10 Foolproof Ways to Lead a Happier Life

Who doesn't want to lead a happy life? Not only does happiness improve the quality of life, but it also can improve health. Happiness is a known antidote to stress, which can lead to premature aging and even death. Unfortunately, many of us aren't happy with our lives. But, luckily, there are ways to improve our happiness to make life more fulfilling.

Happiness is easy to find if you know what to look for. Everyone can bring you happiness; in fact, the happiest people are those most connected to others, with large groups of friends and family. But beyond increasing your social network, there are other ways to become a happier person.

First of all, decide to be happy. Making the conscious decision to be a happy person will improve your outlook on life. If, every day, you wake up and tell yourself, 'I will be a happy person,' soon you will be thinking positively. But, while wanting to be happier is a good start, making this desire a reality takes a revised outlook on life. Follow these 10 steps to a happier perspective, and you'll become a happier person.

1. Prioritize.

No one can do everything. Therefore, do the things you enjoy and the things that are most fulfilling to you. Manage your time wisely to decrease stress levels.

2. Turn off the tube.

There are so many negative images on TV. The best solution? Turn it off.

3. Be thankful.

Think about everything you love about your life. Maybe your family, your pets, your job, your favorite place. Make a list of all that you are grateful for. Whenever you feel sad, look at this list and think about everything wonderful you have.

4. Pray.

Religion gives us hope. It also draws us together into communities. If you have religious roots, thinks about strengthening them. If you don't, read up on religion, philosophy, or anything that can answer the question, 'why are we here?'

5. Try your hardest.

We get the most satisfaction out of our work when we work hard and get rewarded. Do something valuable at work and make yourself feel good.

6. Sweat.

Exercise is a guaranteed way to make you feel better about yourself. If you're new to working out it may be difficult to get into the habit of exercising, but it will definitely be rewarding in the long run.

7. Stay out of harm's way.

Keep the environment you live in clean and safe. Keep your body pristine too. Overeating, overdrinking, over-anything will only make you feel bad about yourself.

8. Pick up a good book.

Stimulate your mind by learning something new. Regular reading is a foolproof way to increase your vocabulary and feel smarter, which will make you happier too.

9. Talk it out.

Tell someone how you feel. Emotions are best when expressed, so talk to your boss about your frustration, tell your friend how much you appreciate him, and commend your next waiter for doing a good job. If you talk about your feelings without letting them get the best of you, you'll feel freer to express the best emotion of all-happiness.

10. Smile.

Make yourself laugh or smile, even if you don't want to. You'll instantly feel better. And if you dedicate yourself to becoming a happier person, you'll begin smiling all the time.