How to Be Happier Every Day

You don’t need a life makeover to experience more happiness. By putting a few simple habits in place, you will increase your happiness every day. And don’t worry, these habits are eminently doable – no daily kale drinks or hours at the gym required.

1. Say a morning affirmation – The first thought in your head should not be “Ugh” or “Is it Friday yet?” Try instead an upbeat intention such as “This day is going to be wonderful,” “I’m lucky to be alive today,” “I have gifts to share today,” or “I’m going to have a terrific experience.” Keep post-its with positive affirmations next to your bed or on your bathroom mirror to remind yourself to fill your head with positive energy.

2. Say “I Love You” everyday – Before you leave the house, say “I love you” to a loved one in person, by text, or on email. Say it to your spouse, to your children, to your pets. Say it to friends, family, and colleagues. Look in the mirror and say it outloud to yourself. Open your heart to love and watch your mood improve. We are designed to connect with other beings and we feel better when we do.

3. Smile – Whenever anyone asks you, “How are you?” bring to mind at least one way that life is grand. Say “I’m terrific” and notice how people around you respond. When you say this with zesty energy and a smile, you send a message to your brain that you’re happy. And, because happiness is contagious, you share the happiness with those around you.

4. Wish Others Well as you Commute – When you’re in your car, on the train, in the subway, or walking to work, look around at other people and wish them well. Wish them peace, joy, and love. Each person you see is fighting his or her own battles (with health, with finances, with fear, with loneliness, with aging, with loss). Open your heart with compassion and, in the end, you’ll feel better.

5. Breathe deeply – Whenever you take a break to eat, snack, drink coffee, or go to the bathroom, take a moment for a deep, cleansing breath. Try “Take 5”: breath in for 5, hold for 5, and exhale for 5. Breathing deeply calms the nervous system and the mind, making it an ideal shortcut to inner peace.

6. Be grateful, every night – As you’re falling asleep, review your day and recall 3 things you were grateful for. It could be an interaction, good news, a happy email. Or, simply be grateful you had food on the table. Be grateful for a warm bed, for electricity, for your eyesight. With practice, you’ll find it hard to only think of 3. You will definitely rest in peace when you count your blessings instead of sheep.

If you intentionally make these 6 simple habits a regular part of your day, you can look forward to a lot more happiness.

Ashley Davis Bush, LICSW has thirty years of experience as a psychotherapist in private practice. She is also the author of ten self-help books, including the new book Light After Loss as well as her classic books, Transcending Loss and The Little Book of Inner Peace . Ashley is trained in EMDR trauma work as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy. She is a Reiki master and spiritual director who draws on many healing modalities. Ashley has been a sought after public speaker, podcast host, Huffington Post contributor, and frequent radio and television guest throughout her long career. She and her husband, also a psychotherapist, divide their time between Guatemala and New Hampshire.