29 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Happier this Year

Happiness is a universal desire, but achieving it can often seem elusive. Fortunately, science has provided insights into how to become happier. Here are 29 proven ways to enhance your level of happiness this year.

Working with Your Hands

Engaging in manual labor, such as gardening, building, or cooking, can help improve your level of happiness.

Practice “Taking in the Good”

Instead of focusing on negative thoughts, try to dwell on positive experiences as they occur. This practice builds neural networks that help increase resiliency, confidence, and happiness.

Help Others

Lending a helping hand to those around you, even when busy, can make you a happier person.

Stop Caring About What Others Think

Trying to make others happy can lead to self-drain and potentially unhappiness. Don’t worry about what others think; focus on your own happiness.

Let Go of Perfection

Release the need for perfectionism in your life. You are worthy now, and you don’t have to wait until everything is perfect to find happiness.

Becoming Calm

Build mindfulness and inner calm. Practice with discipline and reap the benefits of serenity becoming natural.

Hold the Small Things

Find joy in everyday pleasures and appreciate the small things that can greatly contribute to happiness.

Write It Down

Create a daily list of things you’re grateful for. Jotting down your blessings solidifies them in your mind and increases happiness.

Drink Lots of Water

Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps to improve mood.

Disconnect

Limit your time on social media and expose yourself to real-life situations and people. People who spend more time connecting in person are happier than those who spend more time connecting digitally.

Fake a Smile

Putting a smile on your face can actually improve mood, even if it’s just a temporary fix.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Spending more time outside and soaking up fresh air and sunshine can significantly improve your happiness.

Stop Whining!

Negativity leads to unhappiness, so focus on staying positive and avoid excessive whining.

Hold Your Tongue

Venting your anger to others can make you feel worse instead of better. Avoid expressing yourself negatively to heighten positivity in your life.

Use Your Time Wisely

Make time for the things that make you happy. If an activity brings joy, it’s worth making time for.

Get Your Sweat On

When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals that prevent depression. Exercise regularly to reap the benefits of a better mood.

Leave Blame Behind

Take responsibility and stop blaming others for the negatives in your life.

Get Some Sleep

A well-rested person is a happier person. Prioritize your sleep for an enhanced level of happiness.

Talk It Up

Express your gratitude and verbalize your appreciation of others. Sharing uplifting words can increase your happiness and that of others.

Engage in Aid

Contribute your time towards helping the less fortunate. Spending 100 hours a year assisting others has been shown to significantly improve happiness.

Reach Out

Invest yourself in a community of others and actively care for those around you to increase your level of happiness.

Don’t Fear Failure

Not everything you do needs to be perfect. Embrace learning new things, even if you don’t initially do them well.

See Yourself Differently

Visualize yourself as the person you want to be. Visualization leads to success, so imagining yourself happy can increase your happiness.

Pay Attention

Savor the present and take stock of present moments. Staying mindful of your surroundings increases happiness.

Find a New Mantra

Create positive affirmations to repeat and meditate on. A positive meditation can heighten positivity and happiness.

Don’t Eat Alone

Eating meals with others can help improve your mood and increase happiness.

Get Creative

Find an outlet for your creativity, whether it’s art, music, or dance. Engaging in creative pursuits can heighten happiness.

Make Your Choice

Choose happiness and focus on finding joy in everyday moments. The choice to be happy can lead to a more positive mindset.

Dream About Getting Away

Visualize yourself taking a vacation, even if you can’t actually go. Just picturing a fun getaway can increase your happiness.

In Conclusion

There are countless ways to find happiness, but these 29 tips offer scientifically supported methods for increasing your levels of joy. From exercise and creativity to helping others and letting go of perfectionism, these small changes in your daily life can add up to big improvements in your happiness.