<div><p>Work for that promotion or take on that marathon. </p><p>It’s a lovely treat for your mind, according to Gretchen Rubin “<b>The brain is stimulated by surprise, and successfully dealing with an unexpected situation gives a powerful sense of satisfaction.</b>”</p></div>

Challenge yourself

<div><p>Residents of Denmark, <b>one of the <a href="http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/countries/denmark/">happiest countries in the world</a>, spend less time than most Americans in the office.</b> </p><p>Only 2 percent of Danes work long hours, which is categorized as 50 hours per week. And full-time workers still devote 66 percent of their day to self-care, like eating and sleeping. <br></p></div><div></div>

Try to cut back on work

<div><p>Research shows recording these everyday events may make us happier later on because <b>we appreciate them <a href="http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2015/03/keep-a-one-sentence-journal-be-happier.html?om_rid=AAEMg8&om_mid=_BVCcs2B9AAn94f">a lot more when they’re revisited</a>.</b> </p><p>In other words, if you ate a scrumptious chocolate brownie on Wednesday, write it down.</p></div>

Keep a one-sentence journal

<p>One study on <a href="http://www.livescience.com/14635-impression-smell-thoughts-behavior-flowers.html">how scent affects joy</a> found that participants who were in a <b>floral-scented room selected three times as many happiness-related terms</b> than negative terms.</p>

Stop to smell the flowers

<div><p>A fulfilling life doesn’t lie in our possessions, <b>it’s found in the experiences we have and the people we share them with. </b></p><p>Spend money on a trip, a concert or any other experience that will bring you joy. Science says <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/10/happiness.possessions/">you’ll be happier in the long run</a>.</p></div>

Spend money on experiences

<div><p>Research suggests hearing your<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/12/stress.mother.voice.call/"> mom’s voice can help reduce stress</a>. And less stress means a happier you.</p></div>

Call your mom

<div><p>We didn’t get to where we are without a little help, so <b>why not extend that same generosity to someone else</b>? </p><p>Not only will your kindness influence others, but studies show it’ll also <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/generosity-health_n_4323727">make you happier, too</a>.</p></div>

Give back

<div><p> Studies show <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140307111016.htm">self-acceptance is crucial to a happier life</a>, but it’s a habit we barely practice.</p></div>

Remind yourself how great you are

<div><p>More sleep = A happier you. </p><p>Too little shuteye <a href="http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/emotions-cognitive">slows down our cognitive processes</a> and increases the risk of depression. </p></div>

Get enough sleep

<div><p>Most people wish they could avoid aging, but studies show that we’re <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106135950.htm">happier as we get older</a>. </p><p>Experts theorize this could be because <b>the older we get, the more we reflect on positive experiences. </b></p></div>

Embrace the aging process

<div><p>Give someone else a compliment. Your generosity will make your day and theirs.</p></div>

Show your appreciation

<div><p>There’s power in small moments. </p><p>“<b>I think when we take time to notice the things that go right — it means we’re getting a lot of little rewards throughout the day</b>,” Susan Weinschenk, author of <em>How to Get People to Do Stuff.</em></p></div>

Celebrate little victories

<p><b>Play fetch with Fido or sneak in a few cuddles with your kitten. </b></p><p>Interacting with your pets can release oxytocin in the brain ― you know, the “warm and fuzzy” hormone ― resulting in that joyous feeling.</p>

Spend time with furry friends

<div><p>There’s nothing like a little thankfulness to boost your mood. Research shows expressing gratitude <a href="http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier">can make you happier</a>. </p><p><b>Try writing down three things you’re thankful for at the end of each night.</b></p></div>

Count your blessings

<div><p>Research shows that allowing yourself a few moments of zen-like escape each day <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/meditation-wiring-brain-happiness/story?id=14180253">may make you happier</a>.</p></div>

Meditate

<div><p>Research shows that trying to boost your mood <b>while listening to music</b> actually can help <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17439760.2012.747000#.Uyic061dVvB">lift you to a more positive state</a>. </p><p>Studies also suggest <b>listening to sad music can help boost positive feelings. </b><br></p></div>

Listen to music

Sometimes it can feel hard to keep up a happy state of mind. The emotion, like all the others, isn't always permanent. But there are ways to keep it up or boost it when you need it ― and luckily, they're simpler than you think.

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