5 Small Spiritual Habits That Will Make You Happier Than 98% Of People
Top tips for spiritual self-care to cultivate a wealth of happiness.
RDNE Stock project, NikkiZalewski | Canva Keeping your spirits high and maintaining happiness can be an incredible challenge when facing a world of adversity. We practice self-care for our physical body and self-care for our mental well-being, but how about our spiritual health?
Here are 5 spiritual habits that will make you happier than most people, according to YourTango experts:
1. Practicing kindness and expressions of compassion
Practicing kindness and compassion is a spiritual habit that greatly enhances happiness. When you perform acts of kindness or express compassion, your brain releases endorphins, creating a natural mood boost known as the "helper's high." This practice strengthens social bonds, fostering a sense of connection and community crucial for emotional well-being. It also shifts focus from personal concerns to the well-being of others, enhancing gratitude and perspective. Rooted in many spiritual traditions, kindness, and compassion align with deeper values and a sense of purpose, contributing to a more fulfilling and joyful life.
— Clare Waismann, Counselor
2. Affirming non-transactional love
Use the 108 bead mala to daily send an affirmation of love and joy in a non-transactional manner toward a situation over which you have no control while providing a positive focus and allowing, rather than negative reactivity.
— Liz Zed, Spiritual Coach
3. Amplifying your vibes
Spending time doing things to raise your vibration helps you feel happier. I have been working on this and have seen a big difference since I started.
I call this "Living in the Magic," which is always around us. However, you have to be aware of the synchronicities, signs, and symbols offering guidance to see and apply them.
A simple way to raise your vibration is to ask your guides or angels for help. Close your eyes, settle in, take a deep breath, and ask. They will help you, and you will be glad you made the request and took the time. This is magical self-care - the best kind!
— Ronnie Ann Ryan, Intuitive Coach
Photo: Aila Images via Getty
4. Visualizing your happiness
Visualization is a spiritual habit that brings you a sense of flow and contentment by aligning your thoughts with your aspirations. It involves creating a mental image of your desired outcomes and immersing yourself in the positive feelings associated with achieving your goals –like experiencing peace or relaxation, nailing a job interview, or hitting your ideal time in a race.
The beauty is visualization doesn’t have to take lots of time or effort. Even five minutes a day can work wonders on your overall well-being. The reticular activating system, a neurological mechanism, sifts through information based on the goals you’re visualizing. It then prioritizes elements relevant to your goals, and you'll notice more opportunities and resources that align with what you’re after. Mental practice makes perfect, and you’ll get a happiness boost just by picturing yourself more successful and happier.
— Lisa Petsinis, Career and Life Coach
5. Learning to surrender
Learning to surrender can have a profound impact on happiness and well-being. When we surrender, we free up mental space because we're not trying to control our situation or force an outcome. Having this freed-up mental space gives us more energy to make positive changes and allows us to be more peaceful and present in our current situation.
— Blair Nicole, CEO, MA in Psychology, & Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT)
Surrender yourself to radiate as much love and compassion as possible without sacrificing yourself to help you visualize and achieve a level of happiness most people find rare.
Will Curtis is a writer and editor for YourTango. He's been featured on the Good Men Project and taught English abroad for ten years.