Be happy

When it comes to getting work done on a daily basis, I know there's no shortage of advice. But what if you want to get more stuff done and also feel happy?


It turns out there are some things that are actually scientifically proven to make you happier.

Here are 10 reasons to start planning your day now:

1. Get eight hours of sleep. In contrast to popular belief, sleep helps you think more clearly, perform better at work and enjoy life. A study conducted by researchers at Stanford University found that working adults who got fewer than six hours of sleep had significantly lower levels of happiness than their counterparts who slept seven to nine hours every night.

2. Exercise. While the data on exercise and happiness is scarce, many people report feeling more confident and relaxed after a brisk walk. It can be hard to fit in exercise, but taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or even biking or jogging to work once a week can have significant effects on your mood.

3. Meditate. Research shows that just 15 minutes of meditation can help reduce your stress level and improve your mood. Meditation can be practiced in different ways, including through mantras (repeated phrases), guided imagery, yoga or prayer.

4. Eat healthy. There are a lot of reasons to choose foods that help you feel great, like vegetables and whole grains. They can also help you manage your weight, which has been linked to happiness. Eating a healthy diet also boosts your immune system, which can help you feel happier.

5. Focus on what you're doing and not the results. Many people don't realize that you can become less stressed if you focus on the here and now, rather than obsessing over what you hope will happen in the future. One reason is because your brain is more energized by the present experience than it is by worrying about what might happen in the future.

6. Connect with others. Friendships are linked to life satisfaction and happiness, while loneliness can be a cause of unhappiness.

7. Laugh often. Studies show that a little laughter each day can make your life feel more joyful and fulfilling.

8. Don't take yourself too seriously. The key is to be more accepting of yourself than your circumstances, which allows you to become more appreciative of what you already have.

9. Get outdoors. Nature can be therapeutic in so many ways, from providing you with a calming sense of calm to helping you relax and de-stress. In fact, some cities have seen increases in suicides and depression in recent years.

10. Stay hydrated. Staying well-hydrated can make you more focused and productive. You don't need to drink a lot to stay hydrated, but if you drink enough water, you won't feel thirsty.