7 daily habits of people who are always in a good mood according to psychology

You know those people who always seem to have their act together?

The ones who smile through everything, like they’ve got a secret to life that the rest of us just don’t know? It’s like they’ve figured out how to be happy, no matter what.

But here’s the thing: it’s not all luck or some unexplainable gift they were born with.

Psychology shows that their constant good vibes are actually the result of specific habits they practice every day.

In this article, we’re going to break down seven habits that keep those perpetually happy folks feeling good day in and day out.

And the best part? You can start doing these things too, and maybe start seeing your own mood shift in a big way.

1) Morning rituals

Ever wonder how those cheerful folks start their day?

Hint: it’s not by hitting the snooze button.

Psychology points to the importance of morning rituals in setting the tone for the rest of the day.

This could be anything from a yoga session, a hearty breakfast, or even just ten minutes of silence with a cup of coffee.

It’s not so much about what the ritual is, but more about the consistency of having one. It gives a sense of control and predictability, which has been linked to better mood and reduced stress levels.

So, if you want to kickstart your day on a positive note, think about creating your own morning ritual.

And it doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming – it just needs to work for you.

2) Gratitude practice

Now, this is a big one.

Practicing gratitude consistently has been a game-changer for me personally.

According to psychology, expressing gratitude regularly can significantly improve your mood and overall well-being. It shifts your focus from what’s going wrong to appreciating what’s going right.

I started my gratitude practice a couple of years ago.

Every night before bed, I jot down three things I’m grateful for that day. Some days it’s big things like a promotion at work, but most days it’s the little things – a good book, a delicious meal, or even just that it didn’t rain during my commute.

And you know what? It works.

On tough days when I’m feeling down, reading through my gratitude journal reminds me of all the positive things in my life. It helps me keep things in perspective and boosts my mood.

So if you’re looking for a simple habit to improve your mood, try incorporating gratitude into your daily routine.

It could be as simple as writing down three good things that happened each day or just taking a moment to appreciate something around you. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

3) Regular exercise

If you’re thinking of skipping that workout, you might want to reconsider.

Exercise isn’t just for physical fitness – it’s a mood booster too.

When we exercise, our body releases endorphins, often known as the ‘feel-good’ hormones.

These endorphins interact with the receptors in our brain that reduce our perception of pain and trigger a positive feeling.

And here’s an interesting bit – you don’t have to sweat it out for hours to reap the mood-boosting benefits.

Studies have shown that even a short, 20-minute stroll can improve your mood for up to 12 hours.

4) Healthy eating

It’s no secret that what we eat affects our physical health, but did you know it can impact our mood too?

That’s right – your diet can play a crucial role in maintaining a good mood throughout the day.

Certain foods, particularly those rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon or walnuts, are known to have mood-boosting properties.

On the other hand, excessive sugar and processed foods can cause energy crashes and mood swings.

The key is to maintain a balanced diet, filled with whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

These foods provide a steady source of energy throughout the day and keep your blood sugar levels stable – which means no sudden mood dips.

Next time you plan your meals, keep in mind that you’re not just feeding your body, but your mood too.

A little mindful eating can go a long way in keeping you cheerful throughout the day.

5) Mindful moments

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to actually live in the moment.

But here’s something I’ve learned – taking time to be present can significantly improve your mood.

There was a phase in my life where everything felt overwhelming. I was juggling too many things and felt constantly stressed out. That’s when I stumbled upon mindfulness.

Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment without judgment. It’s about acknowledging your feelings and thoughts, and letting them pass without getting caught up in them.

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I started practicing mindfulness by taking a few minutes each day to just sit quietly and focus on my breath. It was hard at first, but with time, I found myself feeling calmer and more centered.

Now, I make it a point to incorporate mindful moments into my daily routine. It could be while sipping my morning coffee, during a break at work, or even while brushing my teeth.

These moments of stillness help me connect with myself and keep my mood balanced throughout the day.

6) Positive affirmations

Positive affirmations can be empowering tools that help shape our mindset and mood.

These are short, powerful statements that you repeat to yourself, affirming your self-worth and capabilities.

When we consistently remind ourselves of our strengths and abilities, it boosts our self-esteem and confidence, resulting in a better mood. It’s almost like having a personal cheerleader inside your head!

The beauty of positive affirmations is that they are extremely personal. They can be tailored to meet your needs and address areas you want to work on.

For instance, if you’re working on being more assertive, an affirmation could be, “I am confident and express my thoughts clearly.”

7) Adequate rest

If there’s one habit that can make or break your mood, it’s getting enough sleep.

Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, stress, and lack of focus – all mood killers.

A good night’s sleep, on the other hand, can leave you feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the day. It’s like hitting the reset button for your mood.

So if you’re serious about maintaining a good mood consistently, prioritize your sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

And it’s not just about quantity but quality too. Make sure your sleep environment is conducive for rest – think dark, quiet, and cool.

It’s all about balance

The human mind and its emotions are complex phenomena, influenced by a myriad of factors.

While our mood is subject to external influences, it’s also intricately tied to our daily habits and routines.

Adopting the seven habits we’ve discussed – from incorporating a morning ritual to ensuring adequate sleep – can certainly tilt the balance towards maintaining a good mood.

But it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. What works wonders for one person might have a negligible effect on another.

The key lies in understanding yourself, identifying what uplifts you, and weaving those elements into your daily routine. It’s about finding your unique equation for happiness.

So, as you go about your day, take the time to reflect on your habits. Are they serving your mood or sabotaging it?

Remember, the power to shape your mood lies within you.