Five Ways to be Happy

Know that you are in control of your happiness. Science tells us that about 50 percent of our happiness is based on genetic factors, 10 percent is on environmental factors (marital status, health, career), and the remaining 40 percent consists of the activities that we intentionally choose to participate in. Simply realizing that you can do something about how happy you are is a powerful first step on your journey to a happier life.
Choose specific activities. The results of several "happiness experiments" in a research lab showed that people who made very specific plans, including an activity, a time, and his/her companions, were the happiest people in the study. Pick an activity that you have always wanted to try, like signing up for a dance class, exploring a museum, trying a new food, or traveling to a new place.
The more the merrier. You have probably heard this all your life, but that is because it is scientifically true. In studies, we saw that people who enjoyed an activity with someone else — a spouse, a child, a parent, a friend — were the happiest people. Find a partner in happiness, make a plan, and as the date approaches, the anticipation you experience will increase your hope, which is a major factor in creating happiness.
Exercise. This is one of those activities that you can make more fun with a partner in happiness, and it is an important one to incorporate into your lifestyle if you are seeking greater happiness. Studies show that people who exercise are about 20 percent happier on average. As you may have heard, exercising releases endorphins, which basically make the brain happier. Just 20 focused minutes of walking a day can make a difference.
Get enough sleep. People who are sleep-deprived tend to remember negative thoughts more easily than positive thoughts. Even cat naps or power naps during the day will help boost your mood.