It makes sense: we all want to be happy. And we now know a good amount about how certain behaviors, attitudes, and choices relate to happiness. While most research can only identify correlations, things that happy people have in common, we think that trying to do many of these things could have a significant effect on our own personal happiness levels.
With that in mind, here are nine happiness-promoting behaviors that are backed by science.
1. Relationships are essential: A major study that followed hundreds of men for more than 70 years found the happiest (and healthiest) were those who cultivated strong relationships with people they trusted to support them.
2. Time beats money: A number of studies have found happier people would prefer to have more time in their lives than more money, and even trying to think that way seems to make people more content.
3. But you need enough money to pay the bills without stress: People's well-being rises with income up to about $75,000, studies have found. (That number probably varies depending on your cost of living.)
5. Perform acts of kindness: Give your friends a ride to the airport or spend an afternoon volunteering. Some research has shown that people who perform such acts report being happier.
6. Regularly break a sweat: Exercise tends to help fight off mental illness. And studies show that happiness is associated with physical activity; increased levels of activity are even connected to higher levels of happiness.
7. Buy fun: People tend to be happier if they spend their money on experiences instead of things. But researchers have also found that buying things that allow you to have experiences — like a tennis racket or a book — can also increase happiness.
9. Spend time with friends, especially close friends who are happy: Interactions with casual friends can make people happier, and close friendships — especially with happy people — can have a powerful effect on your own happiness as well.
