The secret to a happy, joyful life may be as simple as tweaking your evening routine. If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to radiate positivity while others don’t, psychology might have the answer.
It turns out that those upbeat folks likely have a few habits in common – seven, to be exact. And they’re all things they do in the evening, after the sun has set.
These aren’t complex, time-consuming activities. Quite the opposite. They’re simple, easy changes you can make to end your day on a positive note. And the best part? You don’t need a psychology degree to understand or adopt them.
In this article, we’ll delve into these evening habits that can boost your happiness and joyfulness.
So grab yourself a cup of tea, settle into your favorite chair, and let’s explore what these people are doing differently – and how you can do it too.
1) Happy people prioritize winding down
The first habit that psychology points out about happier, more joyful individuals is that they make it a point to wind down at the end of the day.
Unlike those who work until the last moment before they sleep or those who engage in stressful activities, these individuals understand the importance of letting their bodies and minds relax before hitting the hay.
This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re doing nothing. They might indulge in light reading, listen to calming music, or even engage in some gentle yoga.
The key is that these activities are not stress-inducing but rather, they help to facilitate a state of calmness and relaxation.
This approach aligns with what renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said: “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”
In the context of our evening habits, this quote emphasizes that happiness isn’t something to be achieved in a single moment or through one particular activity.
Instead, it’s about consistently engaging in practices that promote well-being – like winding down before bed – and making them part of our daily routine.
If you want to boost your happiness and joyfulness levels, start by giving yourself permission to unwind at the end of each day.
2) They practice gratitude
Another habit that happier and more joyful people tend to have? They practice gratitude.
Now, I’ll be honest. I used to be a bit skeptical about this whole ‘gratitude’ thing. It seemed a little too… fluffy. But after trying it out myself, I can say it’s truly a game-changer.
Each night, before I go to bed, I jot down three things I’m grateful for from the day. It could be as simple as a delicious meal I had, a conversation with a friend, or even the fact that I had a good hair day!
It might sound trivial, but this small act has helped me focus more on the positives in my life and less on the negatives.
Practicing gratitude is one of the most effective ways to alter our attitude. It shifts our focus from what’s wrong in our lives to what’s right, and that in itself can make us feel happier and more joyful.
If you’re looking for a simple way to brighten your mood, consider setting aside a few minutes each evening to reflect on what you’re thankful for. You might be surprised by how much of an impact it can make.
3) They acknowledge their feelings
Have you ever kept your feelings bottled up, only to have them explode later on? I think we’ve all been there.
Another evening habit of happier individuals is that they allow themselves to feel and acknowledge their emotions, both good and bad.
This is something that not everyone is comfortable doing, but it’s an important step towards emotional well-being.
Ignoring or suppressing our feelings can lead to a build-up of stress and anxiety. On the other hand, acknowledging our feelings can help us understand ourselves better and manage our emotions effectively.
As the renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.”
This means that true happiness isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about acknowledging our feelings – including the negative ones – and working through them.
Next time you’re feeling down, upset, or frustrated, don’t just brush it off. Take a moment to sit with your feelings, understand them, and then let them go. It can be a powerful tool for self-improvement and happiness.
4) They disconnect from technology
Switching off electronics is another evening habit of happier individuals.
In a world where we’re constantly connected, it can be hard to unplug. But numerous studies show that excessive screen time, especially before bed, can have adverse effects on our mental and physical health.
One such study conducted by the Sleep Foundation found that exposure to light-emitting screens before bedtime can suppress melatonin production, disrupt sleep, and increase feelings of stress and anxiety.
Happier people seem to understand this link. They make it a point to disconnect from their devices at least an hour before bedtime, giving their minds a chance to unwind.
This habit not only promotes better sleep but also provides an opportunity for self-reflection and relaxation — two activities that contribute significantly to overall happiness.
If you’re looking for ways to boost your joyfulness, consider swapping your device with a good book or some gentle stretching exercises in the evening. Your mind (and your eyes) will thank you.
5) They practice mindfulness
Now, I’m no Zen master, but I do believe in the power of mindfulness. And it turns out, so do many happier and more joyful individuals.
Mindfulness is all about living in the present moment. It’s about focusing on what’s happening right now, instead of worrying about the past or the future.
Incorporating mindfulness into my evening routine has made a huge difference.
Whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing, or simply focusing on the sensations of washing the dishes, it helps me let go of the day’s stress and sleep better.
Practicing mindfulness allows us to break free from our endless cycle of doing and take a moment to just be. It provides us with a sense of calm and peace that can significantly enhance our joyfulness and happiness.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your daily hustle, consider incorporating mindfulness into your evening routine. It might just be the secret to a happier life.
6) They accept imperfection
Here’s something surprising: happier individuals embrace imperfection in their lives.
Yes, you read that right. While most of us strive for perfection and get stressed when things don’t go our way, happier people understand that life is full of ups and downs. They accept that not every day will be perfect, and that’s okay.
This might seem counterintuitive, especially in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with messages of achieving “perfection.”
But accepting imperfection can actually relieve stress and contribute to a more joyful outlook on life.
Psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
This quote highlights the importance of self-acceptance in personal growth and happiness.
When we stop striving for perfection and start accepting ourselves – flaws and all – we open up the opportunity for true happiness and joy.
Next time you find yourself stressing over a mistake or a flaw, remember: it’s okay to be imperfect. It’s part of being human, and accepting it might just make you a happier person.
7) They prioritize sleep
Last but by no means least, happier people make sleep a priority.
Getting a good night’s sleep does wonders for our mood and overall well-being. Yet, many of us tend to compromise on sleep due to our busy schedules.
Adequate sleep refreshes the mind, restores the body, and plays a crucial role in maintaining our happiness and joyfulness.
If you’re looking to boost your mood and happiness levels, make sure you’re giving yourself enough time for a quality night’s sleep.
Final reflections
As we journey through the intricacies of human happiness and joyfulness, it’s clear that our evening habits play a significant role in shaping our mood and overall well-being.
From winding down to practicing gratitude, acknowledging feelings, disconnecting from technology, practicing mindfulness, accepting imperfections, and prioritizing sleep – these habits are more than just routines.
They’re stepping stones towards leading a happier, more joyful life.
It’s fascinating to see how simple changes in our evening routine can have such profound effects on our happiness levels.
After all, happiness isn’t about grand gestures or significant life events; it’s often found in the quieter moments and the simple acts of self-care we extend towards ourselves each day.
As you navigate through your own journey of joy and happiness, remember to take these habits to heart. And who knows? You might just find a little more joy and happiness tucked away in your evening routine.
