How to be happy every day

It is a mystery for the ages: why are some people happy and others less?

Scientists may never fully understand it - and that may be because much of it has nothing to do with science at all. Studies show that we are happier when we engage with the established behavior of happy people, says Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, and author of The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting Das Life you want. "Of course there are reservations," she says. "You have to choose a strategy that suits your personality, goals, and resources, and strive for it."

If you knew the secrets of happy people, could you practice them and become happier yourself? It is worth a try!

Look for the positive
seek the positive
"Happy people tend to perceive themselves and the world around them more positively than unhappy people," says Lyubomirsky. It also means that you are optimistic about the future. The key here, she says, is writing down your hopes for the future, creating goals and mini-goals, and achieving them. Along the way, identify any thoughts that are dragging you down and replace them with more positive versions in order to be happier.

maintain relationships
maintain relationships
Not only do friendships and family relationships make you happier, the data suggests that strong, supportive relationships can help you live longer, notes Lyubomirsky. But relationships take a little work. Proven happiness strategies include making time for loved ones or people you want to get to know better; share in the successes of others with your own joy; show appreciation for the people in your life; and do something each week to support or encourage other people's dreams.

Be physically active
be physically active
If you need one more reason to stand up and move around, here it is: you could be happier with regular exercise. Exercise is a proven way to prevent or manage negative emotions. You could get even further on your path to happiness if you can exercise with a group and build relationships while feeling better about your life and body. The key to success is setting up a regular appointment with yourself to exercise - and stick with it.