Happy thoughts can change your life. When you think happily your life is full of happy incidents. As a result, you infect others with bliss and joy. You make better decisions, do things in a superior manner. And all of this improves your life. A lot.
Whether you are happy or unhappy can be understood from your signature. “Signature strengths” of happiest people reveal their positive mindset and stamina. Therefore, your happiness level in some way is linked to your personality.
Have you ever noticed how a piece of negative news sticks with us more than a positive one? We love to hear compliments but words of praise rarely have a lasting impact as the words of humiliation. You see, human brains are conditioned as such. We have a bias towards negativity.
We continuously think of how someone mistreated us and made us feel low. We rarely focus on the good experiences in our lives. But if you journal your good moments you will be amazed to find there are so many of those in your life!
To release negativity you can introduce happy thoughts in your mind. Like sunshine removes darkness, happy, positive thoughts will help replace negative thoughts in your mind.
How To Think Happy Thoughts
The feedback loop of happiness dictates it is a continuous circle of buying things, feeling happy, and then buying more stuff to keep the happiness level intact. But actually, things only give you instant gratification. Happiness is a deep emotion that is already within you. There is nothing you have to do other than just choosing it.
Now, if you are thinking it’s difficult to choose happy thoughts, well, you are wrong! You can train your brain to think in a happy way. Here are 10 ways to think happy thoughts.
1. Nurture a happy mindset
You can train your mind to think positively in all life situations to lead a happy life. When you have a positive mindset, most of your thoughts will be happy indeed!
2. Practice gratitude
Gratitude fills your heart with joy. When you start appreciating all the good in your life you become happy from the inside. You will think happy thoughts when you make gratitude a regular practice.
3. Do things you are passionate about
Why not spend some time every day to do things you love? Things you care about or things that make you feel delightful. Do things that give you joy.
4. Absorb positivity
Positive-minded people always spread joy! So, start absorbing positivity. Hang out more with optimistic people, read motivational books, listen to podcasts that inspire you.
5. Move your body
If you are a couch potato watching TV all day long, get up and move your body. Go to the gym or start jogging or join a dance class but make sure to move your body. Working out daily can beat sad thoughts. Exercise is a powerful happiness boosting activity. It also releases the happy hormones, ‘endorphins’ and yes, it helps increase your happy thoughts!
6. Don’t keep a place for resentments in your heart
Release your grudges. What’s the point of holding to anger and resentments other than polluting your mind? Practice Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to release grudges and you will be able to think delightful thoughts!
7. Give more
We always expect from others. It could be anything from help to service to money to love to a lot of other things that we want people to provide us. Instead of always wanting, why not be a giver? Become the person who gives more. You can give money, happiness, love, support, and so much more to others. Why not be more giving? In return, you will always have happy thoughts!
8. Practice affirmations
Make affirmations a part of your daily routine. Speak positive, affirmative statements out loud. You can do this practice to reprogram your Subconscious mind to think in a positive and happy manner.
9. Eliminate negativity from your life
Negative people suck your precious energy. If you spend time with people who are demotivated and negative-minded, you start absorbing their negative emotions. So, interact less with such people. Or ignore them completely. Be careful to avoid people who blame, complain and judge continuously, people who always see the ugly side of life. “Pessimism” is staying in darkness and the word “optimism” itself can light up the world!
10. Pamper yourself
You are awesome! So, you deserve some pampering. And you don’t even have to buy expensive things that you can’t afford. But still, you can pamper yourself with little things. Buy a nice card and write a few compliments and then post it to your address! Gift yourself a new coffee mug, or take a bath in aromatic oils and bath salts. Wear your best clothes and go watch a movie alone, cook a nice meal just for yourself, and buy makeup a little higher range than the ones you use. Do at least something for yourself. Only for yourself.
31 Happy Thoughts To Forget Negativity and Make You Happy
You can choose happiness by intentionally choosing happy, positive thoughts. Here are 30 happy thoughts for you!
1. I can choose happiness
Instead of feeling miserable and helpless, take accountability. Stop searching for happiness because it is already within you.
Trust that happiness is already there, you just have to choose it! And then choose happiness for yourself. Feel good about life. When you choose bliss it will certainly beat all your sad feelings.
When you affirm to yourself, “I can choose happiness,” you start feeling powerful. This is your life and you can choose the mentality to live in the best possible way.
Yes, happiness is a choice. You can decide to be happy. NOW! And it has nothing to do with your bank balance, career or anything else. Just set an intention to choose happiness in your life.
2. I can do it
When you understand your inner power there is no one stopping you! Believe in your ability. Trust that you can achieve ALL your goals. Mindset is everything and when you develop a winning mindset you start living a magical life.
3. I am awesome
Why care what others say about you? Let the world think what they want but you can think that you are awesome! Look at the mirror and affirm again and again, “I am awesome!” See what happens to your mood and as a result how your life starts changing.
4. Today is going to be great
No matter whatever happened with you yesterday, today is a fresh new day. It is going to be fantastic today! You can start today on a fresh slate. Believe that amazing things are on your way!
5. I am going to let go of my limiting beliefs
Make a promise to yourself now to let go of all negative, limiting ideas. Resentments, grudges, opinions, and complaints about others weigh you down. Let them go. Think better thoughts from now.
6. I feel good about my life
Count all the blessings in your life. Think of your family and friends and other helpful, loving people in your life. Remind yourself of the love and blessings that are showered on you every moment. And feel good about that. Life is really amazing, isn’t it?
7. I can take care of myself
Maybe, someone you trusted betrayed you or a loved one passed away. So, you are feeling bitter and pained. Yes, life is not always predictable and there are things you cannot control but still remind yourself that you are enough.
You are enough to take care of yourself. This thought gives happiness and strength.
8. I am going to spread joy everywhere I go
Life isn’t only about you. When you decide to make others smile, not only you distract yourself from your woes but it immediately makes you more cheerful. Set an intention to spread happiness to the people around. Inspire and uplift others. Let them smile when you are around.
9. Change is the only constant
Life changes and that’s the beauty of it. However bad or difficult it might seem to you right now, it’s going to change. Even if conditions are not so favorable for you presently, just hold on. Time will fly and your situation is going to alter.
10. Good things happen all the time
Instead of thinking that all bad things always happen with you, why not think the reverse? The Universe is conspiring in your favor. All good things are always happening with you, all the time! How does it make you feel?
11. Everything happens for a reason
This Universe is acting in perfect order. Everything is in balance. Whatever happens, is for a reason. Even if something or someone is causing pain to you now it has a greater purpose. You have to learn the lessons and move on.
12. Challenges always make us stronger
What is life without the hurdles? Would you realize the taste of success if you have never tasted failure? Remember life produces trepidation to test you. If you learn the lesson from your difficulties you pass the test!
13. When one door closes another will open for sure
When something is taken from you, remember, even better things will be offered to you. You have lost a job? Surely you will get a better one. Your partner has broke up with you? Maybe you deserve a better relationship than the last one! But if you hold on to your grudges you keep standing in front of the closed door.
14. I am in no competition with anyone
It’s wrong to compare yourself with others. Firstly, no two humans are alike. A fish can’t fly but it can swim. Each of us has some quality that’s unique. So, stop comparing yourself with anyone else. Instead, compare your past self to the present one. See how far you have come and congratulate yourself.
15. I am grateful for everything in my life
Gratitude is the strongest of all feelings. A grateful heart is always overjoyed. Be grateful to have food at your table, thank the rooftop, the job you have, the dresses you wear, the gadgets you have. Remember, your lifestyle can be someone else’s dream life! So, shower gratitude for all that you have.
16. I have what it takes to reach where I want to
Believe in yourself. Have faith that you have the potential to rise and shine. It’s okay if you are not at your best today, but you will make it. You will reach the point you so deserve.
17. I can learn and grow
It’s okay to not know everything. If you are not at the level of your career you desire, it’s not because you are incapable. It’s always possible to learn and grow. You can learn new skills and find new ways of earning and succeeding in life.
18. I am the master of my life
Stop playing the victim role. Take full responsibility for your life. You can make the decisions towards a better life because you are the master, not the servant.
19. I am compassionate
If you want to be happy, practice compassion. When you feel about others and care for them you create endless happy thoughts for yourself.
20. People come out of their way to help me
Sometimes bitter experiences with people make us feel skeptical. But it’s so wrong to generalize any bad incident. Not everyone out there is bad. Become a reverse paranoid and think the world to be a safe place. Believe people will come out of their way to help you out! And they will.
21. This world is a great place to be
Imagine this world is the best place there is. How does it make you feel? It is your safe home. People are trustworthy here. Wonderful things happen all the time. See, this thought immediately makes you happy!
22. I believe in myself
When you have complete faith in yourself, you know everything is under control. It’s not that challenges won’t be thrown on your way. But when you believe in your inner power you know you can rise again!
23. I always receive love
Love is abundant. Think that you are surrounded by people who love you and make you feel special, all the time. This thought will surely uplift your mood. What’s more, what we think becomes the reality of our life. So, believe that you are loved and you will be!
24. I can make this world a better place
No matter what you face in life, you can create good for others. If you are having a hard time, set an intention to serve others. Because when you do good to others in spite of your problems and pain, you evolve into a better human. And this gives you joy like nothing else can!
25. I am worthy of happiness
Believe you are worthy of happiness. When you realize that you are worthy of smiles and laughter, guess what, you actually get to live a happy life.
26. I love myself
Remind yourself you are enough. Accept yourself wholeheartedly. Admit your faults but don’t hate yourself. Instead, become your own best friend. Self-love is the first step towards living a happy life.
27. I am loved
Write down the names of all the people who love you, don’t forget to include your pets in this list. Reading this if you are thinking you don’t have anyone at all to put in the list, think again. You are the one who should be at the top of the list!
And if there is no other person just think they are on the way of entering your life. Immerse yourself in self-love and you will be amazed to find new friends and relationships who genuinely care for you.
28. I am going to enjoy now
Past is gone. Future did not arrive yet. What is available to you is the present moment. So, start enjoying life now! Ultimately, happiness consists of all such moments.
29. I can balance between work and family
If you are worried your career might ruin your family life, think again. You can always balance work and family. What you need is to learn time management. Maybe, you need to delegate some personal chores and professional tasks to other people. But you can always have time for both! Now, will you please smile?
30. I am a powerful being
Don’t think of yourself as the body. Because you are much more than that. You are a reservoir of energy, connected to a source or the infinite. This life is an expression of your soul. Definitely, you have a greater purpose, so celebrate yourself.
31. Thinking about a past happy incident
When nothing works, the easiest hack is recalling a past happy incident. It could be anything. A happy childhood memory, the day you earned the first salary, the day your child was born, someone gave you a nice compliment, the day you brought your pet, it could be any cherished moment. Just try to remember in vivid details and you will see how happy it makes you feel.
10 Things That Make You Happy
Well, there are things that can make you happy. It can differ from person to person, but here are 10 things that can make anyone and everyone happier. If you do these things, you are bound to have a contented life.
1. Taking care of your health
They don’t say, ‘health is wealth’ for nothing! When you take care of your health, life becomes easier and joyous. Take care of your diet, make sure to move your body, meditate daily, and give it proper rest as well. Your body will thank you and make you feel grateful.
2. Doing things you love
Isn’t it true when you do things you love, you forget time and enjoy every moment? Every day do something you enjoy doing. It could be gardening, painting, playing with your pet, watching your favorite show, sipping your favorite tea, or just an evening stroll, but make sure to give yourself a little indulgence for pleasurable things.
3. Spending time with loved ones
Spending more time with your family makes you feel better. People we love always make us happy. Why not manage your time so that you can at least have dinner together? Make sure to have some open conversation with your family and share some laughs before going to bed.
4. Laughter
Laughter is always the best medicine! Don’t take things so seriously that you forget to smile. Enjoy life and laugh heartily. You will feel so much better.
5. Chatting with a kid
Children are amazing beings. They are always so positive and enthusiastic. Kids are always so open to possibilities and they imagine so much. Talk with little children and you will realize that life is magical.
6. Keep a pet
If you are always stressed out, bring a pet into your house. As you will take care and spend time with your pet, your bonding will deepen and life will become so blissful.
7. Uplift others
Motivate others. Make people feel good about them. And you will start feeling delighted. When you uplift other people, you are happy.
8. Spend time alone
Do you spend some time alone? Every day make sure to have some time only to yourself. It’s up to you what you want to do at that time. You can take a rest or read or maybe go for a walk. But you must absolutely have some “me” time.
9. Avoid conflicts and dramas
There are life situations that cannot be avoided. While there are situations you can avoid. What’s the point of arguing with a stubborn relative who is not going to agree with you? Why gossip with that nosy co-worker when you know she passes information to everyone? What’s the point of inviting a quarrelsome friend to your party? You can always make a decision to eliminate conflicts and dramas from your life.
10. Do good to others
Do something for others. You don’t have to take a huge responsibility for that. Just start doing little things for others without expecting anything from them. Encourage a child, do a favor to a stranger, silently pray for others, smile at an elderly person, teach a skill to a person for free. You don’t have to save the planet. Do little things for others. You never know, that might just save some people. And your good deeds will always give you the reason to smile.
Happy Thoughts Quotes
Here are 10 great quotes on happy thoughts.
1. “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”
— Aristotle
2. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
–Marcus Aurelius
3. “Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”
–Helen Keller
4. “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
–Abraham Lincoln
5. “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.”
–Carl Jung
6. “Make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come.”
–Chinese Proverb
7. “It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”
–Dale Carnegie
8. “Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.”
–Dalai Lama
9. “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
–Marcel Proust
10. “A contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world.”
–Joseph Addison
Closing Thoughts
To live a happy life you have to choose happy thoughts. There is a common notion that starving artists are happier but it’s nothing like that. Your success level or financial balance does not dictate your happiness. You have to choose happiness and you can choose both abundance and happiness for yourself.
Ishita is a published author, poet and freelance writer. Being an avid reader from early childhood, she has always loved books more than anything else in the world! At the start of her career, she has worked in the corporate as well as the academic sector being a double master's degree holder - M.Sc and MBA. But now she is a fulltime writer. She believes words have immense power and writers can make a huge impact in the world! She wants to bring positivity into the lives of the readers through her association with TheMindFool.