Because a happy mind is a powerful one.

Albert Camus once said, "You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of," and I couldn't agree more with him.

See, it is very easy to be angry with ourselves for not doing enough or holding on to grudges and hurtful feelings. Sometimes, we let the pressure of the world become so heavy that we forget to actually enjoy the journey. We keep comparing ourselves to others and become sad for not achieving what wasn't even our goal.

But have you ever thought how much you actually lose in the process? It may seem that being hard on yourself is necessary for you to become stronger, but in reality, it is robbing you of experiencing peace and embracing the beautiful magic called happiness.

I have learned it the hard way, but I hope that you take this as a sign. I hope it helps you believe in the power of positive thoughts and happiness again.

So, how to train your mind to be happy even amidst all the reasons that make you want to scream?

For some, happiness may seem impossible in the chaos of endless deadlines and busy routines. Then there are those who believe that escaping into another world can provide the necessary dopamine rush. For many, happiness may feel like a destination that can only be reached after achieving a successful job, a perfect relationship, or a six-figure bank balance.

Yes, achieving milestones, reaching goals, and being with people who bring us joy do make us feel fulfilled and at peace. We feel joy from within and experience so much happiness that we end up believing these are the only ways to be truly happy.

But the truth is happiness isn't something to be found. It's something that can be experienced even without the burden of an achievement or a competition with ourselves every day.

With simple shifts-one at a time-you can stop chasing and start choosing happiness. And here are 10 positive practices to help you get there and learn how to train your mind to be happy. ❤

1. Start your day with a thank you

Before the phone, before the coffee-just whisper a quiet "thank you."

Beginning your day with gratitude isn't just necessary for the feel-good fluff. Being grateful goes deeper than that, and this small, humble gesture rewires your brain to notice what's going right instead of what's missing. Isn't just being alive, getting to experience the comfort of your home, having food, and being able to work and be with your loved ones the most precious gifts in life?

Start every day with three things you are grateful for each morning-even if it's just clean sheets, your breath, or a sunny sky.

2. Talk to yourself like someone you love

Would you say that to the people you love? No, right. Then why say it to yourself?

Practicing gentle self-talk should be a non-negotiable habit because unless you love yourself, no one else will. Replace that "I am so bad at this" with "I am learning, and I will be there soon."

The words you use to communicate with yourself internally shape how your brain perceives you and how much joy it allows you to feel.

3. Do a 5-minute mind cleansing

 How to train your mind to be happy? Simple, just like your daily routine of cleansing your body, practice cleansing your mind and soul as well. You brush your teeth every day, right? So, why not your mind?

Spend just five minutes daily in silence and reassess any thought that has been weighing you down. Close your eyes, focus on your breath, and let the thoughts pass like clouds. It's not about stopping your thoughts; it's about not getting stuck in them.

It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it. ― Dale Carnegie

4. Move your body joyfully

No, you don't have to hit the gym or become a yoga master to move your body in tune with happiness.

Dance in your room, walk in the park, stretch while watching Netflix-just move. Your body carries energy, and movement helps shift it when your mind feels stuck. Feel the joy of being alive from within and let your energy sway to the rhythms of joy and positivity.

5. Limit your scroll time

Yes, you might want to believe otherwise, but social media is quietly eating away at your happiness.

Set limits to your time on social media and be mindful of what you choose to connect with and consume. Unfollow people who make you feel less or don't match your energy. In fact, when you have the option of so much, choose only to follow those who make you smile, laugh, and think.

Curate your feed like your fridge: only keep what nourishes you.

6. Say it out loud: One win a day

Every evening, say one thing you are proud of and cheer for yourself in the best possible manner.

"I replied to that difficult email."

"I made time to rest."

"I didn't yell when I could have."

Small wins count-and naming them helps your brain register progress (and happiness).

7. Be around energy that lifts you

How to train your mind to be happy? Surround yourself with people who light up when they see you. Because there is nothing more encouraging than positive energy that comes from the people who celebrate you or matter for you.

You don't have to cut everyone out but do choose more of the energy you want to feel because happy minds are often built in kind company.

8. Create something. Anything.

Paint, write, cook, build a Pinterest board, and make a playlist. Create something on your own and pour your heart into it.

Creation brings joy because it gives you control and expression, and the act of creating something brings joy from within. It doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to be yours.

9. Laugh-like, really laugh

When was the last time you laughed so hard that tears rolled down? Laughing from your heart is like a vaccine booster that gives your body, mind, and soul the energy and patience to take on the challenges of the world.

Watch that silly reel. Call the friend who makes you laugh so hard you snort. Laugh at your own mistakes (they will make a great story someday).

Your brain can't hold onto fear and laughter at the same time. Therefore, choose wisely.

10. Let go-just a little bit

Not everything needs to be perfect, and not everyone needs to approve.

 There is peace in letting go, and the more you practice it, the more joy you will feel from within. Let go of the small stuff, the past stuff, the imagined future, and everything that you do not have control over.

 Peace often follows release, and the more you let go, the more room you create for joy.

A final thought

Happiness isn't a constant high but a steady habit. And when you practice it like you mean it and infuse it into your daily routine and habits, it creates a safe space for you-a quiet return to what lights you up again and again.

These practices won't make your life perfect, but they will help your mind get better at spotting the beautiful, even in the messy. And it can be a simple, but effective way to learn how to train your mind to be happy.

So today, just pick one practice from this list and begin. Your happy mind will thank you.

Buy our little E-book on Emotional Minimalism for more such encouraging tips on emotional clarity.

This blog is written by Ayesha Mollah, a professional blogger who has embraced minimalism since 2023. Being on the minimalist journey is helping her find her "focus" amidst the chaos.