A psychologist suggests that by making two small habit changes, many people can experience a perceptible boost in happiness without overhauling their entire routine.
The first shift is to eliminate one low-value habit that drains time or energy—something you do reflexively but doesn’t contribute to your well-being. Letting go of that habit frees up cognitive and emotional bandwidth for more meaningful activities.
The second change is to replace that freed up space with a micro-habit that aligns with your values—even if it’s just one minute long, like writing a gratitude note, stretching, or doing a brief breathing exercise. Over time, that micro-habit compounds and strengthens your sense of purpose and satisfaction. 
According to the psychologist, the key is consistency. By gradually removing a little less helpful habit and substituting it with a small positive action, you can shift your mental baseline upward—making small happiness gains feel natural and sustainable.
