Jessica Weiss, a happiness researcher with years of experience working with leading global companies such as Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and American Express, shared her insights on how a person can become happier without spending money. Her conclusions are based on research and conversations with thousands of people from various social strata and income levels.
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“I have studied happiness for 15 years and had the opportunity to talk to thousands of people from different walks of life and with varying income levels — from executives in offices to workers on the front lines. Regardless of background or circumstances, the happiest people found ways to actively train their brains to find joy and satisfaction”
On March 20, the world celebrates International Day of Happiness, established by the UN in 2012. On this day, Jessica Weiss shared ten daily habits that help people remain happy, regardless of their financial situation or life circumstances.
10 Daily Habits of Happy People
- Prioritize Friendship. Happy people value their loved ones and make time for meaningful conversations with friends, going beyond quick chats or news exchanges.
- Plan Rest Mindfully. They find ways to recharge according to their own needs — whether it’s going for a run, engaging in a hobby, or another form of relaxation.
- Engage in Creativity. Spend time on creative activities: painting, cooking, gardening, or writing — this significantly boosts life satisfaction.
- Build Community. When stress arises, reach out to others for help or get involved in a meaningful cause that inspires and unites.
- Openly Appreciate Your Favorites. Don’t be afraid to be a genuine fan of your passions — it adds joy and inspiration.
- Set Personal Boundaries. For true happiness, it’s important to have two to five hours of free time each day; protect this space for yourself.
- Manage Your Energy. Schedule challenging tasks for times when you feel most energized, and plan recovery periods for low-energy moments, aligning your routine with your biorhythms.
- Don’t Ignore Small Social Contacts. Interacting even with strangers (like a barista) positively affects your mood.
- Enjoy the Moments. Happy people know how to pause and appreciate the beauty of the moment — a sunset, the taste of a dish, or a sense of achievement, training their brains to experience joy more deeply.
- Move Forward. They celebrate small victories and value the process of growth, not just the achievement of goals.
Cultural Insights and Additional Tips
In addition to the main habits, the expert advises paying attention to cultural practices that support happiness. For example, in Norway, the popular concept of “Friluftsliv” — living outdoors — helps maintain physical and mental health throughout the year.
It’s also worth learning from those who can maintain focus and avoid burnout under pressure, and for good well-being, include more fruits in your diet, as leading nutritionists from Japan recommend.
Happiness, as Jessica Weiss emphasizes, is not a single moment or a great achievement, but a collection of small pleasant events that together create a sense of harmony and joy in everyday life.