11 Interesting Things That Happy People Never Do

Some outcomes in life are not contingent on our actions, and there's no use putting yourself down when these incidents happen. "Happy people focus on what's in their control, because the more you hold yourself responsible for something you had no control over, typically the more unhappy you'll be," says psychologist Dr. Heather Silvio over email.

Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram can definitely have their perks, but using them too often can make you unhappy. Research out of Denmark found that people who stayed off Facebook for a week felt happier, less stressed, and more enthusiastic.

"Happy people recognize everyone has bad days, but the more you're around miserable people, the more you're likely to view the world the way they do," says Silvio. In fact, research from the University of Warwick shows that the more time you spend around happy people, the less likely you are to be depressed.

"We know that happier people tend to move on and let go of negative or bad events," says Khorshid. "Once that event has happened, move on to the next moment. Do not collect bad experiences. Instead, let it go, use the gift of forgetting, and move on to the next day."

"Each day, you have many options that test your will power," says Khorshid. "You must choose between sitting on the couch or exercising, snoozing or hitting the gym, junk food or health food, binge watching television or doing something to help your growth. We know that long term happiness takes short-term sacrifice. So if you wish to get happy, get good at saying no to short-term pleasures, and instead choose habits that lead to more sustainable, long term joy."

"Sometimes we can stay in unhealthy relationships or friendships because they are convenient and familiar," says Khorshid. "Our relationships are meant to provide safety, support, encouragement, and companionship. If you find that you are in a relationship that does not offer you this, it may be time to move on."

It's important to spend time with your friends and family, and sometimes you have obligations you are better off attending, but happy people don't say yes to every single thing they're asked to do. "We tend to say yes to things we don’t want to do or have time for because we don’t want to upset someone or have them not like us," says psychologist Dr. Sarah Allen over email. "But if you are always saying yes, it leads to being over-scheduled, tired, and cranky."

Sleep is important for more than just not feeling tired. "Not getting enough sleep can over time affect mood and impair memory and attention," says Allen. "It is not uncommon for people who don’t get enough sleep to be depressed and when chronic lack of sleep becomes a way of life, it can negatively affect your job and relationships."

"If you are content, there is no need to make yourself and the people around you feel riled up," says Allen. "Creating drama fills a void, whether it's because you’re sad, bored or just want to feel better about yourself by making others miserable. Happy people try to sort out potential conflicts before they blow up out of control."

It's good to look to others for inspiration or motivation, but happy people don't pit themselves up against others to determine their self-worth. Research from the Journal of Adult Development shows that people who frequently compare themselves to others experience more destructive emotions and behaviors.

"Happy people never take the positive things that happen to them for granted," says Allen. "Unhappy people tend to ignore the positive and notice the bad things that have happened, and also tend to ignore the positive influence we have over things and events." Keeping a gratitude journal can help make sure you're focused on the good in life, not the many obstacles.