10 Habits That Will Make You 98% Happier Than Others

Vocabulary Review

Seem (verb) – appearing to be one way at first, even if it may not actually be that way. 

Example: The task seemed easy at first, but it turned out to be more difficult than expected.

Insignificant (adjective) – very small or unimportant. 

Example: A small daily habit may feel insignificant, but it can create big changes over time.

Tremendous (adjective) – very large or extremely strong in degree or effect. 

Example: Regular exercise can have a tremendous impact on both physical and mental health.

Fortunate (adjective) – lucky or in a good situation. 

Example: She felt fortunate to have supportive friends during a difficult time.

Overlooked (adjective / verb) – not noticed or not given enough attention. 

Example: Sleep is often overlooked as an important part of staying healthy.

Solid (adjective) – reliable, strong, or well-supported. 

Example: He has a solid routine that helps him stay focused and calm.

Vast majority (noun phrase) – a very large percentage of people or things. 

Example: The vast majority of students agreed that the class was helpful.

Mild (adjective) – not severe or extreme. 

Example: Even mild stress can affect your mood if it lasts too long.

Expose yourself to something (phrase) – to experience or allow yourself to be affected by

something. 

Example: She tries not to expose herself to negative news before bedtime.

Tension (noun) – physical or mental tightness caused by stress or worry. 

Example: Stretching helped relieve the tension in his shoulders.

Menace (noun) – something that causes harm, danger, or serious problems. 

Example: Pollution is a growing menace to public health.

Fulfilment (noun) – a feeling of happiness or satisfaction from doing something meaningful. 

Example: Volunteering gave her a strong sense of fulfilment.

Grateful (adjective) – feeling thankful or appreciative. 

Example: He felt grateful for the opportunity to travel and learn new things.

A bit on the nose (idiom) – very obvious or direct, sometimes too much so. 

Example: The message of the movie was a bit on the nose, but still effective.

Indulge (verb) – to allow yourself to enjoy something, often as a treat. 

Example: On weekends, she likes to indulge in a good book and a cup of coffee.

Fatigue (noun) – extreme tiredness, either physical or mental. 

Example: Long work hours can lead to serious fatigue over time.

10 Habits That Will Make You 98% Happier Than Others

Many people like to think that happiness comes from having a big house or a high salary, but research has shown that what makes us truly happy is often the simplest of things, like the small daily habits and seemingly insignificant lifestyle choices that we make. While often overlooked, these small habits and choices have a tremendous effect on our life and how happy we are. Today we are fortunate enough to finally have a solid list of the habits that make people 98 percent happier than others.

1. Drinking More Water

Let’s be honest, drinking a glass of water is about the easiest thing you can do, yet the vast majority of people are walking around dehydrated every single day. Today we know that even mild dehydration negatively affects your mood, energy, ability to concentrate, etc. Drinking enough water each day helps your brain function better, reduces stress, and gives you a natural boost of energy. In fact, over 80% of people who drank 10+ glasses of water per day say that they felt “extremely happy” and reported feeling less negative emotions such as stress and anger.

2. Not Owning a TV

You might not like to hear this one, but one of the most consistent similarities of happy people is that they do not own a TV. Today, owning a TV is just one more way to expose yourself to the stress of global news and advertisements that convince you happiness is found in their product. Moreover, people who don’t own a TV usually get better quality sleep, spend more time with friends and family, and pursue healthier hobbies. 

3. Stretching Daily

At some point in your life, someone has probably told you that you should stretch each morning, but they might not have told you why. Stretching not only releases the built-up muscle tension caused by stress and negative emotions, but it is also a great way to connect your mind and body and start each day feeling complete. People who stretch for at least 5 minutes per day say they feel safer, less anxious, more clear minded, and in a better mood.

4. Cleaning Your House More Often

Clutter is a menace! The saying 'a messy bed is a messy head' holds true. Subconsciously, your brain sees clutter as a bunch of unfinished tasks, and this causes us a great deal of stress. In fact, one of the most consistent differences between the most depressed and happiest people is that the happiest people say that keeping their home clean and tidy is one of their top priorities and describe themselves as 'constantly cleaning.' Small, consistent habits like washing dishes immediately after eating or making your bed right after waking up are huge contributors to lasting happiness. 

5. Having Something Planned

Humans are happiest when they have something to look forward to. It doesn’t need to be a big vacation, something as simple as a plan to get a coffee with a friend, go out for a movie night, or take part in a weekend activity can give you a lasting sense of fulfilment. The excitement of waiting for something fun can be just as enjoyable as the activity itself.

6. Daily Writing

Writing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to understand yourself. Nothing feels better than expressing yourself clearly, and writing gives you the chance to do just that. Another consistently observed habit of happy people is their commitment of daily writing. Even a few sentences a day about what went well, what you’re grateful for, or what you want to improve on in the future can give you a much higher level of mental clarity and satisfaction or happiness. Writing is pretty much the cheaper, more convenient form of therapy.

7. Praising Others Instead of Competing

It's probably a bit on the nose, this one, but by avoiding comparing yourself to others and praising their success instead, you actually make yourself feel more confident and connected. There is no greater thief of happiness than jealousy, and the ultimate source of jealousy is comparison. People who cheer for others will usually feel lighter, happier, and less stressed.

8. Reading More

Reading. Regardless of what genre you read (be it fiction, nonfiction, informative or self-help), reading gives your brain a distraction from your own worries and a chance to indulge in something you find interesting. Reading is a great way to lower your stress, improve your sleep, and strengthen your focus. People who read regularly don't only gain more knowledge but they also gain a higher level of empathy and emotional well-being.

9. Running or Going to the Gym

Exercise is one of the most powerful and scientifically proven antidepressants. Studies consistently show that even just a quick 10-minute run or gym session is enough to release endorphins, improve your mood, reduce your anxiety, and boost your confidence. Regular exercise also helps you sleep better and feel more energetic during the day.

10. Living Close to Work

This probably makes the most sense, but long commutes to work and dealing with rush hour traffic are strongly linked to stress, anger, and fatigue. People who live closer to work often have more free time, better sleep, and more energy. Even reducing your commute by 10–15 minutes can make a huge difference in daily happiness.

Questions

1. Why do you think owning a TV makes people less happy?

2. Do you agree with what the article said about clutter causing stress?

3. Have you ever tried journaling or any kind of daily writing before?

4. Do you think praising others would really make you happier?

5. Which of these habits would you recommend to your friends or family?

6. What are three things that you are grateful for?

   
   

7. Were any of these happy habits surprising to you?

8. Are there any other habits that you think can make people happy?

9. What habits do you have that make you happiest?

10. What is more important to feel happy, mental or physical health?

11. Are there any bad habits that you have and want to stop or bad habits that someone you know has and would recommend them to stop?

12. Can you be happy even if you don't like your job?

    
    

13. Do you think modern life and technology makes people more or less happy?

14. Do you think consumerism makes people more or less happy?

15. Is having a routine helpful or boring?

16. Do you think people need to have challenges to feel fulfilled?

• Do you agree with the following: "Happiness is being too busy to notice you’re not happy."