9 mindful habits that are hard to adopt but will make you much happier

Happiness isn’t something that just happens; it’s a byproduct of certain habits and behaviors.

Mindful habits, in particular, can be a game-changer when it comes to personal happiness. But let’s be real, they aren’t always easy to adopt.

However, if you’re willing to put in the effort, these mindful habits can bring about a level of joy and fulfillment that is truly transformative.

In this article, I’m going to share 9 mindful habits that might be tough to adopt at first, but trust me, they’ll make you much happier in the long run.

1) Practice Gratitude

In our daily rush, we often forget to stop and appreciate the good things in our lives.

And let’s face it, taking time out to feel thankful can be challenging, especially when life throws curveballs at you.

Welcome to the practice of gratitude.

Gratitude is about acknowledging the positives in your life, even when things are tough. It’s about focusing on what’s going well, instead of dwelling on the negatives.

Think about it. When was the last time you really felt thankful for something in your life?

Taking time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for can drastically improve your mood and overall happiness.

So if you’re looking to adopt a new mindful habit, try starting with gratitude.

But remember, like any habit, it takes time and consistency to see the benefits. So be patient with yourself as you start this journey.

2) Mindful Breathing

Life can be stressful, and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks, deadlines, and commitments.

That’s where mindful breathing comes in.

Mindful breathing is about focusing on your breath, feeling each inhale and exhale, and bringing yourself back to the present moment.

I’ll share a personal example. I used to get really anxious before big presentations at work. My mind would race with all the things that could go wrong, and I’d lose sleep over it.

Then I started practicing mindful breathing. Every time I felt my anxiety levels rising, I would focus on my breath. Inhale. Exhale. Slowly and deliberately.

It was hard at first, to break away from my worries and just breathe. But over time, I found that it calmed me down significantly. It brought me back to reality and helped me prepare better for my presentations.

If you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, give mindful breathing a try. It might take some time to master, but the payoff is worth it.

3) Disconnect to Reconnect

In this digital age, we’re almost constantly connected to devices. Emails, notifications, social media – they’re all vying for our attention.

Disconnecting from technology, even for a short while each day, can have significant benefits for our mental well-being.

Here’s the catch: A study from the University of Gothenburg found that high mobile use was linked to stress, sleep disorders, and symptoms of depression.

By consciously choosing to disconnect, you give your mind a break from the constant influx of information and create space for more meaningful connections – with yourself and with others around you.

It might be tough to resist reaching for your phone or laptop initially, but with time, you’ll likely find that you feel more present and less overwhelmed.

4) Incorporate Movement into Your Day

Sitting at a desk all day isn’t exactly conducive to happiness. We all know that physical activity is good for our bodies, but it’s also vital for our mental well-being.

Incorporating movement into your day doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym for an intense workout. It can be as simple as taking a short walk during your lunch break, stretching in between meetings, or doing some yoga before bed.

When we move, our body releases endorphins – chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.

Adopting this habit might feel like a chore initially, especially on busy days. But once you start feeling the benefits – better mood, more energy, improved focus – you’ll find it hard to stop.

5) Cultivate Mindfulness in Everyday Activities

Often, we rush through daily tasks without really paying attention to what we’re doing. Whether it’s eating, cleaning, or commuting, we’re usually thinking about something else entirely.

Cultivating mindfulness in everyday activities is about bringing your full attention to whatever you’re doing. It’s about experiencing the moment fully, without getting caught up in thoughts about the past or the future.

Take eating, for example. Instead of wolfing down your lunch while scrolling through emails, try to really taste and savor each bite.

This habit might take some getting used to. Our minds are used to wandering all over the place. But with practice, you’ll find that you’re more present and less stressed. Plus, everyday tasks might become a lot more enjoyable!

6) Practice Kindness

In a world that often feels like it’s moving at breakneck speed, it’s easy to overlook the power of a simple act of kindness.

Practicing kindness isn’t just about making others feel good. It’s also about cultivating a sense of compassion and empathy within ourselves.

When we make a conscious effort to be kind, whether it’s by helping a stranger, reaching out to a friend, or even just smiling at someone passing by, we’re not only spreading positivity, but we’re also boosting our own mood.

I’ve found that on days when I consciously choose to be kinder, I feel a warmth in my heart that I carry with me long after the act itself. There’s something incredibly satisfying and fulfilling about making someone else’s day a little bit better.

Adopting this habit can be as simple as deciding to do one act of kindness each day. It might feel forced at first, but soon enough, it’ll become second nature. And trust me, the happiness it brings is truly unmatched.

7) Embrace Imperfection

In a society that constantly strives for perfection, embracing imperfection can be a daunting task. We’re often our own harshest critics, focusing on our flaws and failures instead of celebrating our progress and achievements.

Embracing imperfection is about acknowledging that it’s okay to make mistakes, to have flaws, and to not have it all figured out. It’s about learning to be kinder to ourselves and giving ourselves the grace we often extend to others.

I remember a time when I used to beat myself up over every little mistake. It was exhausting and demoralizing. Then I started practicing self-compassion – treating myself with the same kindness and understanding I would show a friend.

It wasn’t easy, and there are still days when I struggle with it. But the shift in perspective has made me not only happier but also more resilient.

Give yourself permission to be imperfect. You might just find that it takes a huge weight off your shoulders.

8) Prioritize Self-Care

We often get so wrapped up in our responsibilities and commitments that we forget to take care of ourselves. And while neglecting self-care might not seem like a big deal in the short term, it can lead to burnout and unhappiness in the long run.

Prioritizing self-care is about making time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. It could be reading a book, taking a bath, meditating, or simply getting a good night’s sleep.

Remember, self-care isn’t about being selfish. It’s about replenishing your resources so you can show up as your best self in all areas of your life.

It might feel challenging to carve out time for self-care initially, especially if you’re used to putting others’ needs before your own. But once you start reaping the benefits, you’ll realize it’s worth it.

9) Live in the Present

Life is a series of present moments, yet we often spend so much time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future that we forget to live in the now.

Living in the present is about fully immersing yourself in the current moment, experiencing it without judgment or distraction. It’s about savoring the here and now, instead of constantly chasing after the next thing.

The present moment is all we truly have. Embrace it. Cherish it. Live it. Because nothing fosters happiness quite like truly being present.

Final Thoughts: It’s a Journey

The pursuit of happiness is not a destination, but a continuous journey. It’s about the small, mindful steps we take each day towards creating a more fulfilling life.

Happiness is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not work for another. And that’s okay. Each of us has our own path to tread.

The key lies in being patient with ourselves, embracing the process, and understanding that it’s okay if we stumble along the way. Each stumble is an opportunity to learn and grow.

These nine mindful habits are stepping stones on your journey to happiness. They may be hard to adopt at first, but remember – change takes time.

So take that first step today. Breathe deeply. Practice gratitude. Disconnect to reconnect. Move your body. Be present in everyday activities. Show kindness. Embrace imperfection. Prioritize self-care. Live in the present moment.

As Lao Tzu wisely said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Embrace the journey, and find your own path to happiness.