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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
15 Things Happy People Do That Unhappy People Don't Understand
You know that feeling when the sun is out and everything just feels right? Sometimes, it seems like some people are living in that moment all the time. But for others, happiness feels like it's just out of reach. What's their secret? It turns out, happy people tend to do certain things that those who are less happy might not fully grasp. Let's uncover what these happy folks are up to. 1. They Prioritize Time With Loved Ones Happy people make a habit of regularly spending time with friends and family. This isn't just about having a good time; it's about nurturing relationships and feeling connected. When you prioritize relationships, you're investing in your emotional well-being. A study by Dr. Robert Waldinger, a Harvard psychiatrist, highlighted that strong relationships are key to a fulfilled life. So, the next time you're tempted to work late or binge-watch TV alone, remember that happiness may be just a phone call away. On the flip side, some people might not understand why time with loved ones is so crucial. They might feel that their work or personal ambitions are more important. But when you focus solely on individual achievements, it can lead to isolation. Relationships provide support, empathy, and a sense of belonging that achievements alone can't offer. Happy people know that their connections are their greatest assets. 2. They Express Gratitude Every Single Day Gratitude is a regular practice for those who are consistently happy. They take time out of their day to appreciate the small and big things in life. This isn't just about saying thank you; it's about genuinely feeling thankful. Happy people might keep a gratitude journal or simply make a mental note of things they're thankful for. This practice can shift your focus from what's lacking to the abundance around you. For those who are less happy, gratitude can seem like an annoying buzzword. It may appear unrealistic to be thankful when things are going wrong. However, gratitude isn't about ignoring the negatives. It's about acknowledging them while still seeing the positives. Happy people understand that gratitude can transform their perspective, leading to a more content life. 3. They Stay Active And Eat Well Physical activity is a common habit among happy people. They understand that exercise isn't just for physical health; it's a mental booster, too. Engaging in regular exercise releases endorphins, which naturally elevate your mood. Research by Dr. Michael Otto, a psychology professor, suggests that exercise is a powerful tool for combating depression and boosting happiness. Whether it's a daily walk or a gym session, happy people incorporate movement into their routines. Others might see exercise as a chore or something that only fitness buffs do. This mindset can make it challenging to initiate and sustain an active lifestyle. The key is to find an activity you enjoy, making it a fun part of your day. Even small amounts of movement can lead to significant improvements in mood. Happy people don't look at exercise as a task; it's simply part of how they live well. 4. They Embrace And Channel Positivity Positivity is more than just a mindset; it's a lifestyle for happy people. They choose to see the good in situations, even when things aren't perfect. This doesn't mean they ignore problems but rather that they approach challenges with optimism. They understand that a positive outlook can lead to better problem-solving and resilience. In a world full of negativity, happy people find the silver linings and focus on those. Unhappy people might view positivity as naive or unrealistic. They might feel that acknowledging the negative is more practical or mature. However, constant negativity can be draining and counterproductive. Happy people know that positivity fuels energy and creativity. By focusing on the positive, they can navigate life's ups and downs with more ease and grace. 5. They Set Clear Boundaries Happy people are experts at setting boundaries. They know how to say no when it's necessary to protect their time and energy. Boundaries help them maintain balance in their lives, preventing burnout and resentment. According to Dr. Henry Cloud, a clinical psychologist, setting clear boundaries is essential for healthy relationships and personal well-being. By setting these limits, happy people create a space where they can thrive. Others might find boundary-setting to be difficult or even selfish. They might worry about disappointing others or fear conflict. But without boundaries, it's easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of what's important. Happy people understand that boundaries are a form of self-care. They prioritize their well-being to be their best selves for others. 6. They Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness is a routine practice for those who are happy. They focus on being present in the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This practice helps them enjoy life more fully and reduces stress. Whether it's through meditation, deep breathing, or mindful walking, they find ways to incorporate mindfulness into their day. Being present allows them to experience life's joys and challenges without being overwhelmed. For some, mindfulness might seem like a luxury or a waste of time. They might feel that constant multitasking is the best way to get things done. However, this can lead to burnout and a sense of dissatisfaction. Happy people know that mindfulness increases focus and clarity. By staying present, they handle life's demands with a calm and steady approach. 7. They Seek Out Ways To Grow Happy people actively seek personal growth and development. They regularly set goals and challenge themselves to get out of their comfort zones. This pursuit of growth keeps them engaged and inspired. According to psychologist Carol Dweck, those with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. Happy people embrace this mindset, knowing that growth leads to fulfillment. Others might avoid growth opportunities, fearing failure or discomfort. They could see challenges as threats rather than chances to learn. This fear can stifle potential and keep them stuck in routines. Happy people understand that growth often involves setbacks, but they view these as part of the journey. By focusing on personal development, they find purpose and satisfaction in life. 8. They Help Others Without Being Asked Helping others is a core habit of happy people. They find joy in acts of kindness, whether through volunteering, lending a hand, or simply being there for someone. This isn't about grand gestures but about genuine generosity. Helping others fosters a sense of community and connection. Happy people know that when they give, they also receive the gift of fulfillment and joy. Some might not see the value in helping others, thinking it's a drain on their time or resources. They might view personal success as more important than communal well-being. However, focusing solely on oneself can lead to isolation and dissatisfaction. Helping others creates a ripple effect of positivity and goodwill. Happy people understand that by uplifting others, they also uplift themselves. 9. They Live Authentically And According To Their Values Happy people live authentically, true to their values and beliefs. They don't waste energy trying to be someone they're not or conforming to others' expectations. Authenticity brings them a sense of freedom and self-acceptance. By being true to themselves, they attract genuine relationships and opportunities. Happy people know that authenticity is the key to a fulfilling life. Others might struggle with authenticity, caught up in the desire to please others. They may fear judgment or rejection, leading them to put on a façade. But living inauthentically can lead to stress and a lack of fulfillment. Happy people embrace their uniqueness and encourage others to do the same. By living authentically, they find peace and happiness in being who they truly are. 10. They Make Jokes And Laugh Often Laughter is a common trait among happy people. They find humor in everyday situations and don't take themselves too seriously. Laughter relieves stress and improves mood, making life's challenges easier to handle. Happy people surround themselves with those who uplift and bring joy. They know that a good laugh is often the best medicine. Some might see laughter as frivolous or inappropriate in certain situations. They might prioritize seriousness and control over humor. However, this can lead to an overly tense and rigid life. Happy people know that laughter creates bonds and lightens the mood. By embracing humor, they navigate life with joy and resilience. 11. They Embrace Change Head On Change is something happy people aren't afraid of. They understand that life is constantly evolving and that change often brings new opportunities. Rather than resisting, they adapt and find ways to make the best of new circumstances. This flexibility helps them to grow and thrive in different environments. Happy people see change as a natural part of life and an opportunity for renewal. For others, change can be daunting and unsettling. They might prefer stability and predictability, fearing the unknown. This fear can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation. Happy people know that change is inevitable and resisting it can lead to more stress. By embracing change, they open themselves up to growth and new experiences. 12. They Nurture Their Curiosity Happy people have a natural curiosity about the world. They are eager to learn and explore new ideas and experiences. Curiosity keeps them engaged and motivated, sparking inspiration and creativity. Whether it's through reading, traveling, or asking questions, they continuously seek to expand their understanding. Happy people know that a curious mind is a joyful mind. Some might see curiosity as nosiness or a waste of time. They might be content with what they know and see no need to explore further. However, this mindset can lead to a lack of innovation and excitement. Happy people understand that curiosity drives personal growth and discovery. By nurturing their curiosity, they keep life vibrant and interesting. 13. They Engage In Self-Care Rituals Self-care is a priority for happy people. They understand the importance of taking time to recharge and care for themselves. This isn't just about physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Whether it's through hobbies, relaxation, or pampering, they make self-care a regular part of their routine. Happy people know that they can better care for others when they care for themselves first. Others might view self-care as self-indulgent or unnecessary. They might feel guilty for taking time for themselves, seeing it as neglecting responsibilities. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and stress. Happy people recognize that self-care is essential for a balanced life. By prioritizing self-care, they maintain their energy and enthusiasm for life. 14. They Never Make Comparisons Happy people steer clear of the comparison game. They focus on their own journey without getting caught up in what others are doing. This doesn't mean others don't inspire them; they just don't let comparisons diminish their self-worth. They understand that everyone's path is unique and that comparing only leads to unnecessary stress. Happy people know that contentment comes from within, not from measuring up to others. Some might find it hard to resist comparing themselves to others, especially in a world filled with social media. They might feel that they aren't successful unless they match up to others' achievements. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Happy people know that comparisons are futile and often misleading. By focusing on their own progress, they find satisfaction and peace. 15. They Accept And Celebrate Imperfections Imperfections don't bother happy people. They embrace their flaws and understand that nobody is perfect. This acceptance allows them to be more forgiving of themselves and others. They know that mistakes and imperfections are opportunities for growth and learning. Happy people realize that striving for perfection is an unnecessary burden. Others might struggle with accepting imperfections, seeing them as failures. They might pursue perfection to gain acceptance or avoid criticism. However, this pursuit can lead to stress and disappointment. Happy people know that imperfections are part of being human. By accepting them, they find freedom and happiness in being perfectly imperfect. Solve the daily Crossword
CNBC
28-07-2025
- Health
- CNBC
By 8:30 AM, most Americans know if it'll be a good day, recent survey shows
Having a good day can improve your happiness and make life feel less mundane. But what actually makes a day good? Icelandic Provisions, a yogurt brand, polled 5,000 Americans, 100 people from each of the 50 states, to get a better sense of what leads to good days. The brand partnered with Talker Research for its second annual "Bowl Half Full: A Report on Optimism, Nutrition & Wellness." About half of Americans polled (46%) felt that having a ritual or routine that made the day feel special was what led to a good day. For many, that ritual starts in the morning. "Nearly half rely on a consistent morning ritual like preparing a healthy breakfast, walking, or journaling to set an optimistic tone," Icelandic Provisions said in a press release. Most people could predict whether or not their day would be positive by 8:30 a.m., the study found. Other contributors that stood out for people's good days were: This aligns with what research shows helps people feel their happiest and even live longer. In a longevity study from 2012, most centenarians had positive attitudes, Dr. Nil Barzilai, one of the study's co-authors, told ABC News. Typically, they were viewed by others as easygoing, optimistic and extroverted. And an 87-year-long Harvard study found that the happiest people practice social fitness, maintaining close relationships and improving them over time. "Invest in relationships, invest in connections and invest in the things you find meaningful," Dr. Robert Waldinger, the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, said during an interview at the New York Times Well Festival. "If you're doing more of that, you're more likely to be happy more of the time. You won't be happy all the time. But happiness is likely to find you more often."
CNBC
21-05-2025
- Health
- CNBC
Harvard happiness expert: Do this easy exercise right now to stay socially connected—it'll take less than two minutes
An 87-year-long Harvard study found that social fitness — maintaining your personal relationships and keeping them in good shape — was the No. 1 thing the happiest, longest-living people have in common. "Invest in relationships, invest in connections and invest in the things you find meaningful," Dr. Robert Waldinger, the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, said during an interview at the New York Times Well Festival. "If you're doing more of that, you're more likely to be happy more of the time. You won't be happy all the time. But happiness is likely to find you more often." To prove that pouring into your connections doesn't have to be a heavy lift, Waldinger offered up a simple way that the audience at the festival could receive a "dopamine hit" and connect with someone in their lives immediately. "When I talk about investing in relationships, most people think, 'You know, I am so busy. I have so much going on in my life. How do I make time for this?'" Here's how you can improve a relationship that you value in just three steps: "One of the things we found about people who were what we call socially fit is that they did these small things over and over again. You know, daily, multiple times a day," Waldinger said. During their commute, they'd call someone, or they'd schedule their workouts at the gym with a friend, he explained. They found ways to intertwine the repetitive tasks in their daily life with social connection. "When people did that, they stayed more current with more people in their lives. And that built this bedrock of social wellbeing." ,
New York Times
09-05-2025
- Health
- New York Times
3 Ways to Cultivate Joy
Hello! I'm Catherine, a relationships reporter at The Times, and I'm filling in for my colleague Jancee Dunn this week — which has been an exciting one for those of us on the Well team. On Wednesday, we hosted the first-ever Well Festival in Brooklyn, which brought together some of the biggest names in health for a day of conversations. A lot of the talks focused on common cornerstones of well-being, like nutrition, mental health and fitness. But as I sat in the audience, I was struck by how many of the conversations touched on joy. Specifically, how essential joy is to building a healthy, meaningful life. And how to cultivate a bit more of it every day. Here are three of my favorite joy-boosting tips that the panelists shared. Want to live a longer, happier life? Tend to your relationships, said Dr. Robert Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School who oversees the longest-running study of human happiness. That study has found that strong relationships are one of the biggest factors in people's well-being as they age. Investing in connection doesn't have to be a heavy lift, Dr. Waldinger said, at one point instructing all those in the audience to take out their phones and text someone they hadn't seen in a while. 'Just say, 'Hi, I was thinking of you and I wanted to connect,'' he said. Don't worry if you don't get a text back, he added. It's like baseball. You won't get a hit or a home run every time, and that's OK. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist at Stanford University, was in a remedial physical education class as a kid. So it's surprising, she explained, that she has built a career around joyful movement. Exercise can help us feel more inspired and hopeful, she said, and it 'changes our brain chemistry in a way that makes it easier to connect with others.' The challenge is to find ways to move your body that feel joyful, not burdensome. So give some thought to the kinds of movement that feel good to you. For some, it might be a challenging run that feels lousy in the moment but makes you feel strong and proud of your persistence after the fact, Dr. McGonigal said. For others, it might mean taking the dog for a walk. 'Your body will give you data,' Dr. McGonigal reassured the audience. Think about what you want more of in your life. Do you want to be outdoors more often? Play more? Make new friends? My colleague Katie Mogg wrote more about finding a form of exercise you can fall in love with. Suleika Jaouad, the memoirist and author of a new best seller, 'The Book of Alchemy,' was diagnosed with leukemia in her 20s. Last summer, she had a recurrence, and the advice a lot of people offered was to live each day like it was her last. But every time she heard that sentence, she felt an 'intense sense of panic,' Jaouad said. 'It is exhausting to try to make every family dinner as meaningful as possible — to carpe diem the crap out of every single moment,' she said. 'So I am done doing that. Instead, I've had to shift to a different mind-set, which is the idea of living every day as if it's your first — to wake up with a sense of curiosity and wonder and playfulness.' One way Jaouad, a committed journal keeper, tries to accomplish that is through what she calls 'small acts of creative alchemy.' Recently she has been jotting down 10 memorable moments from the past 24 hours, stream of consciousness. She has been surprised by the things that have bubbled up. 'It's always the small moments,' Jaouad said. You can watch conversations from the festival here. You've heard of 'crunchy moms.' Now get ready for 'crunchy teens.' High schoolers are appealing to other health-conscious adolescents on social media, sometimes by championing ideas reflective of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement. Read the article: The Rise of the 'Crunchy Teen' Wellness Influencer Is there an ideal way to wake up from sleep? There's plenty of research and expert advice to have a healthy bedtime routine. But there are ways to optimize getting up in the morning, too. Here are four tips to better start your day. Read the article: What's the Best Way to Wake Up? The Week in Well Here are some stories you don't want to miss: Let's keep the conversation going. Follow Well on Instagram, or write to us at well_newsletter@ And check out last week's newsletter about an ancient key to happiness.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Doctor behind 80-year happiness study was ‘shocked' by the biggest predictor of a long, healthy life
What if the secret to longevity wasn't in the mind or the gut — but in the heart? Speaking at the inaugural New York Times Well Festival on Wednesday, psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Robert Waldinger announced he and his team were 'shocked' by 'the biggest predictor of who was going to live long and stay healthy.' Waldinger, the director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development — the longest-running scientific study of adult life — revealed it was 'how connected you were to other people and particularly the warmth of your connection to other people.' Apparently, the researchers were floored by these findings. 'How could our relationships actually get into our bodies and actually change our physiology?' Waldinger mused. 'The best hypothesis is that it has to do with stress, that in fact relationships — when they're good — are stress relievers.' After all, how we feel does manifest itself physically — you can feel your pulse begin to race and your breathing quicken when something upsetting or anxiety-inducing happens, and the opposite is true when you calm down, he explained. Having someone to vent to, as it turns out, plays a pretty big role in that. 'People who don't have connections with other people, those people don't have the same stress regulation mechanisms in their lives that people with good relationships have,' Waldinger said. The secret sauce is recognizing that it's not enough to have relationships — you need to cultivate them as you would a garden. Most of us don't expect to be physically fit without putting some work into it — why would relationships be any different? 'The people who were best at relationships were the people who were actively involved in staying in touch with people, people who really nurtured their relationships,' he said. 'Most of us take our relationships for granted.' He went so far as to say people who are intentional about keeping in touch and fostering relationships had a 'superpower' that 'went under the radar.' The best part is you don't need to plan an elaborate trip or book a bonding activity to get the benefits. Little things, like actually making eye contact with the barista making your coffee or — heaven forbid — the TSA agent checking your passport, give us 'little hits of well-being,' according to Waldinger. It's the latest appeal from an increasing number of experts reminding people that social connection is a fundamental part of being human — and an essential aspect of good health. A recent study even identified socializing as one of the six factors you can control that lower the risk of dementia, stroke and depression — adding to existing research indicating it's a boon for longevity. It seems that's easy to forget in today's increasingly virtual world, as psychotherapist Kathryn Smerling previously told The Post she prescribes 'socialization very often' to her clients. Elsewhere in the NYT talk, Waldinger noted that our culture may not always steer us in the right direction when it comes to happiness. 'These badges of achievement that we all set out for ourselves — money, awards, followers on social media — those badges of achievement are quantifiable, so they look like they're gonna make us happy, but they don't,' he said. 'The culture can sell us this idea that if we just do all the right things, we'll be happy all the time,' he added. 'That is not true. Nobody is happy all the time.' That said, next time you want to feel like a superhero — try calling your mom.
