Let’s face it, we are a busy bunch. We spend a lot of time working to achieve our goals and managing our day-to-day work and life tasks and responsibilities. This can leave us feeling overworked, stressed, tired, and very much alone…conditions that negatively impact our day-to-day happiness and well-being.
This is particularly true of young people, according to the World Happiness Report. Derived from Gallup research data, the report found that happiness in the U.S. hit a new low point this year. This is also first time since the report’s inception in 2012 that the U.S. did not rank among the top 20 happiest nations in the world. This decline in happiness is particularly true of young people. Report editor Lara Aknin remarked in a March 2024 article that young people report feeling “less supported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, more stressed and less satisfied with their living conditions.” We’re merely existing, and not truly living.
Why happiness is a big deal
Happiness may mean different things to different people, but generally speaking, it is by no means impossible to define. Centuries ago, Aristotle defined happiness as “the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim, and the end of human existence.” Psychology Today describes happiness in a more down-to-earth context, as “a state of well-being that encompasses living a good life…with a sense of meaning and deep contentment.”
However we define happiness, it’s a big deal that impacts everything from our physical and mental health to our longevity.
Terms and conditions
We may not say it out loud or admit it to ourselves, but we tend to place conditions on our happiness. The list of terms and conditions we put on our happiness can be practically endless. We tell ourselves we will be happy when we land that dream job; when we can afford that luxury vacation, a bigger house, or a better car; when we find that perfect partner, have children, or when our children achieve success.
That said, even when we set an intention to let go of the conditions we place on our happiness and work hard on removing them, we can still find ourselves isolated, stressed, and uninspired. What’s more, we’re left grappling with how to create a more lasting sense of well-being in our day-to-day lives.
The question is: What can we do to make ourselves happier?
How healthy habits support happiness
Since 1938, in its landmark longitudinal happiness study, Harvard has mined the lives of hundreds of individuals to determine what makes us happy. It has determined that the number one factor that determines our happiness—and positively impacts our longevity—is our relationships with other people.
Healthy habits and energy levels
Our energy levels are another key factor that positively impacts our happiness. When we’re too exhausted at the end of the day to spend quality time with the people we love or engage in activities that bring us joy, our sense of happiness and well-being plummets.
The food we eat, the amount of sleep we get, our breathing habits, and our state of mind all affect our energy levels. Here is where bringing in healthy habits can help increase our levels of happiness. Habits are essentially choices. We can intentionally integrate energy-raising healthy daily practices that, over time, turn into habits. Healthy habits, like spending time in nature, eating nutrient-rich foods, getting enough sleep on a regular basis, and spending time pursuing activities and interests we love are habits that help support and sustain our energy levels, and sense of well-being.
The reality is that happiness postponed is happiness lost. We are here to live life to its fullest, in the here and now. There’s no time like the present to bring in healthy habits that support our happiness.
Six habits that can increase your happiness now
Tune in to your feelings: Pay attention to your emotions on a daily basis. Self-compassion is the first step in connecting with yourself and building health habits that support your well-being.
Pay attention to your thoughts: Question the veracity of your negative thoughts and self-limiting beliefs. Challenge and replace thoughts that no longer serve you with more accurate, adaptive, and supportive ones.
Practice good sleep hygiene: Poor sleep hygiene affects the metabolism and undermines our ability to wind down and fall asleep. Two hours before bedtime, allow yourself time to arrive at a place of calmness, ready for deep, quality sleep. This means no screens, no snacks, and no exercise before bedtime.
Prioritize relationships: Recognize the importance of your relationships with others. Prioritize the people in your life who bring you joy, and be proactive about spending quality time connecting with people you love.
Pursue your passions: Spend time on activities that bring you joy and inspire you.
Set healthy boundaries: Start saying no to unreasonable demands on your time and energy.
