10 Ways to Cultivate Happiness

Are you happy? For many, that’s a loaded question. In order to answer it, you might start picking things apart. Maybe you’re happy with your spouse, but you’re not happy at your job. Or you’re happy at your job, but you’re not happy about the city you live in, or the car you drive, or the amount of money you make. The pursuit of happiness is a different journey for everyone, but there are certain steps you can take each day to help cultivate happiness in your life. A new car or a bigger paycheck might put a smile on your face temporarily, but it’s important to remember that true happiness comes from within. Incorporate as many of these tips into your life as you can, and you'll be on your way to a happier and healthier you.

1. Exercise — Exercise boosts levels of potent brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which may help buffer some of the effects of stress. It's also one of the most effective prevention and treatment strategies for depression.
2. Fill your home with fresh flowers — Studies have shown that people who look at flowers first thing in the morning report feeling happier and more energetic!
3. Go outside — Exposure to bright outdoor light is crucial for a positive mood, in part because regular exposure to sunlight will help to enhance your mood and energy through the release of endorphins. Sun exposure will also help you optimize your vitamin D levels and fight depression.
4. Meditate — Mindfulness meditation has been shown to increase cortical thickness in the hippocampus and brain areas involved in the regulation of emotions. Meditation is also linked to decreased anxiety and depression, and improved psychological well-being.
5. Play with your pet — Studies show that pet owners are less stressed and happier than non-pet owners. Don’t have a pet? Head to your local shelter to find your new best buddy.
6. Listen to music — Music triggers activity in the nucleus accumbens, a part of your brain that releases the feel-good chemical dopamine, and is involved in forming expectations.
7. Hug someone — Hugging is known to lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Hugging also activates the orbitofrontal cortex in your brain, which is linked to feelings of reward and compassion.
8. Volunteer — Doing something good for someone else can help cultivate that warm, fuzzy feeling inside and give you an instant mood boost. The best part is, everyone benefits.
9. Nourish your relationships — Research shows that spending social time with your friends and loved ones can increase happiness. It always feels good to let someone know how much they mean to you.
10. Practice Gratitude — People who are thankful for what they have are better able to cope with stress, have more positive emotions, and are better able to reach their goals. Try keeping a gratitude journal or list, where you actively write down exactly what you're grateful for each day. Doing so has been linked to happier moods, greater optimism and even better physical health.