How to Hack More Happiness Into Your Life
5 science-backed and soulful ways to feel better—without needing a new job, another coffee, or a bigger following.
Happiness is what we’re all chasing.
We think we’ll find it in a raise, a relationship, a rave, a new supplement or a vacation.
We grind harder, scroll longer, or numb ourselves out—all in hopes of feeling a little better.
But what if happiness wasn’t some elusive reward at the end of a to-do list?
What if it could be hacked—right here, right now—with your body, your mind, and a little intentional practice?
I’m not saying every day will feel like sunshine and roses.
But I am saying: your baseline can rise. Your default can shift. Imagine walking through life with a bit more lightness—how would that change your mood, your work, your relationships?
Eventually, I came to a simple conclusion:
If I’ve been gifted with this life, this personality, and this energy—it’s my duty to use it to uplift the people around me. Whether that’s sitting and listening, hyping someone up, offering advice, or just smiling at a stranger… these small acts not only help others—they raise my own vibe. They connect me to my best self.
Here’s how I’ve made my life easier—and a whole lot happier—using 5 practical hacks that anyone can try today:
1. Smile More
It sounds stupid. It sounds too easy. But it works.
Smiling—even when you don’t feel like it—signals to your nervous system that you’re safe.
It activates happiness chemicals like serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and even BDNF, a neurotransmitter modulator that helps your brain grow and adapt.
Your body doesn’t always know the difference between real and fake—so fake it until you feel it.
Smile at your food.
Smile at your boss.
Smile at the mess.
Smile when you’re crying.
Try it right now. Go full cheesy grin. Feel how your body shifts.
2. Laugh More
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw
I remember hearing about this journalist named Norman Cousins who literally healed his severe degenerative collagen illness by high doses of vitamin C and laughing consistently.
You don’t even have to wait for something to be funny.
You can laugh at yourself. At how weird the world is. At your silly little mistakes—like when you bang your foot on the door frame or spill coffee on your pants before a meeting. Laugh anyway.
It doesn’t just lift your mood—it lowers cortisol, boosts endorphins, gets your lymph flowing, and trains your nervous system to feel safer and lighter over time. It’s literally a nervous system reset… disguised as fun.
Go to a comedy show. Watch the birds fight each other. Even a cat. Smoke a joint and giggle with your friends. Or just sit in your room and force yourself to laugh for 60 seconds. You’ll feel ridiculous—and that’s the point.
Laughter is a rebellion against stress. A reset button you were born with.
And it’s free.
3. Excessive Gratitude Journaling
Yeah, I said excessive.
I’m not talking about writing down one or two things. I’m talking full-send.
Gratitude dump. List every single thing you’re grateful for until you start to feel it in your chest.
I always knew gratitude journaling was powerful, but when I had Tanmeet Sethi, MD on the podcast—TEDx speaker, doctor, and legit soul warrior—she broke it down for me in a whole new way.
Gratitude doesn’t just shift your mood. It changes your brain. It boosts empathy, resilience, even your physical health. It’s not just good vibes—it’s a nervous system intervention.
Some of the happiest people in the world live in war-torn countries. They have nothing… but they’re deeply grateful for what they do have. It puts things in perspective.
So here’s what you do:
Open a Google Doc, grab a napkin, a journal, whatever—and write down everything. Socks. Shoelaces. Coffee. Salami. Salamanders. Your girlfriend. Your weird coworker. Adderall. Your dog. The fact that you can walk. The fact that you’re reading this.
Nothing is too small or too dumb.
4. Exercise Your Spirit
You work out your body. You try to eat clean. But are you exercising your soul?
This isn’t some fluffy, woo-woo advice. It’s real. Your spirit is part of your biology. Your purpose, your beliefs, your alignment—they all shape your nervous system, your health, your vibe.
And I’ll say this bluntly:
If you don’t believe you’re here for a reason, it’s going to be really hard to be happy.
At some point, I had to realize I wasn’t just some random organism floating around.
I had a destiny. A reason I was put on this Earth. And the more I started to honor that, the happier I became. It didn’t mean life was perfect—it just meant it had meaning.
So how do you exercise your spirit?
Start simple:
Know you are perfect—flawed and all.
Remind yourself you’re not broken.
Know you were sent here with a purpose—even if you don’t fully know it yet.
Reconnect with your inner child, the one that still believes in wonder and magic and good things.
Talk to something greater than yourself—God, Source, the Universe, whatever name you give it. Just connect.
5. Solitude as Your Friend
Most people are afraid to be alone.
They avoid it at all costs. Noise, stimulation, scrolling, small talk—they’ll do anything to not be left with their own mind.
But solitude? Solitude is your secret weapon.
When it’s just you and your thoughts, that’s when the real downloads happen. That’s when you see what’s real. The truth gets louder when everything else gets quiet.
I’ve found some of the deepest happiness not at parties, not during some wild trip—but sitting alone by the water, walking through a forest, journaling in silence, or laying in bed without my phone.
It helps you step back and realize: yeah, the world can be brutal… but it’s also f*cking beautiful.
And when you see all of it clearly—you unlock something ancient inside yourself.
So try it.
Turn everything off.
Sit with yourself.
Go for a solo walk without headphones.
Let the world whisper to you.
You just need a moment to remember that you already are
That’s All for Today
There you have it guys—just a quick Tuesday to make everyone’s life a little bit happier, healthier, and more chill.
Try these anytime. Seriously.
Smile at your breakfast.
Laugh at your L’s.
Write down 57 random things you’re grateful for.
Go sit alone by a tree.
See what happens.
Let me know how you liked this one—I always love hearing from you.
Hope you have a great week. And please, message me anytime. Always here for you.
With love,
– Jack
💌 What’s one small thing you’re going to do today?
And if you know someone who needs a little fire under their ass—send this their way.
I’m grateful to my partners who create amazing health & wellness products.
Smiling is my favourite 😀
D’s Sourdough! Going to go try that now 😎