Five ways to increase your happiness

Happiness is something that everyone wants, but few are willing to take steps to obtain it. There are scientific research on happiness and they indicate that happiness may be increased in different ways. Remember that you control half the level of your happiness, while the other half is influenced by your genetics, your circumstances and your environment.

1.  Take a break from the material world

Psychological research suggests that money does not buy happiness. Once you have earned enough money to pay your bills, pay your housing and transportation, will be fine. But the people who make charitable giving part of their money to others, have reported higher levels of happiness over those who do not donate.

2.  Your relationships help you to be happy

may not resonate you if you're single, but if you are married - or live - your relationship is key to your happiness level. Research has shown that strong social connections with others are important for your own happiness. To enjoy these benefits, your marriage must be healthy and strong.

3.  The force enjoy not bring happiness

While there are factors you can control, happiness occurs naturally, usually without much conscious effort. It is the result of living a balanced life - take care of the family, attend work and having interests and activities, according to research by Mihaly Csikzentmihalvi. One of the most interesting findings is that watching TV is one of the most depressing that most runs. Activities with a goal tend to increase the level of enjoyment of life.

4. Be generous and grateful people tend to be happier given. This is related to # 1, but also because when you focus on helping others, not so much time is spent evaluating and critiquing our own lives or circumstances. Research shows that being grateful for everything in life - health, friends, family, work and almost everything - it helps to be happy. It is possible that the gratitude we remember all the good things in our lives because we tend to focus on the bad.

5. Focus on experiences, not things People who invest time and money to do things together like going on vacation or a day trip, have reported higher levels of happiness than those who focus on buying a bigger house or a luxury car. This is possible because the memories keep an emotional picture of the experience, while material things make a big emotional impact on our brain. Discard buy as many things for you and your children, happiness is only temporary. Happiness is rounded to achieve a purpose and interest in others. In addition, a healthy body complements a healthy mind.