How to Be Happy: 20 Simple Habits for a Happier Life in 2025

How to Be Happy

Henry David Thoreau was right to compare happiness to a butterfly: the more we chase it, the more it seems to slip away.

But if we shift our focus elsewhere, happiness has a way of arriving quietly on its own.

In a world overflowing with “happiness hacks” and advice, joy can feel like an elusive prize, always just out of reach.

For much of our lives, we’ve been led to believe that happiness lies in the next achievement or acquisition – yet somehow, it remains just beyond reach.

Happiness is often rooted in the small, consistent actions we take each day. It doesn’t demand grand transformations or strict routines; true joy often reveals itself in life’s simplest moments.

In this blog, we’ll explore 20 simple habits that can bring a little more joy, ease, and positivity to your life.

The Science of Happiness

From a psychological standpoint:

A state of well-being marked by good feelings, a sense of purpose, and life satisfaction is commonly known as happiness.

Psychologists typically divide it into two primary parts:

1. Positive emotions and pleasure are linked to hedonic well-being (a state of contentment or happiness that comes from experiencing pleasure and avoiding pain) .
2. Eudaimonic well-being is the pursuit of fulfillment, meaning, and purpose in life.

Numerous studies demonstrate the observable advantages of happiness for both physical and mental well-being.

According to a study in Psychosomatic Medicine, people who are happier react to stress better and have lower cortisol levels.

Positive emotions were shown to be associated with reduced levels of inflammation, which is important in lowering the risk of chronic diseases, according to another study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

20 Habits That Will Make You Happier in 2025

The following 20 useful behaviours can help you maintain your composure, keep up with the times, and live a truly happier life:

1. Micro-disconnect Now and Then

Everyone needs me time. It helps you look inward and reflect. It’s important to disconnect from everyone and everything to focus on yourself. This is the greatest positive thing you could do for yourself.

Spending time with yourself will help you fight your inner battles, better comprehend your thoughts, and be honest with yourself. This will eventually lead to happiness.

2. Try Not to Be On the Screen Too Much

People sometimes genuinely forget how much time they spend on screen. In 2024, the average person spends 6 hours and 40 minutes to 6 hours and 58 minutes a day on screens!

That’s a lot of screen time.

So, try designating short, tech-free moments throughout the day to reconnect with yourself. This could be no-phone hours or complete no-screen time after work hours. You could also practice not using phones before bedtime.

Also read: Importance of Nurturing the Mind at Work

3. Practice “Kintsugi” Thinking

This method is inspired by the Japanese art of repairing broken poetry with gold. It means you appreciate the beauty in the flaws.

How poetic!

We frequently attempt to mend things that are not broken. Given that we live in a hyper-consumer-oriented culture where a product is available for every problem, it makes sense that we are too preoccupied with our imperfections. Therefore, accepting flaws becomes more and more important.

This isn’t just about physical imperfections. Try seeing the setbacks in your life as a learning opportunity and not a failure. They’re meaningful parts of your life’s journey. They add depth to who you are and how you grow.

4. Gratitude Glance Everyday!

Every morning, take 30 seconds to acknowledge three things you’re thankful for mentally.

This could be anything—from having your family around you to keeping good at your job that you always wanted. Make sure you count even the smallest of the things. This will help you not lose the good parts of life when the going gets tough.

5. Start Saving: No Matter How Small, Start Today

For most people, money is the primary source of their dissatisfaction. A lot of people don’t know how to invest or save their hard-earned money. And saving is harder than you would imagine. First, decide on a proportion of your monthly income.

Then, diversify that money. Put some percent of it in the bank, some in secure mutual funds or FDs, and so on. Also, make sure you also invest in credible health insurance for you and your family. You’ll need this when there are medical emergencies.

6. Create a “Yes” List

Think of this as a bucket list for the month. Say “yes” to small, new experiences that break your routine.

From trying out a new cuisine to accepting a social invitation you’d usually decline, a “Yes” list nudges you to embrace novelty. These little additions will shake things up, bring you fresh energy, and create small moments of joy you wouldn’t otherwise have.

7. Create a “No” list

A “No” list is the counterbalance to your “Yes” list. Identify the things you’ll intentionally avoid this month. Maybe say no to unnecessary spending, gossip, or late nights during the workweek.

These boundaries will help you protect your time, help you avoid distractions, and focus on what truly matters. By committing to say “no” to these things, you clear space for what brings happiness and peace.

8. Micro-meditation

Micro-meditation is an easy, short-breathing exercise to give yourself a quick mental refresh. Just take 1-2 minutes between tasks to sit quietly, close your eyes, and breathe deeply.

It’ll help calm your mind, ease stress, and bring you back to the present moment. These tiny pauses create mental space, allowing you to reset and focus more effectively throughout the day.

Quick read: What You Need in Your Mental Healthcare Plans?

9. Swap Complaints for Curiosity

Let’s be honest, no one prepares us for living a life!

We’re raised in a very protected environment away from the worries of the world but when we grow up, there are a lot of surprises waiting.

Many cannot find a way to cope with it and end up complaining endlessly. This also makes them a bitter person eventually.

So, the next time you face some uncertainty, see it as an opportunity for growth. Try asking, “What can I learn here?” instead of complaining.

10. Commit to ‘Something New’ Every Week

Sometimes, the cause of our unhappiness is boredom. After you’ve done enough of the things you always wanted to try, they become mundane. Hence, it is important to try out new things often.

Commit to one new experience every week, whether it’s trying a new recipe or taking a different route to work.

Also read: 10 Benefits of Running in the Morning

11. Single-task Something Daily

Many of us are forced to multitask from a very young age. As a result, we become so accustomed to it that we forget to single-task. We fail to acknowledge how refreshing it can be to focus on only one thing at a time.

Hence, you must try single-tasking once a day. Keep aside separate time for this. It could involve any activity—like eating lunch without scrolling your phone or answering emails. This intentional focus will help you fully enjoy each moment or be mindful.

12. Don’t Forget to Make Small Efforts of Kindness Each Day

Change often begins with small, consistent actions, and kindness is no exception. Simple gestures can brighten someone’s day and, in turn, boost your own mood and sense of happiness.

Consider offering a genuine compliment to a stranger, holding the door open for someone, or treating someone in need of a meal. The key is to act selflessly without expecting anything in return. These small efforts foster connection and leave a ripple of positivity in their wake.

13. Visualize Your Ideal Day

Visualization is a powerful tool that keeps your focus aligned with your goals. While some associate vision boards with overachievers, this practice can benefit anyone by providing clarity and direction.

When you take a moment to visualize your ideal day, you gain a clear sense of purpose. Instead of facing the pressure of tackling things as they come, you can prioritize what truly matters. Imagine where you’d go, who you’d spend time with, and what you’d accomplish. This exercise not only streamlines your actions but also reduces anxiety, giving you a sense of control and confidence to take on the day.

14. 10-Minute Clean-up

Our environments affect our moods, and clutter can be a downer. If you’re someone whose mind easily gets affected by the mess around you, you must take at least 10-15 minutes every day to declutter.

Take just a few minutes to tidy up one area that you use often. This can be your desk, one corner of your room, or just your bed. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but even a small refresh can lift your mood and make the space feel welcoming.

Also read: 10 Effective Ways To Boost Your Immune System Naturally

15. Engage in “Slow Hobbies.”

Everyone wants to learn things quickly—if they’re not instantly good at it, they quit. Try to get away from this mentality. Be it reading, knitting, or drawing, encourage yourself to stick to one thing for a long if you truly enjoy it.

This slowing down will eventually help you focus and take your time. It’ll give you a mental break and create moments of calm that can be hard to find on a busy day.

16. Talk to a Stranger (If You May)

Brief moments of human interactions are instant pick-me-up mood lifters.

Believe it or not, short, friendly chats with strangers can make you feel happier. It’ll help you break out of your routine and find peace.

For instance, you can compliment someone on their outfit, comment on the weather, or simply say hello. These small interactions can create a ripple effect of positivity, not just for you but for the other person as well.

17. Light Exercise Bursts

Make a pact with yourself that you’ll commit to certain hours of exercise every week. This doesn’t have to be very intense; it can be a small walk in the park. Physical activity triggers endorphins which are your body’s natural mood boosters.

18. Learn Communicating Clearly

Be straightforward and direct when communicating with anyone. Many people struggle to say ugly, necessary things to their loved ones. This becomes a classic habit as you grow, and you’ll not be able to set proper boundaries to protect your mental health. So, try to communicate more openly. You can be assertive and kind at the same time!

19. “Grounding” Outdoors

Try spending a few minutes barefoot on grass, sand, or earth. This “grounding” technique can reduce stress and help you feel more connected to the world around you. This can be your quick and powerful mood stabiliser.

20. Set a Micro-goal

Big goals are great, but small, achievable goals are more effective. They’re also more believable and rational. Try setting tiny daily targets, like drinking a full glass of water or reading ten pages of a book.

Checking these off gives you a sense of accomplishment. This can be a huge mood booster, as it’ll make you feel productive and purpose-driven.

Also read: 12 Effective Ways To Control Food Cravings

Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly habits: A quick list

How to Maintain These Habits for Long-term Happiness

Here are three hacks for the same:

1. Try Habit Stacking

2. Track Your Progress

3. Consciously Put Efforts Into Being Consistent

Consistency is key to making habits stick. Doing something small every day, even if imperfectly, is more effective than irregular efforts. Building habits steadily make them a natural part of your routine, leading to lasting change over time.

Quick read: Mindful Balance: Techniques for Achieving Work-Life Harmony

Small Steps, Big Smiles

The previously mentioned routines are intended to foster well-being and positivity in your day-to-day activities.

Your mental and emotional well-being can significantly improve if you incorporate these easy activities into your daily routine. Every habit – no matter how small – contributes to a higher level of happiness and fulfillment.

Happiness doesn’t need a grand entrance – it sneaks in through the little things we do every day. Make sure you start with one or two habits, keep it light, and let the rest unfold naturally.

At Onsurity, we offer a comprehensive range of health and wellness benefits for our members, allowing you to extend care to your family members each month. This commitment not only enhances your well-being but also nurtures a supportive environment for those you love.

Request a demo today with Onsurity and take the first step towards a happier, healthier life for you and your family!

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