14 Timeless Ways to Live a Happy Life

Written by Alex Blackwell - 91 Comments
Categories: self improvement

happiness.jpg

How we achieve happiness can be different for each one of us. Our passions, expectations, life experiences, and even our personalities all contribute to the level of happiness we experience in our lives. Some find happiness in their careers while others prefer the bliss found in their marriages or other intimate relationship.

No matter how you define happiness for yourself, there are certain universal and time-proven strategies to bring, and sustain, more happiness into your life. The following 14 ways to live a happy life can be adapted and even customized to fit your needs. Over time, these strategies will become positive and life-changing habits that will begin to bring more happiness, joy and peace into your life.

1. Notice What’s Right

Some of us see the glass as being half-full, while others see the glass as half-empty. The next time you are caught in traffic, begin thinking how nice it is to have a few moments to reflect on the day, focus on a problem you have been trying to solve, or brainstorm on your next big idea. The next time you get in the slow line at the grocery store, take the opportunity to pick up a tabloid magazine and do some “guilty pleasure” reading. Take all that life throws out you and reframe it with what’s right about the situation. At the end of the day, you will more content, at peace and happy. Take the time to begin to notice what’s right and see the world change in front of your eyes.

2. Be Grateful

How many times do you say the words “thank you,” in a day? How many times do you hear these same words? If you are doing the first thing, saying the “thank yous,” the latter will naturally happen. Learn to be grateful and you will be open to receive an abundance of joy and happiness.

3. Remember the Kid You Were

Do you remember how to play? I’m not referring to playing a round of golf or a set of tennis. I’m talking about playing like you did when you were a child – a game of tag; leap frog, or street baseball when the bat is a broken broom handle and the bases are the parked cars. One way to find or maintain your happiness is to remember the kid you were and play!

4. Be Kind

There is no question that by merely watching acts of kindness creates a significant elevation in our moods and increases the desire for us to perform good deeds as well. Kindness is indeed contagious and when we make a commitment to be kind to ourselves and to others we can experience new heights of joy, happiness and enthusiasm for our lives.

5. Spend Time with Your Friends

Although an abundant social and romantic life does not itself guarantee joy, it does have a huge impact on our happiness. Learn to spend time with your friends and make the friendships a priority in your life.

friends-at-the-beach.jpg

6. Savor Every Moment

To be in the moment is to live in the moment. Too often we are thinking ahead or looking ahead to the next event or circumstance in our lives, not appreciating the “here and now.” When we savor every moment, we are savoring the happiness in our lives.

7. Rest

There are times when we need the time to unwind, decompress, or to put it simply, just “to chill.” Life comes at all of us hard and fast. Time, as do the days on the calendar, keeps going forward at its own natural pace, which is not always the pace we would choose. Fatigue, stress and exhaustion may begin to settle in on us faster than we may think, or notice. The best remedy for this is indeed rest.

8. Move!

The expression a “runner’s high” does not infer an addiction, but a feeling or a state of mind – a state of euphoria. There is no question exercise, or any physical exertion, elevates your mood and enhances a more positive attitude as well as fosters better personal self-esteem and confidence. Indeed, one way to increase your happiness is to move!

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9. Put on a Happy Face

Sometimes we have to fake it until we make it. I’m not suggesting that we not be honest, real or authentic, but I’m suggesting, sometimes, we just need to put on a happy face and keep moving forward. Researchers claim that smiling and looking like we are happy will indeed make us happier. Studies further show that if we act like we are happy then we can experience greater joy and happiness in our lives.

10. Pursue Your Goals

The absence of goals in our lives, or more specifically avoiding to pursue our goals, makes us feel like we are stuck and ineffective. The pursuit of goals in our personal lives, in our relationships, or with our careers, is the difference between having a mediocre life or a life full of passion and enthusiasm. pursue your goals and watch your happiness soar.

11. Finding Your Calling

Some find meaning in religion or spirituality while others find purpose in their work or relationships. Finding your calling may be much more than accomplishing one simple strategy for increasing your happiness, but having a sense of purpose – of feeling like you are here for a reason – can perhaps bring the greatest joy of all

12. Get into the Flow

Flow is the form of joy, excitement and happiness that occurs when we are so absorbed in an activity we love that we can loose ourselves and time seems to stand still. What creates flow is unique to each one of us. To find and sustain true happiness in our lives, we must get off the sidelines and get into the flow.

13. Play to Your Strengths

One way to achieve flow is by understanding and identifying our strengths and core values, and then begin to use these every day. Once we aware of our strengths and we begin to play to your strengths we can better incorporate them in all aspects of our lives.

14. Don’t Overdo It

Know when to say when. What gives you joy and happiness the first time may not work the second time. Too much of a good thing may begin not to feel as good if the “thing” becomes more of a routine, or an expectation. Set healthy and reasonable boundaries for yourself and don’t overdo it.

This guest article was written by Alex Blackwell. Alex writes about how to improve relationships, sustain happiness and create lasting success at his blog The Next 45 Years. If you liked this article, you may also enjoy 7 Practical Personal Development Strategies.

Images by Puja, Riza and Naddsy.

  • http://www.etavitom.com etavitom

    Truly amazing post. Thank you so much for the profound 14 tips….

  • http://www.wethechange.com Todd Goldfarb

    Alex– this is a WONDERFUL list and guide by which to live your life. Well done guys!
    Todd

  • Doug Rosbury

    I put all ways into one. God is one and God is all.—Doug

  • http://www.lolafayemi.com Lola Fayemi / Nourishment for your spiritual awakening

    Great post Alex, we can never be reminded enough.

    In love, light and abundance x x x

  • http://jonathanmead.com Jonathan

    Alex, this is a great article as usual. I especially liked your point about being in the flow.

  • http://financialphilosopher.typepad.com/thefinancialphilosopher/ The Financial Philosopher

    I agree, as you say, that “How we achieve happiness can be different for each one of us.”

    I will add that the path to a meaningful existence looks different for each of us but the way of finding that path is the same: It is self-awareness.

    Thanks for the post…

  • http://thesocalledme.net Jenny

    This is a really great post.

  • http://stanleybronstein.com MrAchievement.com (Stanley Bronstein)

    I love what you say about being grateful. A gentleman I interviewed a few months back named Charlie “Tremendous” Jones told me the following:

    “If you’re not grateful for what you have today, what makes you think you’ll be any more grateful when you have more?”

    I love that quote. Good stuff, good post.

    Thanks and take care.

    MrAchievement
    Stanley Bronstein
    Attorney, CPA, Author, Blogger & Professional Motivational Speaker

  • http://libidoandhealth.com/blog Tonie

    Ahhh the secret to a stress free life filled with love and happiness, consideration for others and the patience to wait for our destiny to be fulfilled. Sounds like utopia.
    I dream of it every night!

  • http://www.lifesblogger.blogspot.com Arjun

    Seriously so true, living a happy life is important not only for health but for who you are. Nicely done:D

  • http://www.zen-moments.com John Rocheleau

    I especially like #3 (remember the kid you were).

    Inside each of us there is a good person who simply wants to be happy. Remembering those moments when you experienced that as a child, is a good way to reconnect to that simplicity and goodness within you.

    There is power in the simple :-)

  • http://www.varsityblah.com/about Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah)

    “The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.” – James Branch Cabell

  • Me

    to add onto #1 and #2 — my little trick for when there’s an accident that is causing terrible bumper to bumper traffic (very common in the washington dc area), instead of getting road rage, i think about how grateful i am that it was not ME in the car wreck. and then i say a little prayer for whoever IS in the car wreck. that little change in attitude helps me realize what’s important.

  • http://quote-pics.blogspot.com Julian

    No. 4 is the main one I think, if more people followed that we’d all be a lot better off. Not just by being kind but by actively looking for ways to make the world a better place and then getting up and actually doing them.

  • alex

    i’ll take care of the dose of pessimism:

    all these are self-evident.

    1. be kind to others
    2. be kind to yourself
    3. enjoy

    just like every one of the other “guides to a happy life” i’ve seen. sorry to rain on the parade. guess i’ve broken rule #1

  • http://www.lovelylucknow.com/ Lovely Lucknow

    Eye opening ideas. I really wonder how you get such nice ideas. I appreciate it and request you to further enlighten us with themes.
    Regards..

  • Seth

    Alex

    You are correct that these are self-evident and “just like every one of the other ‘guides to a happy life’”. But that’s the exact reason they are “timeless” and not innovative. There is always room for a reminder, lest we forget such basic and self-evident truths.

  • http://www.pickthebrain.com Peter

    Those were my thoughts too Seth. Did I learn anything new from this post? No. Did it put a big smile on my face? You betcha.

  • Fares

    Great article, perfect timing ..

    Thanks a lot ..

  • http://www.lawofattractionforbeginners.com Dean – Law of Attraction for Beginners

    The best part of timeless wisdom is that it will always ring true.

    I found myself once again feeling good as I read these truisms.

    As someone who has recently stepped up my physical exercise and focus on health I seem to have locked on to this one more at this point in my life. But the others are just as true.

    A great time to see this information again.

    Thank you.

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  • Kushagra

    These is the most simplest and the most effective ways to bring happiness in your life.
    Personally I feel having a goal in your life is of utmost imoportance to achieve happiness,and also when you have some inspiration for that at goal ,someone or somethig that you really look forward to ,makes it that much sweeter!

  • abhi

    thanks 4 d lovely article……………

  • sara

    really ifelt better
    thank u ….i’ll try to have a smile:)

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  • http://www.blogtoread.com Cell Phone blogger

    Good article. It is sometimes hard to be happy when we have all the stress in life coming down on us. I like that you mention to think like a kid. Sometimes we just have to stop and smell the roses

  • Abilash

    Truely great article.everybody can applay in there life and can feel the happiness

  • Sahil

    Thanks keep up your good work of enriching other’s life.

  • Dalai Lama

    True advise. I feel happier already. God bless.

  • ben

    Thanks, Life is hard, i long for simply and happy times :|

  • Sav

    this really helped me, and hopefully it’ll open my eyes in the future. thanks man :) I’ll probably be reading through this weekly, and reminding myself on how to keep myself happy.

  • ali

    after i read those steps i realized that all i need is to follow them one by one but the problem is that i don’t no how to start but i have the will to start working on these steps but i would like to know how am i going to be able to confuse my parents that i want to move. I am from Lebanon and i am a Muslim how are my parents going to accept this i find it so hard to start . Every step is true . Anyway after i read it the best part that i liked is when we have to (Savor Every Moment ) and thats what i think that every person should do . I want to thanks for every one who helped in writing these steps THANK YOU.

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  • Aly

    Thank you so much for writing this piece. I can’t tell you how much better I feel after reading your tips. I guess I was in a fit of despair before. But now I feel like I can do better, and feel better. Everything you’ve mentioned sounds simple, and easy. I feel a stir of hope upon improving so thank you for that bit of a kick in the right direction.

  • s r das

    14 ways if practiced regularly, life could be transformed,

  • Sultan Uddin

    Gorgious,,marvellous

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  • Adam

    i think this is amazing

  • Jonty Pahwa

    THIS IS TRULY WAYS TO BE HAPPY IN LIFE
    I THINK THIS IS MOST BEAUTIFUL SENTENCES
    THANX

  • sphiwe

    thank you guys for this wondeful message.

  • shaina govani

    heyy this is really awesome and really helpfull for all i bet you thank you soo muchch!!!

  • Muhammad Haroon

    iam a musliam i belief on one ALMIGHTY ALLAH allah gives us happiness and sadness if someone make true link with ALLAH this person is successsful and be happy in all his life ALLAH bless u all

  • http://www.knowcancer.com Happy Life

    this one’s our favorite: Try to make at least three people smile each day! :D

  • james siram

    i’m very thankull to you for this airtcle.I feel great now… thank you so much friend:)

  • http://www.americansunlightsolar.com AmericanGuys

    It is so interesting to read such articles. Seriously it helps :) Even during the reading, I think you become happier :)

  • http://www.shapinglife.com craig

    These are some great tips. I will be trying some of these soon, i love when i find good tips.

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  • kwaye shirley

    I love theses tips.These are tips that keeps your day moving and helps tp improve on your personality.

  • kwaye shirley

    I love theses tips.These are tips that keeps your day moving and helps to improve on your personality.

  • ravi kukreja

    feeling good reading .realy nise written

  • ravi kukreja

    feeling good while reading .realy nise written

  • http://yahoo regie

    happinesss is a priority in life wihout it it’s meaningless. thanks for the article. I am glad that i do have a smile all time round, i am kind at heart, and very grateful at all times. I thank God for all this….and am happy!
    Thanks very much.

  • http://www.thebeautywrap.com body wrap

    I feel happy knowing that I can share this link with others who need a little nudge in order to find their happiness again : )

  • http://www.kamjah.com Florida Business Coach

    Positive attitude will enable people to have a unique way to look at the world from another angle. In their mindset, everything is possible to achieve. If they face a problem or they make a mistake, they will bounce back from it and they will find a solution to solve it. That’s why if we focus on the positive aspect of things, we will be happier and we will be able to achieve anything.

  • Kanchan Attreya

    hey…thank you dear…my way of living the life has completely changed just because of your thinking….thanks…thanks a lot…

  • http://www.uniquelifeguide.com Tamal Krishna Chandra

    Very good post. It seems like you have good knowledge on this subject. According to me, living a happy life means living your life in the way you want to live it. Every single person in this world is different from one another. So for everyone there is a new way to be happy. So it is totally your own decision how you want to be happy in your life.

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  • Angel

    you skipped some basics. be healthy and take care of your body, shelter and make it very difficult to lose it, food and unless you kill or grow it, you need a money to buy it. I think your list wouldn’t mean much to people that don’t have these. my life is much easier knowing my basics covered.

  • ash

    yes dear,

    your words are true

  • sheik saiful

    exquisite article and essential tips for overcoming depression to lead a happy life.
    But i seem to be that if a person can improve his mind psychologically ,he can overcome all bad situation..
    Best of luck…

  • Bea

    Everything in the article seems so basic, but yet it’s so essential to live by… thanks!

  • Apurvgupta

    AWESOME 

  • Chu_cho732

    thanks

  • Sagar atiwadkar

    This very simple ways that will i follow in my Life, to make it Happier…

  • Sumanthchari

    its inspiring. good. I will share with my friends and relatives and others. Nice effort.

  • Mic

    Aaaaaah!!!Je ne vais jamais y arriver.

  • Kjzdocier

    Oups i mean il never gonna make it!

  • archana

    really the 14 tips were amazing…#9 is really true….when u put on a happy face despite ur problems u ll really feel happy from inside and ll gain strength….
    thanks for a good post….

  • Alimid76

    i had lots of brobloms in my life ,now iam happy i have laern something thanks for your post.

  • Maharshadmv

    very interesting post. the pictures are also self coveying….. thank you.

  • Miguel Barea

    Wow, I love the idea of people that are searching for something that brings them joy, happiness and calmness, I love even more people that write about different ways (which are always simple) to achieve or simply to live happy. I would say that if you can only find happiness on something that doesn’t depend exclusively on yourself, your happiness will always depend on an external factor, you will depend on others or something to be happy, your happiness will vary and the worst part, you won’t control it, external things will control it. Be happy with yourself, love yourself.
     Cheers!

  • Emmanuelc

    THIS I CALL ,HEALING RAIN TO A DYING SOUL,THANK YOU VERY MUCH,INDEED THIS IS EXCELLENT,AND IT NEEDS MORE POLISHING IN PUBLISHING AND SUBSCRIPTIONS.

  • P.M. KUMAR GANDHI

    really wonderful and extremely useful practical tips are given. allow me to project my heartfelt thanks, your tips have lifted me to the dizzy heights of ecstacy.thanks to the authorand pls  keep it up. P.M. KUMAR GANDHI 

  • the awesome critic

    yes very nice blod indeed

  • Anonymous

    Thanks for your valuable tips. Its really important to feel happy in life. I follow your 3rd and 5th tips usually but now I am trying to follow all those tips.

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  • Anonymous

    Thanks for your valuable tips. Its really important to feel happy in life. I follow your 3rd and 5th tips usually but now I am trying to follow all those tips.

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  • Anonymous

    Thanks for your valuable tips. Its really important to feel happy in life. I follow your 3rd and 5th tips usually but now I am trying to follow all those tips.

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  • Huyratanak

    I am so stress with love problem, so  now i want to have a very simple life, without sadness, depress, jealousy and worrying… I want to live quietly.

  • Naveen36405

    easy to write

  • Vishal8608

    After Getting down and up.. So many colors of life GOD has showed me.. It already trained me how to live happily…Thanks God for giving me all that problem and teach me how to get happy

  • Acehauling

    slay thee infindel

  • Dp

    I find myself dwelling in things that are out if my control. I beat myself up and get myself in a terrible mood. I hope by reading this I can apply it to my life and make some positive changes. Thank you.

  • daisytune

    I love this article, thank you!

  • daisytune

    I love this article, thank you!

  • Ramchandran

    True and good article.. Good  work… Hats off..

  • shiraj.s

    very useful and meaningful steps to follow.People can change their lives by adopting the above.