Here are 11 science-based ways to be happier fromBelle Beth Cooper, co-founder of Hello Code, which makes Exist, a cool app that connects all of your services to turn that data into insights about your life. 1. Smile More Smiling can make us feel better, but it's more effective when we back it up with positive thoughts, according to this study:... 2. Exercise for 7 Minutes Think exercise is something you don't have time for? Think again. Check out this 7-minute workout from The New York Times... 3. Sleep More We know that sleep helps our body recover from the day and repair itself and that it helps us focus and be more productive. It turns out sleep is also important for happiness... 4. Spend More Time With Friends and Family Staying in touch with friends and family is one of the top five regrets of the dying... 5. Go Outside More Often ..."Making time to go outside on a nice day also delivers a huge advantage; one study found that spending 20 minutes outside in good weather not only boosted positive mood, but broadened..." 6. Help Other People One of the most counterintuitive pieces of advice I found is that to make yourself feel happier, you should help others. In fact, 100 hours per year (or two hours per week) is the optimal time we should dedicate to helping others... 7. Plan a Trip (Even If You Don't Ever Take It)... 8. Meditate Meditation is often touted as an important habit for improving focus, clarity, and attention span, as well as helping to keep you calm... 9. Move Closer to Work Our commute to work can have a surprisingly powerful impact on our happiness... 10. Practice Gratitude ...There are lots of ways to practice gratitude, from keeping a journal of things you're grateful for, sharing three good things that happen each day with a friend or your partner, and going out of your way to show gratitude when others help you.... 11. And the Easiest Tip of All: Get Older
