While everyone’s version of what happiness means can vary, most of us can agree that happiness is one of the best ways to be. We feel more motivated to get up every day, our relationships improve, and we experience less overall stress. Yet, one of the greatest mysteries in human existence is how to achieve a sense of happiness. 

Many of us find ourselves over the age of 80, looking back and wondering how we could have done things differently to be happier.  Believe it or not, experts have found that happiness often comes down to your daily habits. Here are some simple yet effective things that you should do every day if you hope to be happier overall.

Be Grateful

So many of us spend time thinking about what we want and what we don’t have that we forget to be grateful for the things we already do have. Living in a constant state of feeling like we need more to be happy only leads to dissatisfaction. 

Take time every day to be grateful for things that are important to you. Even the simplest things in life that we take for granted are incredibly important in the big picture. Often it’s not until we lose them that we realize how incredibly important they actually were. 

Every day, take the time to write down things you’re grateful for. Whether you jot it down on your phone or keep a paper gratitude journal, get into the habit of writing down things you’re grateful for every single day and watch your happiness expand.

Get Active

Physical activity plays a critical role in our brain’s chemistry. Get physically active for at least 30 minutes a day, and you’ll release those things called endorphins that naturally boost our mood. 

Not only will your brain’s chemistry be altered for the better, but you’ll also feel more confident. When we exercise, we build muscle and become more physically fit. As such, we find ourselves more confident and proud of our physique.

Spend Time With Others

One of the leading causes of depression is loneliness. It’s important that we connect with other people every single day, even if it’s as simple as going to the store and talking to the cashier. Human interaction is a critical part of our well-being, so make sure that you engage with the world around you by fostering your relationships and nurturing your connections.  By spending time with others every day, you’ll find that you have a greater sense of belonging and overall happiness. 

The next time you’re sitting on your couch watching TV, try this— consider taking 5 minutes to call an old friend. You may just find that your entire mood is transformed with just a few minutes of chit-chat.