His Holiness the Dalai Lama(01 of52)
Open Image Modal“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” (credit:Getty)
Jamie Gruman, Chair of the Canadian Association of Positive Psychology(02 of52)
Open Image Modal“One effective way to produce a happy brain is to turn your thoughts to others. Research consistently shows that acts of kindness and generosity have beneficial effects of people's well-being. So, while on your lunch break, consider buying a sandwich for the homeless man on the corner. Back at the office, consider surprising a colleague with an unexpected compliment about the quality of her work. Hug your kids extra hard when you get home, tell them how they've changed your life, and see how big a smile you can elicit. Then watch for the surge of vitality you'll feel. It turns out that doing things for other people may be one of the best ways to help promote our own success in life.” (credit:Getty)
John Helliwell, co-editor of the World Happiness Report (03 of52)
Open Image Modal“Create happiness in ways that catch on: start a chain of cascading generosity by paying for the coffee of the two people behind you in line, and invite these beneficiaries to do the same for others. Such chains have sometimes lasted a long time, showing how rewarding, and infectious, generosity can be.” (credit:Getty)
Former British prime minister William Gladstone(04 of52)
Open Image Modal“Be happy with what you have and are, be generous with both, and you won't have to hunt for happiness.” (credit:Getty)
Buddha(05 of52)
Open Image Modal“Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” (credit:Getty)
Chinese Proverb(06 of52)
Open Image Modal“If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap.If you want happiness for a day — go fishing.If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune.If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.” (credit:Getty)
Andrew Sharpe, Executive Director of Canada’s Centre for the Study of Living Standards(07 of52)
Open Image Modal“A key determinant of happiness is a strong sense of community and belonging, which can be provided through colleagues, friends, and family. Despite everyday pressures and stresses, it is very important to take time to connect with people.” (credit:Getty)
12 Tips For Happiness in 2015(08 of52)
Open Image ModalAltruism(09 of52)
Open Image Modal"Altruism is proven to help focus beyond ourselves and enable us to be more connected with the world around us. In 2015, find local charities, sports clubs or community organisations where you can donate your time - you might even start new friendships with local people."
Be kind(10 of52)
Open Image Modal"Set yourself a weekly target for acts of kindness for friends, family, colleagues and strangers on the street. This will further increase your connection to the outside world."
Play to your strengths(11 of52)
Open Image Modal"Identifying your strengths and focus on developing these, either in work or a hobby. This will encourage you to become immersed in what you do and find life more gratifying."
Work (12 of52)
Open Image Modal"Work makes you happier. It provides routine, structure and self-worth. Make sure you are in a job you enjoy. If you are not, make finding one that you do a priority for this year."
Independence(13 of52)
Open Image Modal"Personal control in work makes you happier; there is better life satisfaction for those earning less but in control of their working practice than those who are richer but have less control."
Relationships and Friendships(14 of52)
Open Image Modal"Those with close relationships are happiest – try to see friends and family more in the New Year. Research shows the closer people live to their friends, the happier they are – make new friends close to where you live. Get to know your neighbours better, try joining sports groups or taking up a hobby close to your home."
Focus on the positives(15 of52)
Open Image Modal"Improving happiness levels can depend on how we focus our attention – being attentive and focusing on one positive task helps us to enjoy the moment."
Positive Memory(16 of52)
Open Image Modal"Those who are happier remember bad events in a more positive light – it is possible to focus on particular aspects of a memory to notice the positives more than negatives."
Gratitude Diary(17 of52)
Open Image Modal"You can retrain your mind to focus on the good things that happen rather than the bad. Stop taking your blessings for granted by keeping a gratitude diary. Every day for 6 weeks jot down 5 things that happened that day for which you are grateful."
Meditate(18 of52)
Open Image Modal"Regular meditation can help with positive mental health."
Say ‘Thank You’(19 of52)
Open Image Modal"Expressing your gratitude for someone’s actions is the single most effective exercise in positive psychology. Saying thank you to even small acts and gestures will help improve gratitude levels."
Use Technology Less(20 of52)
Open Image Modal"The less time you spend on using technology, the more you can carry out activities that help you engage with the world around you.”
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Smile.(36 of52)
Open Image ModalGo for a run.(37 of52)
Open Image ModalPray.(38 of52)
Open Image ModalSpirituality and religious involvement is linked with greater well-being and happiness, according to a review of more than 300 studies on the connection between spirituality and health, while prayer is thought to relieve stress. (credit:Gettystock)
Laugh.(39 of52)
Open Image Modal In addition to relieving stress, laughter can boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. (credit:Gettystock)
Go for a stroll in the park. (40 of52)
Open Image ModalPerform an act of kindness.(41 of52)
Open Image ModalListen to happy music.(42 of52)
Open Image ModalWalk tall.(43 of52)
Open Image ModalMeditate.(44 of52)
Open Image Modal Meditation may be helpful in lowering stress levels and reducing symptoms of mild depression, and has been linked with emotional well-being and improved sleep. (credit:Gettystock)
Keep a gratitude journal. (45 of52)
Open Image ModalGo on vacation.(46 of52)
Open Image ModalPlay with a puppy. (47 of52)
Open Image ModalTake a nap.(48 of52)
Open Image ModalEnjoy a nice cup of tea.(49 of52)
Open Image ModalNoticing and appreciating life's small pleasures can literally rewire the brain for happiness by shifting the brain's negativity bias, according to psychologist Rick Hanson, author of Hardwiring Happiness. "We're surrounded by opportunities -- 10 seconds here or 20 seconds there -- to just register useful experiences and learn from them," Hanson told The Huffington Post. (credit:Gettystock)
Volunteer. (50 of52)
Open Image ModalHave sex.(51 of52)
Open Image ModalThink of happy times.(52 of52)
Open Image Modal Feeling nostalgic about the past can make you feel happier and more optimistic about the future, according to a recent University of Southampton study. (credit:Gettystock)