Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness can often feel elusive. The good news is that there are things you can do to increase your chances of achieving happiness. Happy people share certain habits and traits that set them apart from others.

Here are 30 things that happy people do differently.

1. Express gratitude

Happy people are grateful for what they have, and they make a habit of expressing that gratitude regularly.

Whether it’s through journaling, prayer, or simply saying “thank you” to others, practicing gratitude can help you feel more content and fulfilled.

2. Focus on the present

Happy people understand that the past is gone, and the future hasn’t happened yet. They focus on being fully present in the moment and enjoying the experiences that life has to offer.

3. Cultivate optimism

Happy people tend to be more optimistic than others, even in the face of adversity. They look for the silver lining in difficult situations and maintain a positive outlook on life.

4. Practice kindness

Happy people are often kind and compassionate towards others. They take the time to help those in need and offer support to their loved ones.

5. Build strong relationships

Happy people prioritize relationships and make an effort to build strong connections with others. They understand the importance of social support and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

6. Pursue personal growth

Happy people are always looking for ways to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. They set goals for themselves and work towards achieving them.

7. Nurture hobbies and interests

Happy people have hobbies and interests that bring them joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, hiking, or cooking, they make time for the things they love.

8. Get enough sleep

Happy people prioritize sleep and understand the importance of getting enough rest. They make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, which helps them feel more energized and alert during the day.

9. Prioritize self-care

Happy people take care of themselves both mentally and physically. They practice self-care by eating well, exercising regularly, and taking time to relax and recharge.

10. Stay positive

Happy people try to find the positive in every situation. Rather than dwelling on negative thoughts and emotions, they focus on the good that can come out of difficult times.

11. Maintain a sense of humor

Happy people know how to laugh and find humor in everyday situations. They don’t take themselves or life too seriously and enjoy having a good time.

12. Learn to let go

Happy people don’t hold grudges or dwell on past mistakes. They learn from their experiences and move forward, letting go of anything that no longer serves them.

13. Practice forgiveness

Happy people understand that holding onto anger and resentment only hurts themselves. They make an effort to forgive others and let go of negative emotions.

14. Embrace challenges

Happy people see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. They are not afraid to take on new challenges and often come out stronger as a result.

15. Give back to others

Happy people find joy in giving to others. They volunteer their time, donate to charities, and look for ways to make a difference in the lives of others.

16. Take breaks from technology

Happy people know how to disconnect from technology and enjoy time away from screens. They make an effort to limit their screen time and focus on real-life experiences instead.

17. Stay curious

Happy people are naturally curious and love learning about new things. They ask questions, seek out new experiences, and are always open to trying something different.

18. Practice mindfulness

Happy people practice mindfulness and pay attention to their thoughts and emotions. They make an effort to live in the present moment and enjoy the little things in life.

19. Be kind to yourself

Happy people are gentle with themselves and understand the importance of self-compassion. They don’t beat themselves up over mistakes or flaws, but rather accept and appreciate themselves as they are.

20. Avoid comparisons

Happy people don’t compare themselves to others or measure their success based on external factors. They focus on their own journey and celebrate their own accomplishments.

21. Surround themselves with positive people

Happy people surround themselves with positive, supportive people who uplift and inspire them. They understand the importance of a strong support network and make an effort to cultivate those relationships.

22. Practice gratitude towards themselves

Happy people not only express gratitude towards others, but also towards themselves. They appreciate and celebrate their own strengths and accomplishments.

23. Embrace their unique qualities

Happy people embrace their individuality and don’t try to be someone they’re not. They celebrate their own quirks and differences and appreciate the qualities that make them unique.

24. Practice self-reflection

Happy people take the time to reflect on their thoughts and emotions. They regularly journal or meditate in order to gain clarity and perspective on their lives.

25. Keep life in balance

Happy people strive to maintain balance in their lives. They make time for work, hobbies, relationships, and self-care, and understand the importance of finding equilibrium in all aspects of their lives.

26. Focus on what they can control

Happy people understand that there are many things in life that are out of their control. Rather than focusing on those things, they focus on what they can control and take action to make positive changes in their lives.

27. Practice empathy

Happy people are empathetic towards others and seek to understand their perspectives. They are compassionate and caring towards others and make an effort to help those in need.

28. Celebrate the achievements of others

Happy people are happy for the successes of others and celebrate their achievements. They understand that there is enough success to go around and that celebrating others’ accomplishments doesn’t detract from their own.

29. Create meaningful experiences

Happy people make an effort to create meaningful experiences in their lives. They seek out new adventures and make memories that they can cherish for years to come.

30. Live with purpose

Happy people live with a sense of purpose and direction. They have a clear vision of what they want to accomplish in life and work towards achieving those goals every day.