25 positive habits for a healthier, happier you before 2026

Health benefits of doing yoga daily: Yoga is good for flexibility, proper breathing, and grounding your thoughts (Image: Pexels)

Do you often miss deadlines or feel stressed? Do you miss feeling happy? Happiness isn’t gone, it’s just hidden under all the noise. The truth is, you don’t need fancy routines or costly self-care. You just need to go back to the basics that keep your body and mind in balance.

Health advice normally comes from your doctor, your mum, or the neighbour next door, and it usually works. Drink plenty of water, go for a walk, and be kind to yourself. The elderly in the home somehow know the secret to a healthy and happy life.

Here are daily habits that can shape your happiness. So, if life feels chaotic or heavy, these small yet powerful habits can help you rediscover calm, one mindful moment at a time.

Also read | Simple habits might help you live a decade longer, according to Harvard experts; 9 habits for longevity

25 positive habits for a calmer, happier you

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking sufficient water helps to keep your body refreshed and your mind on alert mode

2. Eat fresh food: Eat food cooked at home, and include fruits, vegetables, and fresh spices to your meals

3. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity, even a brisk 20 minute walk, can help to lift your mood

4. Practice yoga: Yoga is good for flexibility, proper breathing, and grounding your thoughts.

5. Meditate daily: Spending just 5 minutes in peace can help reset your stress levels.

6. Limit screen time: Gadgets are important but so is the real world. Spend time with those you love instead of scrolling your screen all the time.

7. Quit smoking: You already know how harmful it is for your health, especially your lungs. It’s time to quit the habit and do something creative that can make you happy.

8. Drink in moderation: An occasional pint or a glass of wine is fine, yet balance matters. Drink in moderation.

9. Sleep well: A good sleep results in good mood. Aim for 7–8 hours; rest is the foundation of good health.

10. Include dry fruits: Almonds, walnuts and dates are tiny powerhouses of energy.

Also read | Healthy habits to start your day right: 10 tiny changes that can make a huge difference

11. Stay positive: Focus on what’s going right instead of what’s wrong.

12. Be kind: Small acts of kindness create ripples of happiness around you.

13. Stay connected: Call your friends, visit your parents, talk to your neighbours.

14. Get your sunlight: A few minutes outdoors boosts vitamin D and brightens mood.

15. Read something uplifting: Books feed the soul in ways screens never can.

16. Declutter your space: A tidy room often leads to a tidy mind.

17. Listen to music: Sing along, even if you are a bathroom singer, it releases happy hormones.

18. Laugh often: Make a list of funny sitcoms and movies. Watch a silly comedy or just laugh at life’s absurdities.

19. Spend time in nature: Green spaces are natural healers of the spirit.

20. Keep a gratitude journal: Write three things you’re thankful for every day.

21. Limit negative news: Stay informed, but don’t let headlines steal your peace.

22. Learn something new: Keeps your brain sharp and your confidence high.

23. Breathe deeply: A slow breath in and out is a mini holiday for the mind.

24. Help someone: It’s the quickest route to genuine happiness.

25. Take breaks: Rest isn’t laziness, it’s how we recharge to live well.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.