7 Stoic practices to adopt if you want to be happier in life

We’re constantly told that the key to happiness is more money, a better job, or finding that perfect partner.

However, what if I told you these aren’t the ultimate answers?

Welcome to the world of Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that promises a path towards true contentment.

Now, before you start picturing long bearded philosophers and complex theories, let me assure you – it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

In fact, I’m going to share seven simple stoic practices which can act as stepping stones to a happier life.

So if you’re sitting there thinking, “How can I be happier?” these practices might just be what you need. And who knows? They might even turn out to be easier to adopt than you think.

Remember, it’s all about shifting our perspective on life and focusing on what truly matters – something that Stoicism excels at.

1) Embrace the art of acceptance

Ever spent hours worrying about something you have no control over?

We’ve all been there.

But here’s what Stoicism teaches us – learning to accept what we can’t change.

It sounds simple, right?

Yet, many of us struggle with it daily. We worry about the weather, traffic, other people’s opinions – things beyond our control.

But imagine the peace of mind you’d feel if you could let go of these worries?

That’s the power of acceptance.

The key here is distinguishing between what we can change and what we can’t. It’s about focusing our energy on the things within our control and accepting everything else as it is.

Now remember, this doesn’t mean being passive or indifferent. It’s about understanding that sometimes, the only thing we can control is our reaction to situations.

So next time you find yourself losing sleep over something beyond your control, take a deep breath, and remember – acceptance is the first step to happiness.

2) Practice mindfulness

Now, this is something I personally struggled with.

I was always on the run, trying to juggle multiple tasks at once. My mind was constantly buzzing with thoughts of what I had to do next.

Sound familiar?

Then I stumbled upon Stoicism and discovered the concept of mindfulness.

Mindfulness, in stoic terms, is about being present in the moment, fully engaged with whatever you’re doing right now.

So, I decided to give it a try.

I started by setting aside a few minutes each day just to focus on my breath.

Sounds simple, right? But let me tell you, it was a game-changer!

Suddenly, I found myself more focused. I was enjoying my tasks rather than just rushing through them. I became more aware of my feelings and thoughts. And most importantly, I felt happier.

This practice helped me realize how much of our life we miss out on by not being fully present. We’re either dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, overlooking the beauty of ‘now’.

So why not give mindfulness a shot? Trust me; it will enrich your life in so many ways.

3) Seek wisdom

I’ll let you in on a little secret.

The happiest times in my life weren’t when I was out partying or spending money on fancy gadgets. No, they were when I was learning something new, expanding my knowledge, growing as a person.

Stoics placed a high value on wisdom. They believed that the key to happiness lies in understanding the world around us and our place in it.

And let’s be real here – they were onto something.

Seeking wisdom can mean a lot of things. It could be:

• Reading a book
• Starting a new hobby
• Having deep conversations with people around you

But it’s not just about gathering information. It’s about reflecting on it, questioning it, and using it to make better decisions.

So next time you’re feeling down, instead of reaching for a temporary distraction, reach for a book or start a conversation with someone different from you.

You’ll be surprised at how much there is to learn and how fulfilling it can be.

4) Practice gratitude

You know those days where everything seems to go wrong?

I’ve had my fair share of them too.

But here’s something that helped me – practicing gratitude.

Stoics believed in cherishing what we have rather than longing for what we don’t.

So, I started making a conscious effort to appreciate the good in my life, no matter how small.

Each night before bed, I’d jot down three things I was grateful for.

Some days it was as simple as a good cup of coffee or a compliment from a colleague. Other days, it was something bigger like a loved one’s wellbeing.

And you know what happened?

My perspective started to shift.

Sure, the bad days still came, but being grateful showed me there was always some good to be found.

It’s like they say, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”

So why not give it a try? Start small. Find one thing each day that you’re grateful for.

5) Cultivate resilience

Resilience. It’s not just a buzzword, it’s a way of life for Stoics.

The philosophy teaches us to be strong in the face of adversity and to view obstacles as opportunities for growth.

Did you know that some of the greatest names in history, like Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln, were known for their resilience?

They faced tremendous obstacles, yet they didn’t let these hardships define them.

Instead, they used these experiences to build strength and character.

This doesn’t mean that they didn’t feel pain or suffer. But they understood that life is filled with ups and downs, and it’s how we react to these challenges that shapes our happiness.

So next time life throws a curveball your way, remember to be like a stoic – resilient in the face of adversity. Take a deep breath, gather your strength, and use the challenge as an opportunity for growth.

6) Practice empathy

We’ve all had those days when it seems like the world is against us, right?

On those days, it’s easy to fall into the trap of negativity and self-pity. But here’s something I’ve learned from Stoicism – the power of empathy.

Empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It’s about stepping into their shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.

It’s easy to be kind when we’re happy, but it’s during our own struggles that practicing empathy can truly make a difference.

When we understand that everyone around us is fighting their own battles, it becomes easier to be patient, to be kind, and to let go of unnecessary anger.

And believe it or not, this shift in perspective doesn’t just benefit those around us. It benefits us too. Empathy nurtures our emotional health and boosts our sense of connection with others, contributing to our own happiness.

So next time you’re having a rough day, try extending empathy to someone else. You might just find that their smile makes your day a little brighter too.

7) Value inner peace over external achievements

Here’s the most important thing you should know – happiness isn’t about the number of zeros on your paycheck, the size of your house, or the brand of your car.

Stoics understood this well. They believed that true happiness comes from inner peace, not external achievements or possessions.

So how do we find this inner peace?

It’s about being content with who we are, accepting our flaws and strengths, and finding fulfillment in our own growth and wisdom.

So let go of the societal pressure to always want more. Stop comparing yourself to others. Embrace who you are and where you are in life.

Final reflections

If these stoic practices resonate with you, it’s likely you’re ready for a shift in perspective.

The beauty of Stoicism is that it doesn’t demand drastic changes. It’s about small, conscious steps towards a happier life.

Start by noticing moments in your day when these practices could be applicable.

Are you stressing over something out of your control? Could you be more present? Are there opportunities to be grateful or empathetic?

The path to inner peace and happiness isn’t a sprint, but a marathon.

And while these practices might not bring immediate radical changes, with time and persistence, they can profoundly shift your perspective and enrich your life.