Happiness as a habit: Can we train our minds to find more joy?

Hello everyone,

How are we feeling today? 😊

Can happiness be something we learn, like any other skill? It might sound surprising, but research says yes!

A study from the University of Bristol led by Dr. Bruce Hood found that much like physical health, mental well-being requires regular effort and practice. The idea is that small, positive habits, like expressing gratitude, practising kindness, or spending time with loved ones, can drastically improve our mood and overall happiness. 🌞

These habits aren’t magic fixes but rather small steps that help reduce negative thinking and stress over time. Something as simple as a daily walk in nature or taking a moment to reflect on the good in your life can brighten your day. On the flip side, the study highlights that excessive screen time or prolonged inactivity can negatively affect mental health.

Sustainable happiness is often found in consistency: continuing these small, meaningful actions over months or years can lead to lasting benefits. Meditation, volunteering, or even just writing down what you're grateful for can gradually shift your outlook.

What are some habits or daily actions you’ve adopted to bring more happiness into your life?
How do you personally define happiness, and what little things brighten your day?

@tonythetiger @topi34 @ChristopherCharlton @muskee31 @Carol56 @BertaC @Carlfish @carl19 @csgamble @destiny05 @Mullys @Hanson68 @Cparker1424 @Caroline64 @caroline9 @cackleliz @Caron63 @chelle1503 @DJ4853 @Casamays @Caszidy123 @francis @Mandatedmay @Snottydotty @Tassimo @cazella @fiona05 @Ceara54 @Christine364 @Nicola1 @cbw746 @Sundaze18 @meatloafuk @Thingy @christine111 @chrissie2018 @ck1997 @Chriskee @Caroline#7 @celialouise @ClaireD @cola414 @mollyann @KathleenW @DianeSimpson @ColinSalter @Tazdevil62 @Bonnie78 @ConstanciaLameckLima @Tomc66 @Craig64 @lindog99 @craigthomson @BossyFlossy @Thegardener @Shayman @Charlee73 @misschrissie @Daisyxx @KPangela @Danielle @swansong @Darrencollins @Darren77 @Elegance12 @busman @Dave how @Dafydd1958 @David130williams @DAB1960 @emptyall @Davidp @Hunterad @Sharon9 @Dawnmc @Dawn81 @Tigger.co.uk @Emmie01 @DawnMoon @Wellington37 @DeepaS @esmerelda @AcmeLey @Jayne31 @Debz111 @northern37 @RoxyEvans @denzil55 @greenie59 @denwf1 @Dennis74 @Jan67D @del123boy @Ddecanha @twiggy @Diane17 @Diana55 @Razor690 @Donnap @Dizzle 

We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Sometimes, sharing small joys can inspire others to find happiness in unexpected places. 🌻

Take care!
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼