Alternet gleans several years of research from the field of positive psychology to reveal “10 Things Science Says will Make You Happy.”  The list, paraphrased, is:

  1. Stop and enjoy the present.
  2. Don’t compare yourself to the Joneses.
  3. Don’t obsess over money.
  4. Aspire to leave an imprint.
  5. Be intrinsically motivated on the job.
  6. Build a supportive network of family and friends
  7. Act optimistic even if you have to fake it.
  8. Gratitude, baby, gratitude.
  9. Exercise is all good.
  10. Givers gain.

It’s worth reading the whole story.

7 Responses to “10 Steps to Happiness”

  1. Saw this post / blog due to Tim Walk posting it up on Twitter. Great list… thanks for sharing. I am excited to read your upcoming posts.
    Best.
    Rachel

  2. jsutton says:

    I totally agree with this list. I try to live my life according to these ideals, and I can truly say that after over 65 years of being alive, this way works.

  3. Thanks for the list and the link. Great information!

    Some interesting and related material can be found at http://www.bluezones.com/

    Dan Buettner wrote an interesting book that covers 9 common denominators to living a longer life. Like the list above, his book “The Blue Zones” offers simple steps anyone can take to improve their life.

  4. kelly hines says:

    Thanks for sharing your list. I think #7 is very true and highly under-utilized. It works for energy levels as well!

  5. elrambo says:

    Weird how these are pretty much the same things that religion says will make you happy. Good list!

  6. AJ Kumar says:

    Simple and sweet. Makes sense to me 😉

    Thanks for sharing.

    AJ Kumar

  7. Victor says:

    This sounds suspiciously like asking people to lower their expectations and not demand so much of themselves so they can be happy. Isnt that defeatist type of thinking?

    victor