Happiness is a universal pursuit for humans and use it as a guiding compass for their life choices. It encompasses more than fleeting moments of joy; it embodies a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment that we constantly strive to achieve. As people search for joy and purpose, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth that begins with cultivating habits.
These habits intertwine with each person's daily life, fortifying their foundation and paving the way for remarkable transformations. But to achieve a happy life, people should follow healthy habits to direct each one's life toward a brighter and more fulfilling future. Learn in this article the important habits to learn to achieve a healthy, happy life.
Healthy Habits Linked to Happy Life, Healthy Aging
A recent extensive meta-analysis study in positive psychology, titled "The Evidence-Base for Positive Psychology Interventions: A Mega-Analysis of Meta-Analyses" published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, strengthens the existing evidence linking healthy habits to long-term happiness and successful aging.
While physical habits like nutritious eating and regular exercise are widely known for promoting physical health, emotional habits have proven to be more challenging yet crucial for overall well-being. Emotional habits directly impact relationships and long-term health, making them essential to focus on.
As per Psychology Today's report, the Harvard-based longest study of adult development found that strong and loving relationships were the most influential factor in aging well, surpassing physical factors. With this knowledge in mind, the author decided to prioritize two emotional habits: "slowing down to savor" and "responding rather than reacting."
Savoring, defined as appreciating and enhancing positive experiences, contributes to relational satisfaction. Couples who savor together tend to have happier relationships, as they value and appreciate everyday moments.
Practicing these habits cultivates kindness, mindfulness, understanding, and compassion in relationships, enhancing connections and personal well-being. The author's experience highlights the reciprocal relationship between these habits, leading to positive impacts on overall well-being and relationships, promoting mutual benefits.
The Science of Happiness: 5 Tips to Improve Quality of Life
Aside from the habits mentioned above, other habits can be practiced every day that can maximize a person's potential and gain. Below are some simple yet powerful habits that lead to personal and professional success as per an article in New Trader:
- Regular Exercise- Physical activity boosts mood by releasing endorphins and can ignite the body's metabolism to energize the day.
- Balanced Diet- Transitioning to a balanced and nutritious diet may initially seem challenging, but making small changes like replacing one unhealthy snack with a nutritious alternative each day can have a significant long-term impact on overall health.
- Mindfulness and Meditation- Regular practice of mindfulness can effectively reduce stress and improve focus, involving being present at the moment without judgment, and can be initiated by dedicating a few minutes daily using available apps and online resources.
- Continuously Learning New Things- Embracing lifelong learning fuels personal growth, sharpens the mind, and can be achieved by dedicating time each day to explore new knowledge through reading, online courses, or documentaries, fostering a thirst for knowledge and a growth mindset.
- Setting SMART Goals- Setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals gives a clear sense of direction and purpose, as regular review and adjustments keep you focused and enhance the likelihood of achieving your desired outcomes.
RELATED ARTICLE: Defining Happiness in Positive Psychology
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