used to be way better about exercising, but trust me, I am still getting in a good 30+ minutes of cardio each and every day (probably more). Between running around in the morning getting everyone ready, dropping the girls off at daycare, cleaning the house and lugging the girls in and out of the car, I know for a fact I get my aerobics in. Exercise releases endorphins, which make you happy 🙂 Give it a try, even if just for 10 minutes in the morning!

Do something nice for someone else

I don’t care if it’s holding the door for someone, letting someone cut in front of you in traffic, smiling at a stranger or donating $10K to charity, just do something kind for somebody else. I think so many of us become irritated in traffic, get mad at strangers and generally just think the worst of people. The fact of the matter is that we know nothing about strangers we see on the street. We don’t know their story, their background or what’s going on in their life. Be nice.

Enjoy quiet time

You guys, I’m busy. You’re busy. We’re all busy. But even with two toddlers, a FT job, a freelancing job, a blog and a big house to take care of, I make sure that each and every day I find some time to relax. This can be sitting for 10 minutes on the couch with my eyes closed, doing a crossword puzzle book, or taking an extra long shower. Our house is usually full of chaos and noise, and while I love it most of the time, I still need my quiet time each day and I make sure to get it!

Experience nature

I love, love, love Charlotte. I know I sound like a broken record with this, but this is my happy place. John and I love to go on “deer drives” in the evening (a “deer drive” is exactly what it sounds like – drive around looking for deer haha), we love to go on walks and we love to take the girls to parks. I’ll be honest, I enjoy just staring out my window taking in all the scenery. We’re surrounded by trees, a creek, deer, squirrels, two owls, and tons of other critters. Looking at nature makes me realize just how small I am.

Compliment someone

I learned this from my 3-year-old. Every single day, she compliments me, whether it’s saying she likes my hair, I look beautiful or that my shirt is really pretty. She’s really boosted my confidence lately, and she’s actually taught me the importance of saying something kind to someone else. So, every day I tell my kids something I love about them. I also try to compliment someone at work or one of the girls’ teachers, and of course I tell my husband something nice every day, too.

Appreciate today for what it is

Today is all we have. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow never comes. Appreciate today and the moment that you are in.

Look forward to your meals

When was the last time you sat down and enjoyed a leisurely meal? Was it fun? Did you enjoy it? Chances are, of course you did! So, why not make that a part of your daily ritual? Sit down for breakfast, take an actual lunch break, and spend time cooking dinner. Yes, I know it’s time consuming, but it’s always worth it 🙂 Plus, it gives you extra time to spend talking to your family.

Play music

This is something I’m getting better at. Listening to music always lifts my spirits and I don’t know why I don’t do it more often. While I can’t listen to music and write (too distracting), I most certainly could get in the habit of playing music while I clean, cook and play with my kids.

Keep moving

For me, I know that I start to feel unhappy when I feel “stuck” or like I’m no longer working toward a goal. My friend got me a plaque for the wall that says “Life is like a bicycle: To keep your balance, you must keep moving” and it is me to a T. Whether I’m working on a career goal or a personal goal, I like to always be moving. Right now, I’m working on growing a freelancing business while working FT and raising my two little girls. I have a huge goal to make $10K per month by October 2016.

Do what you love

Life is too short to be spent doing things you don’t like. If you aren’t happy in your career, make a change. If you want to work for yourself or start a side hustle, what’s stopping you from starting now?! If you’re doing something you love, it shouldn’t feel like work.

What is one thing you do every day that makes you happy?