Simple little happy habits have two sides: they can be healthy or unhealthy, bringing happiness or unhappiness into our lives.

We have all read about the value of successful and healthful habits, as well as how to pick and follow them. However, I have also lately read that successful and healthful practices by themselves may not often translate into actual success or good health. It is not just that.

According to what I am reading right now, happiness seems to be just as crucial to success and well-being as lifestyle decisions, and it may even be the only factor that contributes to a healthy body, mind, and soul.

There are moments in life when we simply must do certain things. They are merely required tasks; they are neither unpleasant nor enjoyable. Why not adopt a few little, joyful behaviors to ease the burden?

I recall being unhappy for years while grocery shopping in my early twenties. It was a duty I dreaded.

Just entering the market made me feel a little overwhelmed.

Having to keep reminding the clerk that I did not want paper or plastic (I brought ’em and I will bag ’em), the numerous options (just shop the perimeter), the confusing labels of ingredients and nutrition facts (would the real food please stand out?), the comparison shopping tasks (the mental math matters), the crowds and their carts (to maneuver around), the loud music, the excessively bright lights, the even more annoying announcements, and the pricey ka-ching! (silent swipe, actually) at the checkout.

I also remember feeling bad about going grocery shopping (first-world problem, huh?). I despised having to shop for it, even though I was a first-world affluent person with access to nice food, free time from work, and truly, not relatively, more than enough money. It truly made me unhappy.

Now, this might seem like a little issue, but consider it. My enjoyment was being negatively impacted by this small behavior. And physically, it was no laughing matter. I was dissatisfied about it.

Do you have to do anything every day, or even only once or twice a week, that you do not enjoy doing? Do some of these items exist?

Would you characterize your typical days as either cheerful with occasional moments of sadness or miserable with occasional moments of happiness? Would you choose to increase your level of happiness if there were easy ways to do so?

The happy gene actually contains around half of our cheerful nature, but you may still choose to nurture the other half, which can be either full or empty depending on whatever genes you have.

Have a drink, optimists! Do not get thirsty, pessimists! Develop small, joyful routines.

1. Choose a simple little happy habit.

To begin with, just make a decision to be happy. Do you want to make yourself and other people a little happier? Simply be aware of what you intend to do. Next, pick a positive behavior to follow.

Which ideas, phrases, and behaviors would inevitably make you and other people happy? What would complement your personality, your core self, rather than contradict it? What is something you could do on a regular basis that would make you forget how much time and work it takes?

Even better, start with a joyful habit that requires minimal time and easy work.

Consider simply grinning at everyone you come into contact with today. Why do not we just say “please,” “thank you,” and “you are welcome”? Consider expressing your gratitude to clients or coworkers via email.

Happy habits are created by consistently performing tiny acts of kindness for both yourself and other people.

2. Take a little time to simply practice it.

Are you able to do it at any time of day? Do you require special equipment or resources, or must you be in a specific position or circumstance? Even if you are exhausted, can you still accomplish it? Do not forget to keep your happy habit practice small and easy.

In the same way that I organize my meditation sessions, I also schedule my pleasant behaviors.

I have electronic reminders established. I create lists and post sticky notes. At the end of the day, I ask my spouse to check in with me. I am responsible for my own pleasure. I will eventually be able to engage in joyful behaviors at any time, anywhere, even with my heart and eyes open.

3. Go get a happy habit study buddy.

Take part in this joy. Ask a friend or relative for assistance. Let your heart be open. Together, compile a short list of positive practices. Talk about your notes. Use text, email, phone calls, or in-person meetings sometimes to exchange ideas, commemorate accomplishments, and support and motivate one another in your habit-forming endeavors. Plan a date that will make you both feel a little happier.

Are you prepared for a greater challenge? Enroll in a class or join a club. What is it that you have always wanted to know and do? Were you aware of the existence of Hasyayoga, or laughter yoga? It is about laughing (and breathing, of course)—laughing just for the sake of laughing. Make your joyful routine contagious as well.

Simply keep a notebook if you would prefer to do it alone. For a few minutes, set a timer. Note down your joyful little goal. And think back on your day of simple, joyful habits.

4. Check in on your little happy habit.

Simply acknowledge and focus on your feelings. Does practicing your happy habit make you feel at ease or uneasy? Is it simple or complex? Do you voluntarily or involuntarily practice it?

In essence, do you have joy while doing it for both yourself and other people? If so, keep doing it regularly. If not, it is time to make a another decision—one that is smaller and easier. Begin where you are.

What joyful routine do you now follow? Within the hour? When the day is over? Start with modest objectives. Set more ambitious but joyful goals as your strength and endurance grow.

According to the majority of studies, forming a new habit takes around a month. See how much happier you are after a month of engaging in your small joyful habit. What do you stand to lose, a little discontent?

5. Celebrate the littlest of happy habits.

The ultimate goal and reward is to be happier and to share that happiness with others. However, you can stay on your happy habit road by starting with basic goals and acknowledging minor victories along the way. Tell people about your joyful routines and contentment.

Like laughter, happiness spreads easily. Spread the disease to everyone you encounter. You will be a somewhat contented hero or heroine.

Who knows? You may become happier, perhaps even healthier, and perhaps even wealthier and wiser by adopting small, joyful behaviors.

In my experience, grocery shopping at the market has become much more enjoyable over time. I bring along a cheerful playlist of music, smile at, assist, and even converse with my fellow shoppers, and I wear a bright hat to ward off the lights. I genuinely appreciate the abundance in my life. It is a good, joyful life.

Additionally, over the years, I have developed several new joyful routines. I occasionally do not write anything on the card or envelope when I send someone a thank-you note. I insert a sticky note with my words of gratitude inside the card. Using the card and envelope that are available, I urge the individual to express gratitude to another person today.

Express joy by leaving a comment about your small, joyful routines and how you follow them. We would all be grateful. Thank you, and happy smiles!