Things that make you happy

14 Things That Make You Happy and Enjoy Life More

Anna is the Editor-in-Chief of Lifehack. She is also a communication expert and shares tips on happiness and relationships. Read full profile

What makes you happy? Some people are always upbeat no matter what life throws at them, why?

While people can be genetically disposed toward happiness, it’s more likely that these people have simply discovered more of the things that make you happy in life and utilize them to their advantage.

The good news is that you can increase your own happiness quotient too!

14 Simple Things That Make You Happy

Doing these 14 things can make you happy:

1. Start With a Good Dose of Gratitude

Being consciously aware of what you’re thankful for can actually change your level of happiness.

When you wake up each morning, spend time recalling all the things for which you feel grateful. Before you go to bed, you can keep a gratitude journal. Write down 3 to 5 things that you felt grateful for that day and why. Use all five senses to imagine these things vividly in order to help you brain latch on to all that goodness.

2. Make Sure You’re Giving Back

Do you give 10% of your income to your favorite charity or organization? Instead of spending money on yourself, you’ll feel happier giving to others.

There’s something about giving that allows you to receive more in return besides just the act of giving to help others. When you give, you’re sending a message to the Universe that you know everything’s going to be alright.

By giving, you’ll be taken care of, too. You see it from those with very little to those who have millions: you have to give to get, and by doing that, your happiness increases. You’ll feel better as well when you accomplish your goals.

3. Laugh Every Day (It’s Better than Money)

Do you spend time each day laughing? Do you purposefully find happy things to laugh about?

When you laugh, you release happy hormones called oxytocin and endorphins. These are hormones that uplifts us as we share experiences with others. Even just making yourself smile will put you in a better place.

4. Foster Good Relationships With Family and Friends

Happy people don’t spend large amounts of time alone. By spending time with people you like and love, you forge supportive relationships that help people feel better during times of stress.

You also bond with others through common experiences, such as life’s ups and downs. They become your support network and help bring more of the things that make people happy.

People who don’t spend as much time with family or friends are more prone to loneliness and depression. Here’s How to Tell If You Are Fostering Positive Relationships in Life.

5. Take Some Alone Time

In contrast to spending time with family and friends, it’s important to step back and take some time for yourself in order to cultivate self-care.

You can recharge your spirit and find a little peace. Taking some time away and being alone can do wonders for your mood and outlook, as well as help you find the meaning of true happiness.

Use this time to do more of the things that make you happy, such as a favorite hobby, exercise, or simple relaxation. Even just sitting in the sun or listening to your favorite song can improve your life satisfaction in the short term.

6. Do What You Love

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Do what you love, and the money will follow?” Doing things that you love to do–and even better, getting paid for it–are good ways to boost your levels of happiness.

When work feels like play, you’re more likely to enjoy other aspects of your life more, too.

7. Volunteer Your Time

When you give your time or talent, your focus shifts from your life to that of others.

This can help you realize that your own problems may not be that bad. You invariably forge new relationships and experience an uplift in your spirit.

8. Get Enough Exercise

Among the things that make you happy, few are as well researched as exercise. When you take time out for exercise, you’re doing your body good in more ways than one.

First, you’re doing what it was designed to do: physical exertion. Humans were made to move around, and the body works best when it does what it was meant to do.

Furthermore, as you exercise, you release a ton of feel-good hormones. These hormones can help increase happiness levels, as well as lower stress.

9. Avoid Regrets

We all make mistakes in life–that’s part of the human condition. However, with a little forethought, you can try to avoid making big mistakes and focus more on the happy things in life.

Even then, they still happen. That’s when it’s best to learn to forgive–yourself and others–because everyone else just trying to get through life the best they can, too. They’ll make mistakes, but the trick is moving on from them.

10. Take Time to Meditate

Sitting down, lighting a candle and doing some deep breathing for 10 minutes is all it takes to relax your mind and body.

In doing so, you get in touch with your inner-self, and invariably, you’ll get to know your values and priorities a little better. That’s definitely a booster on the happiness scale and will lead you toward more of the things that make you happy.

11. Deal With Clutter

Are you overrun with books and papers piled everywhere? Too much mail sitting on the table? Why not tackle a small task each day for a month in an effort to de-clutter your life?

When you’re not running around looking for items you can’t find, and when everything has its place, you’ll automatically be less stressed and in a better mental state.

That’s a great place to be on Monday morning when you’re trying to get out the door and you already know where the lunchboxes are, and the bills you have to mail.

12. Get Enough Rest

Among the things that make people happy, sleep is one of the easiest and most natural. Ever notice how cranky you are in the afternoon when you’ve only had 5 or 6 hours of sleep? Many of us are suffering from sleep deprivation, which can lead to higher levels of stress and edginess.

After a good night of sleep, you can tackle your daily tasks in a more calm, alert way. It’s so much better than experiencing that awful sluggish feeling in that oh-so-important meeting with your boss. Your body will thank you, too.

13. Eat Healthier Foods

You’ve heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” Healthy, nutritious foods not only make your body feel good, but they can improve your mental health as well.

If you spend your time eating package after package of boxed noodles, canned dinners, or fast food, your body is going to let you know by gaining weight, feeling sluggish, and quite possibly having a host of health problems. How can you look and feel your best if the foods you eat are not good for you?

By eating better, you’re not only taking care of yourself, but you’ll also feel more vibrant and energetic. You’ll literally be healthier from the inside out.

14. Don’t Compare Yourself To Others

This is definitely easier said than done, but if you can condition your mind to focus on the good that you are doing and the good things in your life, you’re not going to be tempted to focus on how others are doing.

Here are some tips to help you stop comparing yourself to others.

Final Thoughts

Happiness comes from all the small things and habits you do every day. If you want to start living a happy life, practice these 14 happy things and fit them into your daily routine!

Top 10 Things That Make You Happy

I play a lot of music, most of the time it well be something from the 80s, just because I feel like the music was better back then, prince, michael jackson, george michael, hall and oats, elton john, and so many more, now that’s not to say that all music from today is bad, there is some good stuff out there, just not as much as the 80s.

I love music! I don’t know anybody who doesn’t! OK, I do know SOMEONE at my school who hates music, and that’s this Asian girl named Abigail. I HATE her guts! I never ever talk to her! I hope I don’t see her in high school! (I’m in 8th grade)

So many genres. I love relaxing while listening to Blues, Jazz and Charleston on Saturday nights. A comfy sofa, soft lights and this playing gently in the background. Just magical.

Listening to beautiful, quality vocals like Karen Carpenter, Jackie Evancho or Lady GaGa makes me happy.

Family has 6 letters. 6 has 3 letters. There are 3 sides on a triangle. The illuminati logo is a triangle. Family is illuminati confirmed!

I love my mommy and daddy and sister and I am the best sweetheart ever and I would try my best to behave and be good/great/awesome awesomeness T.V. рџ“є I am gonna be a less disgusting and less cruel human I am Kelly Bulanek and I am not a monster here that mommy I would try my best and give you all of my heart/love/affection!

I love my family, and my family loves me!

I always put my beloved family first!

Love is a beautiful, wonderful and powerful emotion. It’s like a raging river: easy to fall into and so very hard to escape once it has taken a firm hold of you.
And this list is making me smile. Thank you!

I’m pretty in love with Korrina from the pokemon series, and I must say here that being into her has made me a lot happier over resent years 😀 (she’s helped me believe in girl power again, too. which I was struggling to believe in A LOT due to anti-girlyness bullies. and, yes, I am female :P)

It’s the best emotion ever, it makes everyone happy whoever it is.

It’s the literal definition of happy!

Definitely. And it’s on TTT too for me. I have great friends in real life too.

God gave us everything on this list! I love god!

Allah created this list and everything else! This should be no. 1

Bless Allah! He is the best!

God give us hope

Love can hurts but humour always make you happy, good humour of course.

Definitely. Without humour, what is life?

Dude, Love can hurt like you in really severe constipation!

Jokes, puns and do not laugh videos always crack me up!
(Well, except insulting ones)

Haha! I’m so humorous!

When I’m sad, I read. And then I cry because I finished it. And then I’m happy because I found out it was a series. And then I cry again because my favorite character dies AND the series ends.

But, I digress. It’s all worth it. NO REGRETS.

I love this one book and I hate when people hate it.

I know it’s selfish because there are starving kids out there, but I just want a darn cheesecake right now.

Have a bad day and feel emptiness in your gut? Well we have food so yeah!

Just imagine that perfect dessert. Mmm.

Best thing to do

Cartoons make me happy usually. Tom and Jerry, the Simpsons, Looney Tunes, pre-movie SpongeBob-the classics.

Good Disney cartoons make me happy and some Nickelodeon cartoons.

Cartoons make me happy, too!

I hate Halloween. It’s my second-least favorite holiday.

Especially if it’s unexpected. Someone realises you feel a bit low and they pull you into their arms. It’s such a wonderful feeling, it makes you cry just knowing they care.

This depends what mood I’m in, what day of the week it is and what the weather is doing.
Watching an old black and white film, or a classic musical is best enjoyed on wet Sunday afternoons. Casablanca, any Norman Wisdom film or Singin’ in the rain. Wonderful!

I really love films! Except for horror films, which are sad, and just plain creepy. But some I can handle. Like Coraline.

I have been watching a lot of disney movies, most of them are good.

100 Little Things That Will Make You Happy

There are lots of little things to be happy about, so read on for some happiness inspiration!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.

Here we are again: back to school, back to social events, back to being the big ball of stress rocking back and forth in the fetal position getting existential about the future.

With so much going on, it’s so dang hard to stop and take a breath, much less reflect on how you are really feeling.

So I ask, are you happy?В

My answer? Overall, yes, but day-to-day happiness so easily gets muddled in our hectic lives and the frenzy of emotions we mirror of others.

So remember: life is good, what will be will be, and everything will be alright.

“Simplicity is the essence of happiness.” – Cedric Bledsoe

100 Little Things That Make You Happy

And if you need a little more help feeling the warm and fuzzies, the following is a list of the most beautiful little things in life. And they’re not about fancy appearances, spending money, or impressing others — these are small yet significant things we can all take pleasure in, day after day.

1. Wearing your favorite sweater

2.В That content feeling of waking up naturally… without a headache-inducing alarm

3. Watching the world from behind the window of a moving vehicle

4.В Reruns ofВ your favorite show

5. A bubble bath with extra bubbles

6. Long walks on a sunny day

7. The relaxing of your tense shoulders after a deep breath

8. Burning a new candle

9. Freshly cut flowers

10. Lazy Sundays

11. The smell of clean cotton and laundered clothing

12. Random compliments

13. Wrapping yourself in a warm towel after a shower

15. Finding a great sale

16. When soft rain puts you to sleep

17. Checking things off your to-do list

18. Your favorite song coming on the radio

19. Finding a new song you love

20. Hearing a song you forgot about

22. Kicking off your shoes after a long day

23. Finding a book you can’t put down

24. Reading something that completely resonates with you

25. Long, tight hugs

26. Hearing from an old friend

27. A GOOD slice of pizza

28. New school supplies

29. Swaying to the beat of a good song

30. Homemade baked goods

31. A fresh haircut

32. An organized closet

33. The feeling you get after a workout

34. Accomplishing something early

35. Finding something you thought you lost

37. A smile from a stranger

38. Getting out of work/class unexpectedly early

39. Feeling good in an outfit

40. Find a pair of jeans that really fit

41. The extra crunchy french fry at the bottom of the bag

42. Finding a new favorite food

44. The feel of the sun warming your skin

46. Butterflies from a new crush

47. Butterflies in general

48. Cold water with lemon

49. When something you’ve been wanting to happen, happens

50. Yummy smells

51. Making a brave decision

52. Doing something for someone other than yourself

53. When you can see the stars

54. Hot chocolate with mini marshmallows

55. When someone just gets you

56. Laughing when something is really, really funny

57. Finding a pen that writes perfectly smooth

58. The package you’ve been waiting for finally arriving

59. Eating food that you’re majorly craving

60. Soft serve vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles

61. Sand between your toes

62. Undisturbed snow

63. Drawing a perfectlyВ straight line

64. Finding money you forgot about

65. The way your curtains dance in the wind

67. Taco Tuesday

68. Twinkly holiday lights

69. Learning something new

70. Feeling well-rested

71. A great dream

72. When inspiration strikes

74. A party where you actually had a good time

75. When your mom packs you lunch

76. Finding old pictures

77. When someone expresses appreciation for you

78. Tears of relief

80. Having time to leisurely eat breakfast

81. A great hair day

82. Calling your grandparents just to say “hey”

84. Singing… loudly

85. Popping bubble wrap

86. Sleeping in clean sheets

88. Eating raspberries off your fingertips

89. Candid photos

90. When your music shuffles to the song you really wanted to hear

91. Handwritten letters

93. The cool side of your pillow

94. Bonding with someone over a shared interest

95. Being greeted by your pet

96. Forehead kisses

97. Being trusted with a secret

98. A stranger holding the door open for you

99. Being too excited for the next day to sleep

100. Being yourself, loving yourself, and treating yourself the way you deserve

Appreciate the little things; there is so much to be happy about!

I want to hear from you in the comments below!

What little things make you happy? What would you add to this list?

80 Little Things in Life That Make You Happy

All too often we take the little things in our life for granted. We are merely aware of these elements in our life but we seldom take the time to appreciate them. Let’s have a look at the little things that make life truly worth living.

In many cases, it can be really difficult to (re-)discover the true beauty of the little things in our lives. We are so heavily occupied with the pursuit of ever more that we are no longer content with what we already have.

“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.”
Arthur Conan Doyle

We no longer pause the pursuit in order to reflect on the joy and happiness all the wonderful aspects of our lives – no matter how small – bring us.

The more simple pleasures you discover in your life, the happier you’ll get.

Instead of being able to experience happiness in this very moment, we are – more often than not – postponing our happiness. In fact, we often make our happiness dependent on the outcome of certain events. In falsely assuming that the accomplishment of certain goals (wealth, fame, status, power, etc.) will add great amounts of happiness to our lives, we give away our control over our happiness.

The Beauty of the Little Things in Life

The pursuit of happiness makes us strive for more all the time. And once we’ve accomplished a certain goal that promised great happiness, we are already pursuing the next one.

This kind of attitude focuses our attention on the things we do not have and tricks us into believing that by adding these things to our lives, happiness will emerge. It is a way of thinking that makes it quite difficult to be quite happy in the present moment. Similarly, it can result in greater levels of discontent when we are not able to attain what we desire.

It also shifts our attention far away from the present moment and all the beautiful joys that can be found in it.

The ability to draw happiness from the little things in life also has a lot to do with gratitude. If you are able to center your attention on all the beautiful aspects that are already to be found in your life, you will become a much more grateful person.

“The small things of life were often so much bigger than the great things… The trivial pleasure like cooking, one’s home, little poems especially sad ones, solitary walks, funny things seen and overheard.”
Barbara Pym

Being grateful for the little things is a unique skill to not only be content with your life but also to be less dependent on the outcome of external circumstances.

It marks the first step towards discovering the true source of happiness which lies within.

80 Little Things in Life That Make You Happy

If you need a little inspiration for discovering all the magnificently beautiful little things in your life then have a look at the following. Enjoy this collection of the truly beautiful little things in life that make life worth living.

These ideas are a great place to start with.

All it takes is the awareness to take note of all the beautiful little things in your life. You can always rush through life without looking right or left. But you can also pause for a moment to appreciate the beauty of a simple pleasure you’ve just came across.

If you become more aware of the joyful little things in your life, your life will become much more pleasant. These seemingly little things hold the magnificent power to turn gray and stressful days into days that are a little bit better.

To maximize the power of the little things that give you joy, see if you can bring more of them into your day-to-day life. The more of these joys that you can include in your daily routine, the more pleasant will your days become.

Say, for instance, you are an avid reader of novels who loves nothing more than drinking a good cup of coffee. You could start your day by taking a little bit more time for breakfast so that you can read a little longer in your favorite novel while drinking a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Bake a couple of croissants in your oven and eat them with your favorite jelly.

Right after your breakfast, take a warm shower and enjoy the relaxing feeling of the water on your skin.

When you drive to work, listen to your favorite audiobook or continue reading in your novel if you’re going by train. Once you have arrived at work, be sure to regularly make a pause during which you treat yourself to something nice. After you’ve finished working, watch one of your favorite movies or take a bath.

See what I mean? Simply arrange for all the simple pleasures that you enjoy to become permanent aspects of your regular routine.

It does not even take much time to include these little things in your life. They are more often than not free or cheap, can be enjoyed in many places independent of the time, and can brighten your entire day.

Never underestimate the great power of including many of these joyful little things in your life. Taking the time to enjoy just a couple of them can quickly fill you with feelings of happiness and satisfaction.

You don’t even have to limit yourself to the 80 simple pleasures that I’ve outlined in the above. Instead, create your own list with all the magnificent little things in your life that you enjoy. It doesn’t even matter how many of these simple pleasures you find at the time of writing the list. Simply consider the entire list a work in progress that you can add one simple joy after another once you rediscovered them.

Creating such a list can be quite helpful. Not only will it help you to remind yourself of all the fantastic little things in your life, but it will also assist you in including more of them into your daily routines.

Reflecting on the little things in life when also help you to understand that life provides you with so many little and free ways to create happiness. All that matters is whether or not you allow yourself to enjoy these simple pleasures. Most people let these chances go by unused as their entire focus is directed towards the future. Don’t be such a person. Don’t become someone who postpones happiness for far too long.

Everything in the above has shown you that happiness is a choice. You can create happiness from even the tiniest and smallest things in life. But if you are always seeking for the big things in life, you will never be able to fully appreciate the simple pleasures of your life.

I hope you enjoyed this article about the beauty of the little things in life. We’re excited to hear from you about the little things in your life you are grateful for. Let us know in the comment section below.

Stay victorious!

About Author

Steve is the founder of Planet of Success, the #1 choice when it comes to motivation, self-growth and empowerment. This world does not need followers. What it needs is people who stand in their own sovereignty. Join us in the quest to live life to the fullest!

100 things that make me happy

In my blog post about self-love and self care earlier this week I mentioned a list I wrote several years ago of things that I love. I managed to track down my list (thank you past-life Katie for realising you’d want to refer to it in the future and emailing it to yourself!). The list, titled “100 things that make me happy”, was written in August 2014 when I first started Bullet Journalling.

When I look at it now some of the items make me want to cry (especially no. 63. Rhett was our beautiful dog who we had to say goodbye to in 2016 due to cancer – I’d give anything to see his waggy tail again!) and some make me feel really nostalgic. Some items aren’t as important to me anymore and some were specific to that season of my life.

I love that I have this list that captures me and everything that made me happy in 2014. It’s been a great reminder and this list could be described as an earlier version of Find the Good Everyday…

I’ve also created a journalling workbook called ‘Find Your Happy’ which contains twenty one 10 minute prompts including advice for creating your own happy list. You can read more about it here and buy it at this link.

100 things that make me happy

I’d recommend writing a list of things you love and that make you happy. Email it to yourself to look back on in the future. At the time of writing this – I had it in my Bujo to refer to. It’s a great way to pick something for self care and to get yourself out of a low mood.

I think it’s time I update this list of 100 things that make me happy. Yoga is missing! Perhaps I should try and add another 50 or 100? Click through to read my 100 More Things That Make Me Happy.

What would be on your list of 100 things that make you happy?

Don’t forget to check out my journalling workbook –
Find Your Happy – for more journalling ideas for happiness!

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