50 Ways to Boost Happiness

Who doesn't want to boost their happiness? Furthermore, is happiness as elusive as we may have been led to believe?

I think not.

Certainly, much has been written about the pursuit of happiness lately; however, I believe it is much simpler and probably easier to be happy than we think.

Perhaps, in this increasingly complex world we live in, we are overcomplicating what it takes to be happy.

As the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne wisely reminds us, true happiness and contentment come from within. Thus, there are many ways we can contribute to our happiness.

Here are 50 simple ways in which you can boost your happiness:

1. Accept that life is not perfect.
2. Don't take yourself too seriously.
3. Don't take others too seriously.
4. Appreciate yourself.
5. Have meaningful goals - they give you purpose.
6. Get a pet.
7. Cultivate friendships. To have friends, be a friend.
8. Be supportive and seek support when needed.
9. Don't confuse materialism with success.
10. Know that money does not buy happiness.
11. Enjoy what you have.
12. Simplify your life.
13. Be more creative.
14. Be yourself.
15. Be more spontaneous.
16. Spend more time with happy people.
17. Keep a happiness journal for writing about the things that give you joy.
18. Find what you love to do and make it your life's work.
19. Be willing to learn and experience new things.
20. Be flexible.
21. Be open-minded.
22. Enjoy simple pleasures.
23. Practice gratitude.
24. Think improvement, not perfection.
25. When things aren't going well, know that it will pass.
26. Know that it's not what happens to you, but how you perceive it that's important.
27. Learn to live in and savor the moment.
28. Exercise regularly.
29. Get enough sleep.
30. Maintain a healthy diet.
31. Enjoy good conversation.
32. Have a hobby.
33. Take time for fun.
34. Practice moderation.
35. Cultivate an appreciation for the arts.
36. Read inspiring material.
37. Help others.
38. Have faith.
39. As Richard Carlson has said - Don't sweat the small stuff.
40. Smile for no particular reason.
41. Be agreeable.
42. Love yourself.
43. Listen to good music.
44. Watch less TV.
45. Give it your best.
46. Pamper yourself.
47. Practice mindfulness.
48. As Bessie Anderson Stanley wrote in her little verse Success: "Live well, love much and laugh often."
49. Be happy now. Don't make it conditional.
50. Share your happiness with others.

Interestingly, I experienced a boost in happiness in compiling this list. As I contemplated each point, I felt happy thinking about it.