Lachlan Brown
Ever wonder why some people always seem so happy, no matter what?
It’s not about having a perfect life or a big paycheck. It’s all about what they do in their free time.
Here, we’re going to share 12 simple things happy people do when they’re not at work.
Let’s get started.
1. They Prioritize Self-Care
Happy people understand that taking care of their physical health is vital to maintaining their happiness.
When they’re not working, they squeeze in some exercise, prepare a healthy meal, or simply catch up on sleep.
They know that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
So, whether it’s a quick jog around the park, a yoga session, or just staying hydrated and eating right – they make sure to take care of themselves first.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
2. They Connect with Loved Ones
Happy people value their relationships and make time to nurture them.
When they’re off work, they’re often found catching up with friends, spending quality time with family, or even playing with their pets.
They understand that building strong, healthy relationships can provide emotional support and bring joy and fulfilment into their lives.
So, whether it’s a long chat with an old friend, a family game night, or a walk in the park with their dog, they make sure to invest quality time in their cherished relationships.
3. They Invest Time in Hobbies
As someone who’s generally happy, I can tell you that having a hobby is like having a secret weapon.
When I’m done with work, one of the things I look forward to is spending time on my hobbies.
For me, it’s painting. There’s something therapeutic about holding a brush, watching as the colors blend and create something beautiful on the canvas.
It allows me to express myself and it’s a great stress-buster too.
So, whether it’s painting like me, playing an instrument, knitting, gardening, or anything else that you enjoy – happy people make sure to spend time doing what they love.
4. They Soak Up Nature
Happy people have a knack for taking advantage of the great outdoors.
They understand the calming effect of nature and often spend their free time taking walks, hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a sunset.
According to a study spending just 20 minutes in a park— even if you don’t exercise while you’re there — is enough to improve wellbeing.
As Tenzin Wangyal says so well in The True Source of Healing, “Connection to the peaceful, joyful experience of who you are, is directly accessible through the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of nature.”
Forest bathing or shinrin-yoku is a famous, therapeutic Japanese practice of spending time in nature.
Dr Li Qing, the world’s most foremost expert on forest medicine states in his book Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, “studies have shown that spending mindful, intentional time around trees can promote health and happiness.”
5. They Give Back
Happy people have a big heart and they’re not afraid to show it.
They know the joy of giving back to their community or to those in need.
Volunteering time, donating to a worthy cause, or just helping a neighbor can fill them with a sense of purpose and satisfaction that’s hard to beat.
It’s not just about making the world a better place, but it’s also about recognizing that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
So, when they’re not at work, happy people often spend time finding ways to give back and spread a little happiness of their own.
6. They Take Time to Relax
Let me share something about myself. I’m one of those people who are often seen with a smile. And one thing I’ve learned is the importance of unwinding.
When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me lounging with a good book or lost in my favorite music.
These moments of relaxation are like mini-vacations for my mind, helping me recharge and get ready for another busy day.
So, like me, happy people realize the importance of taking a break and doing absolutely nothing sometimes.
7. They Face Their Problems Head On
Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, even for the happiest people. They have their fair share of problems too.
But here’s the kicker – they don’t hide from them.
They face them head-on, no matter how uncomfortable it makes them feel.
When they’re not working, they take time to reflect on the issues they’re dealing with, trying to find solutions rather than pushing them under the rug.
It might be tough, it might be painful, but they know that facing problems is the first step towards solving them.
8. They Cultivate Gratitude
Happy people know the power of appreciation. They take time, when they’re not at work, to reflect on the good things in their life.
Being appreciative of the things you have in life is an excellent way to boost your mood.
The Harvard Health Blog says that “gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.”
“Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”
In a recent study, psychologists at UC Davis had 3 groups of participants keep weekly journals focused on a particular topic.
One group wrote about the hassles they experience in life, the other group wrote about major events, and the last group wrote about things they were grateful for.
After 10 weeks, those who were told to write about things they were grateful for ended up feeling happier and more optimistic about life.
9. They Keep Learning
I’m always curious and eager to learn something new.
It’s one of the things that keeps me happy.
When I’m not working, I love exploring new topics or skills – be it a foreign language, a new recipe, or even a DIY project.
This constant learning not only feeds my curiosity but also helps me grow and improve.
Like me, happy people understand that life is a continuous journey of learning.
They embrace opportunities to learn and grow, knowing that it contributes to their overall sense of happiness and fulfilment.
10. They Embrace Imperfection
Happy people know they’re not perfect – and they’re okay with that.
They understand that mistakes and failures are part of life and a great source of learning.
Instead of beating themselves up over a misstep, they use it as a stepping stone towards improvement.
They accept their flaws and turn them into strengths. They don’t strive for perfection but for progress.
11. They Avoid Drama
Life is too short to get caught up in petty arguments or meaningless gossip.
Happy people get this. They steer clear of unnecessary drama and focus on what truly matters – their peace of mind.
They choose their battles wisely and don’t waste their energy on things that won’t matter in the long run.
12. They Practice Forgiveness
Holding grudges or harboring resentment is not the happy person’s way.
They understand the power of forgiveness – both towards others and themselves.
They let go of past hurts, not for the sake of the other person, but for their own peace and happiness.
So there you have it – some raw, honest insights into what happy people do when they’re not at work. It’s not rocket science, just simple habits and attitudes that make a big difference.
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