This isn’t about norovirus, flu, any other illness flying about at the moment — not all contagious things are bad!
In fact, there are plenty of habits, feelings, and behaviours that can spread in good ways, making you happier and helping you to change your life (and the lives of those around you) for the better. These things catch on, and for once, we can be happy about their spread!
1. Laughter
Have you ever been in a room with someone who’s laughing so hard they can’t stop? It’s like the laugh is contagious, and before you know it, you’re cracking up too — sometimes even if you don’t know what’s so funny in the first place. Laughter has this amazing way of lightening the mood, making connections feel stronger, and just bringing a sense of joy into any situation. It’s the kind of thing that breaks the ice and helps you relax, even when you’re feeling a bit on edge.
2. Kindness
Kindness is one of those things that seems to have a ripple effect. You hold the door open for someone, or you pay for a coffee, and suddenly, it feels like everyone around you is being a bit more considerate. A small gesture can change someone’s whole day, and it doesn’t take much. The best part? It doesn’t cost a thing. One kind act can start a chain of them, making the world just a little bit kinder, which is what we need these days. And once it starts, it keeps going.
3. Enthusiasm
There’s something about being around someone who’s genuinely excited about something that’s impossible not to get swept up in. Whether it’s a new idea they’re passionate about, a project they’re working on, or even just a meal they’re raving about, their energy has a way of pulling you in. Enthusiasm is infectious; when someone’s excited, it makes you feel more excited, too. Suddenly, you’re on board, ready to dive in and share in their experience.
4. Positivity
Spending time with someone who’s got a positive outlook can change the way you see things. I’m not talking about those people who pretend everything’s perfect when it’s clearly not, but those who face challenges with hope and resilience. When you’ve got someone around who believes that better days are ahead, it can help shift your own perspective. A positive attitude doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff; it’s more about not letting it drag you down. And when someone else is modelling that, it makes it easier to stay hopeful yourself.
5. Gratitude
It’s amazing how contagious gratitude can be. When someone starts sharing what they’re thankful for, it sort of reminds you to do the same. It’s a reminder to look at what’s going right, instead of what’s missing. Gratitude has a way of changing focus and making you realise just how much good stuff is already in your life. If you’re having a rough day, hearing someone reflect on their blessings can make you pause and rethink your own situation with a little more appreciation. That’s not to say that your problems aren’t still valid or important, just that sometimes it’s helpful to remember how good you have it, in many ways.
6. Motivation
It’s crazy how watching someone working towards their goals can help you get inspired to get moving yourself. Motivation has this way of sparking something inside of you. Whether it’s fitness, a creative project, or career goals, when someone’s fired up, it makes you think: “If they can do it, why can’t I?” Watching other people make progress towards their dreams can light a fire in you to start working on your own. It’s like their determination rubs off on you, pushing you to take action.
7. Confidence
Being around someone who’s confident has a funny way of making you feel more confident, too. They have this “I’ve got this” vibe that’s really moving and makes you think, “Maybe I’ve got this too.” When someone is comfortable in their own skin and facing challenges head-on, it gives you a bit of a confidence boost as well. You might find yourself taking on challenges that would’ve made you hesitate before. Confidence in one person can spread like wildfire, helping everyone around them to feel braver.
8. Creativity
Creativity spreads the same way. You hang around creative people, and all of a sudden, you feel inspired to try something new. Whether it’s picking up a paintbrush, starting a blog, or just thinking outside the box at work, their creative spark makes you want to join in. Creativity has this infectious energy that makes you realise that you’ve got more ideas in you than you might have thought. When people around you are thinking outside the box, it encourages you to do the same.
9. Curiosity
There’s something magnetic about curiosity. When someone’s eager to learn or explore, their enthusiasm is hard not to catch. They ask questions, dig deeper, and seem excited to discover more about the world. That kind of curiosity makes you think, “Hey, I want to know more too!” It opens up new ideas and experiences you might never have considered before. Curiosity is more than just learning new things. It opens the doors to new possibilities, and when someone’s leading the way, it makes you want to follow.
10. Resilience
Watching someone go through tough things and keep pushing forward is one of the most motivating things you can witness. Resilience is contagious because it reminds you that tough times don’t last forever. If someone can bounce back from a setback with grace, it shows you that you can do the same. Resilience doesn’t mean you won’t have problems — it means you’ve got the strength to get through them. When you see that kind of grit in action, it makes you feel more capable of handling your own struggles.
11. Generosity
Generosity is another beautiful thing that spreads easily. Whether it’s giving time, resources, or just offering emotional support, seeing someone give freely encourages you to do the same. The more you give, the more you realise that generosity isn’t just about what you have; it’s about the energy you put out. Generosity doesn’t just benefit the person receiving it; it lifts you, too. It’s a reminder that when you share, abundance grows.
12. Hope
Hope is one of those things that can feel like a lifeline, especially during tough times. Being around people who believe in better days ahead can help shift your focus from what’s going wrong to what’s possible. Hope doesn’t mean ignoring the struggles, but having a belief that things can improve. It’s contagious because it offers a sense of possibility, even when things seem tough. When someone shares their hope, it’s like a little spark that ignites your own hope for the future.
13. Determination
When you see someone pushing through challenges with determination, it’s hard not to be inspired. Their commitment to their goals, no matter the obstacles, reminds you that persistence pays off. Watching someone go after their dreams with that kind of grit makes you realise that giving up isn’t the only option. Determination has a way of spreading, showing you that success comes from staying focused and not letting setbacks stop you.
14. Forgiveness
Source: Unsplash Forgiveness is one of those behaviours that really sets the tone for everyone around you. When you see someone forgive, it doesn’t mean they’re excusing bad behaviour, but it does mean they’re letting go of bitterness for their own peace. Forgiveness encourages healing, not just for the person being forgiven, but for the one doing the forgiving. It’s a powerful way to move forward without carrying that weight, and when you witness it, it encourages you to do the same.
15. Calmness
It’s strange how being around someone who’s super calm and level-headed sort of quells your own nerves. There’s something incredibly soothing about a calm presence that helps you slow down and breathe. Calmness spreads in a way that helps everyone around them feel more grounded. When things are chaotic, being with someone who’s steady can make all the difference. It’s a reminder to let go of unnecessary stress and just be present in the moment.
