How to be Happy in Two Easy Lessons

1. SMILE. A true smile will increase activity in the left prefrontal cortex of your brain -- known to be the seat of positive emotions.(1)  Need some help to get started? Just watch this video, but beware. The laughter is contagious.

2. LOOK FOR A HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY, everyday in your life and write it down. Whether on a calendar or in a diary of some sort, it becomes a gratitude journal. The habit of  listing what makes you happy and thankful, has been found to increase positive emotions.(2)  I'm listing my Highlights of the Day on 43 Things.

Sources:

(1) Engines of Our Ingenuity: Smiles that make you happy.www.uh.edu

(2)Highlights from the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness.