20 Happy Habits Recommended by Harvard University

20 Happy Habits Recommended by Harvard University

Happiness is an elusive yet highly desirable state of mind that we all aspire to achieve. It is a key ingredient for a fulfilling life and is often linked to better health, stronger relationships, and greater success. Harvard University has conducted extensive research on happiness and has identified several habits that can lead to a happier life. In this guide, we will discuss 20 such happy habits and provide actionable steps to start building these habits.

20 Happy Habits Recommended by Harvard University:

1. Practice gratitude: Every day, take a few minutes to reflect on what you're thankful for. Write down three things that you appreciate and why.
2. Exercise regularly: Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
3. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
4. Connect with others: Social connections are essential for happiness. Make time for friends and family and participate in activities you enjoy.
5. Meditate: Meditation can reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve emotional well-being. Start with 5-10 minutes of meditation every day.
6. Learn something new: Learning new things can increase confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. Take a class, read a book, or learn a new skill.
7. Set goals: Goals provide direction and motivation. Set realistic and achievable goals and work towards them.
8. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can improve overall health and increase happiness. Focus on whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.
9. Spend time in nature: Spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve mood. Go for a walk, hike, or spend time in a park.
10. Practice self-care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Engage in activities that make you happy and relaxed.
11. Practice forgiveness: Holding onto grudges can lead to resentment and unhappiness. Practice forgiveness and let go of negative feelings.
12. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. Focus on your senses and observe your thoughts without judgment.
13. Volunteer: Volunteering can increase happiness and provide a sense of purpose. Find a cause you're passionate about and get involved.
14. Practice optimism: Optimism can increase happiness and resilience. Focus on the positive aspects of your life and expect good things to happen.
15. Spend time with animals: Animals can provide companionship and reduce stress. Spend time with a pet or volunteer at an animal shelter.
16. Practice creativity: Creativity can increase happiness and provide a sense of accomplishment. Engage in a creative activity you enjoy.
17. Laugh: Laughter is a natural stress reliever and can improve mood. Watch a funny movie, read a joke book, or spend time with friends who make you laugh.
18. Practice empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Practice empathy and connect with others on a deeper level.
19. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and treat yourself with compassion. Practise positive self-talk and focus on your strengths.
20. Practice gratitude journaling: Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you're grateful for every day. This can increase happiness and improve overall well-being.

Actionable Steps:

Choose one habit to focus on for the next week and write down specific steps you will take to incorporate it into your daily routine. For example, if you choose to practise gratitude, you might write down the following steps:

• Set a reminder on your phone to reflect on what you're grateful for every day at a specific time.
• Write down three things you appreciate and why in a gratitude journal.
• Share your gratitude with someone else by sending them a thank you note or expressing your appreciation verbally.

Repeat these steps every day for a week and notice how it impacts your mood and overall well-being. After a week, choose another habit to focus on and repeat the process.

Join the Happiness Formula Method:

If you're looking for more support and guidance on building these happy habits, we invite you to join the Happiness Formula Method. This program provides a step-by-step guide to building a happier life based on scientific research and proven strategies. The program includes:

• Access to a private community of like-minded individuals who are also focused on building happier lives.
• Weekly coaching calls with a certified happiness coach to provide support and accountability.
• Actionable resources and tools to help you build happy habits and achieve your goals.

To learn more about the Happiness Formula Method and join the program, book a discovery call where to see if the formula will work for you.

Book Here