7 Simple Habits for Living a Good Life Almost Every Day

Article updated on Sat, June 15, 2024 @ 10:48:21 AM GMT, first published on November 16, 2023 by Simon De Lafronde

We all have that one friend who seems to wake up with a smile every morning, navigating each day with grace and contentment. Their secret? A handful of simple yet powerful habits cultivated over time. While none of us are immune to bad days, there are practical steps we can take to invite more consistent joy into our lives.

According to research by Harvard, our daily habits and routines account for about 40% of our happiness levels. And the University of California found that people who practiced specific daily activities felt higher overall life satisfaction.

So what are these potent habits that can help us live a good life most days?
Let’s discover the 7 simple yet transformative daily practices to try.

① Start with a Meaningful Morning Routine

How you start your day often sets the tone for what follows. Take time first thing to center yourself through practices like meditation, journaling, or light exercise. Get grounded in your priorities and positive intentions before the inevitable stressors arise.

A simple morning routine like mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes, writing down your goals for the day, and doing a few gentle stretches can work wonders in aligning you with a positive mindset.

Avoid immediately checking emails or scrolling through social media, which can prime you for distraction and negativity.

② Express Gratitude Daily

Actively focusing on feelings of appreciation and thankfulness has been scientifically proven to boost happiness and life satisfaction. Each morning, write down 3-5 things you’re grateful for – from the air in your lungs to a kind friend or uplifting experience.

You can expand this practice throughout the day by pausing to feel thankful whenever something good happens, no matter how small. The mere act of looking for positives rewires your brain towards more optimism.

Try keeping a gratitude journal and get in the habit of writing a few lines every night about the highlights of your day and what you’re grateful for. This trains your brain to scan for eventual positives.

③ Nurture Loving Relationships

Strong social ties and a sense of belonging are fundamental human needs. Prioritize quality time with positive, supportive people who nurture your growth.

Check in with loved ones, have weekly friend dates, or join an interest group. Feeling valued and able to authentically connect significantly improves life satisfaction.

Make an effort to be present during your interactions – put away phones, make eye contact, and listen attentively. Deep relating enriches our lives.

④ Engage in Playful Activities

As adults, we often get so bogged down by responsibilities that we forget to experience joy and laughter. Build in pockets of playfulness through activities like games, dancing, comedy shows, etc.

Having simple fun activities to look forward to gives you boosts of excitement and stress relief during the day.

You could take an improv class, go to a trampoline park, play frisbee with friends, or simply allot time to play with kids/pets and be silly. Laughter is healing.

⑤ Move Your Body Regularly

Exercise has innumerable physical and mental health benefits – from improved mood and focus to higher energy levels. Develop a sustainable routine of movement that feels pleasurable for you, whether that’s walking, cycling, sports, or stretching.

Aim for at least 20-30 minutes per day to get your blood pumping and endorphins flowing. Even a brisk walk during your lunch break can elevate your mood.

Listen to upbeat music, exercise outdoors when possible, and mix up your routines to keep things exciting. Moving energizes your body and spirit.

Aim for at least 20-30 minutes per day to get your blood pumping and endorphins flowing.

⑥ Expose Yourself to Nature

Spending time in green spaces has been shown to lower anxiety and depression while boosting well-being.
Take a daily neighborhood stroll, sit by a park while eating lunch, or plan hikes on weekends. Connecting with the natural world restores our sense of peace and wonder.

Bring the outdoors inside by keeping plants, using nature imagery as your desktop background, or installing an outdoor fountain. Any way to immerse your senses.

⑦ Make Progress Towards Meaningful Goals

Having aspirations that light you up and provide a sense of purpose increases daily feelings of aliveness. Each day, take one step – no matter how small – towards your important life goals, whether related to your career, hobbies, relationships, or personal growth.

Consistently moving in a purposeful direction creates deep fulfillment. Break down bigger goals into bite-sized daily or weekly tasks to see continuous progress. Pause frequently to celebrate small wins along the way.

Consistently moving in a purposeful direction creates deep fulfillment.

The key to thriving almost every day is embedding simple habits that nurture your core needs for vitality, belonging, meaning and joy. What one habit will you start with today?

Frequently Asked Questions about Habits for a Good Life

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