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Give Yourself a Happiness Makeover


spinner image Two couples greet at front door, Nestle in the right neighborhood, 42-22426583
Ariel Skelley/Blend Images/Corbis

Nestle in the Right Neighborhood

Research shows that financial security brings much more happiness over time than buying things does. Why? Within about a year the thrill of a new item wears off, while financial security has no expiration date. Indeed, older people's less materialistic spending habits may explain much of their increasing happiness with age.

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Stop Shopping; Start Saving

The happiest people watch less than one hour of television a day, according to a study of 40,000 people who took National Geographic's True Happiness Test. Why? We get more authentic happiness from being with family and friends, reading or engaging in a hobby.

spinner image Couple running past barn, Make the most of your morning
Chase Jarvis/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Make the Most of Your Morning

People in long-term committed relationships suffer less stress and live longer with fewer diseases. Another bonus: Multiple studies have shown that married people are two times more likely to be happy than nonmarried people.

spinner image Man reading book in hammock, Trim your TV time
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Trim Your TV Time

Increase happiness by creating a room at home where you can play an instrument, enjoy a hobby, read a book or spend time with family. Ideally, the room will be full of light, which can increase mood-enhancing serotonin levels.

spinner image Three sets of feet, Get a daily dose of friends
Get a Daily Dose of Friends

Get a Daily Dose of Friends

Giving feels good, and several studies have shown that givers tend to be happier people. In one experiment, one group of people were given money to spend on themselves, and a second group were given money to spend on others. At the end of the day, those who gave their money away reported being happier than those who spent it on themselves. Of course, you don't have to dole out dollars to reap the benefits. Sign up to help out at your grandchild's school, or volunteer at the local cancer center.

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spinner image Couples smiling at each other, Find your soul mate
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Find Your Soul Mate

Where you choose to live is one of the most important determinants of your happiness. If you're looking for a retirement destination, here are some things to keep in mind: People are generally happiest in sunny areas, in the Pacific Northwest and on the water. Look for neighborhoods with sidewalks, meeting places and other characteristics that nudge you into social interaction. Easy access to green spaces and recreation also favors well-being.

spinner image Crowd of people praying, Meet, Pray, Love
Ocean/Corbis

Meet, Pray, Love

Where you choose to live is one of the most important determinants of your happiness. If you're looking for a retirement destination, here are some things to keep in mind: People are generally happiest in sunny areas, in the Pacific Northwest and on the water. Look for neighborhoods with sidewalks, meeting places and other characteristics that nudge you into social interaction. Easy access to green spaces and recreation also favors well-being.

spinner image Upright piano with music book, Create a sunny sanctuary
Uppercut RF/Getty Images

Create a Sunny Sanctuary

Where you choose to live is one of the most important determinants of your happiness. If you're looking for a retirement destination, here are some things to keep in mind: People are generally happiest in sunny areas, in the Pacific Northwest and on the water. Look for neighborhoods with sidewalks, meeting places and other characteristics that nudge you into social interaction. Easy access to green spaces and recreation also favors well-being.

spinner image Man walking dog, Gain peace with a pooch
Steve Cole/Agency Collection/Getty Images

Gain Peace with a Pooch

Where you choose to live is one of the most important determinants of your happiness. If you're looking for a retirement destination, here are some things to keep in mind: People are generally happiest in sunny areas, in the Pacific Northwest and on the water. Look for neighborhoods with sidewalks, meeting places and other characteristics that nudge you into social interaction. Easy access to green spaces and recreation also favors well-being.

spinner image Man volunteering at food pantry, Ignite your passion for compassion
Steve Debenport/Agency Collection/Getty Images

Ignite a Passion for Compassion

Where you choose to live is one of the most important determinants of your happiness. If you're looking for a retirement destination, here are some things to keep in mind: People are generally happiest in sunny areas, in the Pacific Northwest and on the water. Look for neighborhoods with sidewalks, meeting places and other characteristics that nudge you into social interaction. Easy access to green spaces and recreation also favors well-being.

 

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