52 Ways to Be Happier, Healthier and Enjoy Life More
Here it is. The list to end all lists. Forget every other checklist you have saved, because this one is the only one you will ever need.
I am sharing 52 research-backed and real-life proven ways to be happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. And no, this is not about adding fifty-two new tasks to your already full life. It is about small mindset shifts, simple habits, and one meaningful action each week that creates real change over time.
Join me, and by this time next year you will feel lighter, stronger, and more joyful than you do today.
52 Ways to Be Happier, Healthier and Enjoy Life More
1. Assume The Best In Others
A key to being happier in life is to make the decision to assume that the people around you have good intentions, they are operating to the best of their ability, and they mean you no harm. When you decide to err on the side of assuming others have good motives, you protect yourself from living with a negative mindset.
2. Talk To Yourself As Nicely As You Would Talk To A Friend
We use language and phrases about ourselves that would be completely unacceptable for us to say to anyone else. Make a rule, starting today that you will talk to and about yourself the same way you would talk to and about your dearest friend. Doing this is one of the most important key ways to be happy every day.
3. Make Your Faith a Daily Priority
What many of us already know from experience is now backed by research. People who stay connected to their faith report higher levels of happiness, resilience, and long-term emotional well-being. When you make space for God in your everyday life, everything else feels a little lighter and a little clearer. Start by setting aside a few quiet minutes for prayer or reflection today. Small moments of faith can shift the entire tone of your day.
4. Spend Time With People Who Build You Up
When we intentionally choose to spend time with those who are supportive, positive, and encouraging, we acquire a positive mindset and are happier. When we find ourselves surrounded by people who are negative, critical, and hurtful, it steals our happiness and our joy.
5. Be Yourself
Allow yourself to be the person you were created to be, and surround yourself with those who love you for who you really are. Scientists have studied those at the end of their lives, the most comment regret is, “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.”
6. Let Your Failures Become the Groundwork for Your Next Success
From the time you take your first wobbly steps as a toddler, and all the way to adulthood, you will fail as a natural part of learning. Learning to see your failures as steps along the path to success will change how you view your failures and how you live your life.
7. Give Your Dream A Chance And Go For It
I believe God plants dreams in us just like he gives us certain talents and gifts. If you have a dream that just won’t go away, and that dream will in some way make the world a better place, start making plans to achieve it. Write out exactly what your vision is, and find people who can help you achieve it.
8. Change One Habit At A Time For Long-Term Success
I started thinking about getting healthier, and pretty soon I was planning how to grow my own non-GMO wheat in the backyard and bake my own bread. I had to reel myself back in and focus on one actual change!
Instead of drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper every day (I know, I know, I’m going to grow a tail from the artificial sweetener!), I just allow myself one as a treat when I go to the movies. Baby-steps without the backyard wheat plans!
Don’t try to change everything all at once. You’ll feel much more accomplished and more likely to set and reach other goals. Changing your life isn’t done overnight but taking action on one thing each week will!
9. Let Go Of Toxic Relationships
Some people are emotional black holes. They just can’t get enough praise, attention, control, or love. They often start out very charming when you first meet, but over time you realize your interactions with this person are negative and more harmful than beneficial.
As my Grandma used to say, ”Don’t let sick people make you sick.” Let go of unhealthy relationships so you can enjoy life.
10. Stay Open to New Friendships
I know it can feel risky to open your heart again, especially after you have walked away from a painful or draining relationship. It is natural to want to protect yourself from being hurt twice. But staying closed off keeps you from the very thing that brings long-term joy.
Research consistently shows that the quality of our relationships is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong happiness. Healthy friendships help us feel supported, grounded, and connected. It is worth staying open, taking small steps, and investing in people who bring out the best in you.
11. Practice Being Grateful Every Day
When I tuck my younger children in bed at night, I ask them, “What three things made you happy today that you’re grateful for?” It’s a simple, low-pressure question but it’s my way to instill the discipline of gratitude to my children.
Identifying three things that we’re grateful for at the end of every day is a simple way to reduce anxiety, increase happiness, and set the tone for a great day tomorrow.
12. Focus On How Far You’ve Come
It’s easy to focus on how much work we have to do and how far away our big goal is, but it’s equally important is to celebrate how far we’ve come. Taking time to celebrate our progress, even if we are celebrating baby steps, keeps us feeling accomplished and not overwhelmed.
13. Swap Screen Time for Something That Sparks Your Creativity
My granddaddy used to say, “Don’t sit, soak, and sour, girl. Get up.” And honestly? He was onto something. When we trade passive screen time for something that gets our hands moving or our curiosity going, our brain lights up and our mood follows.
Try photography, plant a tiny herb garden, take an archery class, learn to watercolor, or go deep on the oddly fascinating world of dolphin mating habits. It truly doesn’t matter what you choose—just find something that sparks joy and run with it.
14. Step Outside and Let Fresh Air Reset Your Mind
I’m preaching to myself with this one. I can spend hours glued to my laptop and forget there’s an actual world beyond my screen. But research keeps reminding us that even a few minutes outdoors can shift everything—boosting your mood, lowering stress, and giving your brain the reset it’s been begging for. A short walk, a moment on the porch, or simply feeling the sun on your face can do more good than we realize.
15. Complain Less
Have you ever listened to someone complain and thought to yourself, “This is so helpful. I always feel so uplifted when I hear people complain?” Of course not. It has a negative effect on you and everyone else who is listening (including the complainer).
Make the decision today to complain less and compliment more and be happier instantly.
16. Calm Fear and Anxiety by Focusing on What You Can Actually Control
On any given day, there are a million things I could worry about. But learning to separate what’s real from what’s imagined—and what’s mine to carry from what isn’t—has been a game changer. When I name what’s truly within my control and release the rest, fear loses its power. It keeps me grounded, clear‑headed, and far less likely to spiral into anxiety.
17. Let Go of the Victim Mindset and Take Back Your Power
It’s easy to slip into believing that other people are always the reason things go wrong. Over time, that pattern becomes a mindset—one that leaves you feeling stuck, powerless, and alone.
A victim mentality isn’t a character flaw; it’s often a learned response to hard things you’ve lived through. And sometimes it really does take a skilled counselor to help untangle those beliefs and teach you a healthier way forward.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it, and keep practicing the daily mindset shifts that remind you you’re capable, resilient, and not defined by what’s happened to you.
18. Make The Decision To Be Happier
Have you ever just made the decision to be happier? Most people haven’t. But it’s much easier to act yourself into a new way of thinking than it is to think yourself into a new way of acting.
You can tell yourself you are going to learn how to ice skate. You can read all the books, watch all the videos, even buy yourself a fancy pair of skates. But until you strap them on and actually start skating, you aren’t going to be a skater!
Telling yourself you are going to be happier doesn’t work. You have to take actions that will actually make you happier.
19. Forgive Those Who Have Hurt You
When we carry around hurt and anger, it festers and grows into a spirit of bitterness and offense. When our hearts become bitter and offended we live life wounded and see every interaction through the lens of that pain.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean that the betrayal is okay. It doesn’t mean what the person did to you is okay. Forgiveness is a gift to yourself, not a release of guilt to the offender. It sets you free from the weight of carrying around all that hurt and anger.
20. Invest in the Relationships You Want to Grow
Every meaningful relationship in our lives needs attention, intention, and a little bit of nurturing. Research continues to show that strong, healthy connections are one of the biggest predictors of long-term happiness and emotional well-being.
When we choose to pour our limited time and energy into the people who matter most, those relationships deepen, strengthen, and become a source of joy and stability. What you consistently care for will always grow.
21. Remind Imposter Syndrome That You’re the Real Deal
Imposter syndrome is incredibly common, especially among high achievers, entrepreneurs, and anyone stepping into new opportunities. It shows up as that sneaky feeling that you do not belong, that you are unqualified, and that any minute now someone will discover you have no idea what you are doing.
And here is the surprising part: the more successful people become, the stronger imposter syndrome can feel.
The first step in quieting it is simply recognizing it. When you can name it, you take away its power. Awareness gives you the space to remind yourself that you are capable, you do belong, and you are not a fraud. You are growing, stretching, and becoming exactly who you are meant to be.
22. Get the Support That Helps You Grow
My life and business changed the moment I stopped trying to figure everything out on my own and decided to invest in the support, skills, and wisdom I needed to move forward. We are not meant to do big things alone.
Whether it is coaching, counseling, a course, or a mentor who has already walked the road you want to travel, getting the right help can accelerate your growth in ways you cannot imagine.
Think about the dream that has been tugging at your heart and ask yourself what small step you could take this week to move closer to it.
23. Be the Kind of Person Who Never Stops Learning
Staying curious and willing to learn is one of the most powerful habits you can build. When you choose to learn from others instead of assuming you already know it all, you grow faster, lead better, and feel more confident.
Every new skill or insight gives you a sense of accomplishment and momentum. Lifelong learners are the ones who stay adaptable, creative, and ready for whatever comes next.
24. Break the Habit of Self Sabotage
I see this all the time with people who dream of starting a business, writing a book, or launching a ministry or nonprofit. Instead of taking the course they need, hiring the coach who could guide them, or simply working step by step from point A to point B, they talk themselves out of it. They say things like, “Maybe I am not ready,” or “It feels too overwhelming right now, maybe I will do it one day.” The problem is that “one day” almost never comes.
The way you break self sabotage is by deciding your dreams are worth the effort and choosing to move forward even when it feels uncomfortable or scary. Small, consistent action is what builds confidence and momentum. You do not wait to feel ready. You become ready by taking the next step.
25. Remember That Comparison Is a Game You Can Never Win
Comparison is one of the quickest ways to drain your joy. It sneaks in quietly and convinces you that someone else’s life, progress, or success is the standard you should measure yourself against. I have so much to say about this that I wrote an entire article on it, because comparison never leads to confidence, peace, or clarity. It only distracts you from the good work happening in your own life.
26. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
This one feels simple, but most of us struggle with it. Rest is not laziness. Rest is obedience, restoration, and protection for your mind and body. You would think the easiest of the Ten Commandments to follow would be taking a Sabbath, yet so many of us push through exhaustion and call it normal.
When you allow yourself to slow down, your anxiety decreases, your happiness increases, and your body has the chance to repair and stay healthy. Rest is not optional. It is essential for a joyful, sustainable life.
27. Get Yourself a Back‑Up Brain
With five kids and a full life, I am keeping track of details for seven humans, plus everything happening in my business, upcoming projects, travel plans, and the tiny tasks that pop up every single day. That is far too much for one brain to manage. Nothing steals my joy faster than feeling overwhelmed or worrying I will forget something important.
That is why I use a digital system as my second brain. For me, Evernote has been a lifesaver, but the specific tool matters less than having a place to store the things your mind should not have to hold. Giving yourself a back‑up brain frees up mental space, reduces stress, and helps you stay organized without running on constant worry.
28. Let Your Values Lead Your Decisions
When your choices do not line up with your core values, you will always feel a little unsettled. This is true in your personal life and in business. Over the years, there have been companies that wanted to hire me as an advisor and entrepreneurs who wanted coaching, but I could not make peace with the product or service they were selling. The money was great, but money alone does not create happiness or peace.
Saying no was the right choice because it protected my integrity and my well-being. When you live in alignment with your values and beliefs, you create a life that feels honest, grounded, and deeply fulfilling.
29. Adopt a Zero Tolerance Policy for Drama
We all know someone who insists they hate drama, yet somehow they are always standing right in the center of it. Some people genuinely thrive on chaos without ever realizing they are the ones creating it.
When you decide that drama is not welcome in your life, everything gets calmer and clearer. A zero tolerance policy protects your peace, reduces stress, and keeps you from getting pulled into other people’s emotional tornadoes. You do not have to participate in the chaos just because someone else is inviting you into it.
30. Have a Framework for Making Wise Decisions
One of the best gifts you can give yourself is a simple, reliable way to make decisions you will not regret later. In Breaking Busy, I shared a five step framework that has guided me through everything from business choices to family commitments.
Having a process helps you slow down, get honest about what matters, and choose what aligns with your values instead of reacting out of pressure or fear. When you know how to make decisions with clarity and confidence, you protect your time, your energy, and your peace.
31. Choose a Growth Mindset Every Day
There are two common ways we think about our abilities. A fixed mindset says your intelligence and skills are set and unchanging. A growth mindset says you can learn, grow, and develop into the person you were created to be.
When you believe you can change, you open the door to new opportunities, new strengths, and new confidence. The way you think about yourself will either help you grow or keep you stuck.
Do not limit your potential by refusing to see what is possible for you.
32. Learn to Accept Your Looks And Your Body
Every one of us has something about our appearance we wish we could change. It is part of being human. But here is the truth most of us forget: no one is studying your body the way you think they are. People are far too focused on their own lives to be judging yours.
When you stop criticizing yourself, even for a week, everything shifts. You feel lighter, more confident, and more present in your own life. Give yourself the gift of stepping out of self‑judgment and see how freeing it can be.
33. Allow Yourself Not To Be Cool
Some people are born with the cool gene, and some of us are… delightfully not. And honestly, trying too hard to be cool is the fastest way to guarantee you will not be. The real magic happens when you stop performing and start being fully yourself.
When you quit chasing some imaginary version of who you think you should be, you get to enjoy your life so much more. Confidence, joy, and genuine connection come from authenticity, not from fitting into someone else’s idea of cool.
34. Celebrate That Your Life Is Not a Pinterest Board
I have a love and hate relationship with Pinterest. I adore the beautiful ideas and the endless inspiration, but it is easy to forget that every image is perfectly planned, styled, and edited.
When we start comparing our real lives to those curated squares, it can quietly steal our joy. Real life is messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully human. It is full of moments that are far better than anything staged for a photo.
Celebrate the life you actually have, not the one you think you are supposed to create.
35. Give Yourself Permission To Disappoint Others
This one is not easy, but it is necessary. In Breaking Busy, I shared that even Jesus disappointed people. It is simply part of being human. When you accept that you will sometimes disappoint others and that others will sometimes disappoint you, life gets a whole lot lighter.
Releasing the pressure to make everyone happy frees you from unrealistic expectations and constant people pleasing. You cannot live a joyful, purposeful life if you are always managing other people’s reactions. Letting go of that burden makes room for real peace.
36. Devote Time Daily to the Things That Bring You Joy
I love to sing, to worship, to snuggle with my family, and I never say no to a big cup of hot tea and a great book. I do not spend hours a day doing these things, but I make sure I spend some time every day on what fills me up. You do not need huge blocks of time to protect your joy.
A few intentional minutes can shift your whole mood and help buffer you from the stress of daily life. When you consistently make space for the things that make you feel alive, you build a life that feels lighter, happier, and more grounded.
37. Focus On Finding Win-Win Solutions
We hear this idea all the time in business, but it is just as important in our personal lives. When you look for win win solutions in your relationships, you strengthen trust and protect the connection.
Compromise is not about giving up what matters to you. It is about working together to find the best possible outcome for everyone involved. When people feel heard and valued, stress goes down, cooperation goes up, and your relationships become healthier and happier.
38. Outsource and Automate the Little Things You Do Not Enjoy
Life is too short to spend your energy on tasks that drain you. These days, there are so many simple ways to automate or outsource the little things that feel exhausting. For me, things like online bill paying, digital shopping, and grocery pickup have been game changers.
When you remove the repetitive tasks that weigh you down, you free up time and mental space for the things that actually matter. Give yourself permission to make life easier wherever you can.
39. Identify Your People
Find the few people who have truly earned your trust, the ones whose lives consistently bear good fruit, and let them become your trusted advisors.
You do not need a crowd. You need a small circle of wise, steady voices who love you enough to tell you the truth and support you in the right direction.
When you know who your people are, decision making gets clearer, life feels lighter, and you are far less likely to be swayed by noise or pressure.
40. Make Peace With Unpredictability
Plans change, cars break down, movies sell out, flights get canceled. In fact, the only thing predictable about life is that it is unpredictable. Learning to go with the flow will go a long way in reducing your stress level.
41. Define Your Personal Boundaries And Defend Them
You know your life better than anyone else. You know what you can handle, what you have time for, and what pushes your buttons.
Clear boundaries help you stay in control of what you say yes to and protect your energy from being stretched too thin. I defend my boundaries with humor and humility most days, and doing so makes me feel stronger, more grounded, and far happier. When you honor your limits, you create a life that feels peaceful instead of pressured.
42. Get Enough Sleep
There was a season when I believed I could stay up half the night, run on five hours of sleep, and still be a kind, patient human the next day.
Spoiler alert: I could not. Eventually it caught up with me, and by “caught up with me” I mean I became someone no one wanted to be around.
Research shows that lack of sleep can lead to weight gain, anxiety, and even premature wrinkles, which definitely got my attention. Prioritizing sleep is not indulgent. It is one of the simplest ways to protect your health, your mood, and your overall happiness.
43. Focus On How You’re Making The World A Better Place
One of the simplest ways to feel happier is to look for small opportunities to make someone else’s day better. When we serve others, whether it is our family, our friends, our coworkers, or even a stranger we may never see again, something shifts inside us.
Generosity lifts our mood, strengthens our relationships, and reminds us that our lives have purpose. Imagine how different the world would feel if each of us looked for one small way to bring kindness into someone’s day and then actually followed through.
44. Start Out On The Right Track The Night Before
Because mornings can feel chaotic even on a good day, I set myself up for success the night before. The coffee is ready to brew, the kids’ things are laid out, and any little tasks that would slow me down in the morning are already handled.
A permission slip, a check that needs to be written, a form that needs to be signed — all of it gets taken care of ahead of time. Spending just five or ten intentional minutes each evening saves a surprising amount of stress the next day and helps you start your morning feeling calm instead of rushed.
45. Remember That Feelings Are Not Facts
Just because we feel something does not automatically make it true. On the days when I am exhausted or facing challenge after challenge, everything can feel terrible. And that feeling is valid. But it does not mean the situation actually is terrible.
When we pause before firing off a heated email, posting a frustrated comment, or sending that emoji‑filled text, we give ourselves space to see things more clearly. With a little distance and a fresh perspective, we often realize the situation was not nearly as bad as it felt in the moment.
46. Set Yourself Up For Happy Surprises
Have you ever slipped on a jacket and found a ten dollar bill in the pocket? Instant happiness. I love leaving little surprises for my future self. Sometimes it is a bit of money tucked into a purse I will not use again until next season.
Sometimes it is a sweet drawing from one of my kids hidden in a suitcase pocket. With a full life, it is easy to forget they are there, which makes finding them later even better. These tiny surprises create little bursts of joy right when you need them most.
47. Do Not Insist on the Best All the Time
If parenting has taught me anything, it is that good enough is often more than enough. Some days are simply about making it through without something breaking, someone getting sick, or a small emotional crisis erupting.
And if you manage a day without spills, stains, or heartbreak, that is a total win. Releasing the pressure to make everything perfect frees you to enjoy the moments that actually matter.
Good enough gives everyone in your home a little more room to breathe and be happy.
48. Get Some Exercise
It is funny how many of the things that genuinely make us happier are the same things our moms told us to do growing up. And it turns out, research backs up their wisdom.
Moving your body improves your happiness, your health, and your overall quality of life. Whether it is stepping outside for a walk, getting some fresh air, or doing a quick seven minute workout on your phone, a little movement goes a long way.
Exercise does not have to be intense or complicated. Just get your body moving, and you will feel the difference.
49. Practice Smiling (no, seriously)
In the words of Buddy the Elf, “I like smiling. Smiling’s my favorite.” One of the best choices I have made as a mom is to smile when one of my kids walks into the room.
Not a forced smile, but a big, genuine, eye‑crinkling smile that tells them they are loved and welcomed. It is a small investment that builds their confidence, their security, and our relationship.
Research shows that a real smile boosts your own happiness and lifts the mood of everyone around you. A simple smile can change the tone of a whole day.
50. Let Yourself Love Anyway
People are people, and no matter how hard we try to protect ourselves, we are going to get hurt sometimes. We can wrap ourselves in emotional bubble wrap and hide from the world, but that only leads to loneliness and a life that feels small.
Loving others always carries some risk, but it also brings the greatest joy. When people hurt you, forgive them, release the weight of the pain, and let yourself love anyway. It is the only way to live with an open heart and a full life.
51. Know What Real Success Looks Like
Success is God’s department. Faithfulness is ours. To me, real success is showing up well for the people and responsibilities God has entrusted to me: my husband, my children, my family, my calling, and the precious friends He has placed in my life. Fame and fortune are not the markers of a meaningful life. How well I love and how well I am loved — that is the truest measure of success.
52. Notice The Perfect Even In The Imperfect
Did you know a four leaf clover is technically imperfect? It is a little mutation, and yet when we find one, we treat it like treasure. That is the perfect picture of noticing the perfect inside the imperfect.
When one of my sons writes me a sweet note, I do not focus on the misspelled words. I treasure the fact that his heart is on the page. When my mom comes to visit, I do not complain that her flight lands at 10 p.m. I celebrate that she is here.
With practice, choosing to see the perfect tucked inside the imperfect helps us recognize and celebrate the good that is already in our lives.
Your Turn!
You made it! You read all 52 ways to live a healthier, happier, more joy filled life. So what now? How do you actually start living the life you want?
Sign up today and I will send you one simple tip and a little encouragement every Sunday afternoon for the next 52 weeks. One small step at a time, week after week, you will build habits that make your life lighter, healthier, and so much happier.
This time next year, we are going to be some healthy, happy, joy filled people.
