Harvard University recommends 20 happy habits

1/20

Be grateful .

Learn to be grateful.

Slow yourself down, look around you, and focus on the subtleties of life: lavender flowers on the sidewalk, beautiful sunsets, washing away the tired shower of your day, the smile in your partner's eyes. When your grateful heart can appreciate the beauty of life, thinking and blessing, you are naturally full of happiness.

2/20

Choose your friends wisely .

Choose your friends wisely.

According to Harvard, the most important external factor affecting personal happiness is interpersonal relationship. So if you want to be happy, choose to be with optimistic friends who can appreciate who you really are and make your life richer, happier and more meaningful.

3/20

Cultivate compassion.

Cultivate compassion.

When we take the place of others and look at things from another point of view, we are more able to deal with problems with compassion, objectivity and effectiveness. There will be less conflict and more happiness in life.

4/20

Keep learning.

Keep learning.

Learning keeps us young and dreams keep us alive. When we use our brains to operate, we are less likely to think about unpleasant things, and we become happier and more satisfied.

5/20

Become a problem solver.

Learn to solve problems.

Happy people are people who can solve problems. When they encounter challenges in life, they do not abuse themselves and become very depressed. They will face the challenge and mobilize all their strength to find a solution. By becoming a problem solver, you will build your self-confidence and the ability to make up your mind to do what you want and to face challenges.

6/20

Do what you love.

Do what you want to do.

Since we spend 1/3 of our adult life at work, doing what we want to do has a great impact on our overall happiness. If you can't do what you want to do now, try to find happiness and meaning in your current job, or develop an interest you love.

7/20

Live in the present.

Live in the moment.

You feel depressed because you live in the past. You will feel worried and anxious because you live in the future. But when you feel satisfied, happy and peaceful, you live in the present.

8/20

Laugh often.

Laugh a lot.

Laughter is the most powerful thing against anger or depression. Research shows that simply raising your mouth can also increase your happiness. Don't take life too seriously. Learn to find a sense of humor and laughter in your daily struggle.

9/20

Practice forgiveness.

Learn to forgive.

Hatred and anger are self-punishment. When you let it go, you are actually showing kindness to yourself. Most importantly, learn to forgive yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. Only through our mistakes can we slowly learn how to become a stronger and better person.

10/20

Say thanks often.

Always say thank you.

Learn to appreciate the blessings in life. It is also important to show your appreciation to those who have made your life better, big or small.

11/20

Create deeper connections.

Learn to get to know each other.

Our happiness will soar in our deep acquaintance with another person. Listening attentively is the two most important aspects of strengthening this bond and bringing happiness to yourself and others.

12/20

Keep your agreement.

Keep your promise.

Our self-esteem is based on our commitment to ourselves. High self-esteem is directly related to happiness. So keep your promises to yourself and to others.

13/20

Meditate.

Meditate.

According to Harvard, on average, people who have taken eight meditation exercises are 20% happier than control freaks. Such training can lead to structural changes in the brain, including the density of black matter in the hippocampus, which is important for learning and memory, in structure and self-awareness, compassion and reflection.

14/20

Focus on what you're doing.

Pay attention to what you are doing.

When you put your heart and soul into something, you will be in a state of happiness. When we are in this state, you don't care what other people think of you, and you are less likely to be disturbed by things that are not important. How did it turn out? Happier, of course!

15/20

Be optimistic.

Be optimistic.

For happy people, the glass is always half full. Whenever you face a challenge, if you tend to imagine the worst, change the situation. Tell yourself about the benefits of a situation or what you have learned from it. Optimism must drive success and happiness.

16/20

Love unconditionally.

Unconditional love.

No one is perfect. Accept all your own imperfections. You have to do the same to others. Loving someone unconditionally doesn't mean you have to spend all your time with them or help them solve problems. Unconditional love means accepting them for who they are and letting them fumble at their own pace.

17/20

Don't give up.

Don't give up.

Unfinished projects and constant failures will inevitably undermine your self-esteem. If you decide to do something, finish it. Don't give up until you succeed. Remember, failure is temporary, defeat lasts forever. Only when you give up will you be defeated.

18/20

Do your best and then let go.

Be the best you can be and let go.

Everyone has limitations. And sometimes although we try very hard to do one thing, it always backfire. So be the best you can be and let go. When you do your best, you will have no regrets.

19/20

Take care of yourself.

Take care of yourself.

A healthy body is the key to happiness. If you are in poor health, no matter how hard you try, it will be difficult to be happy. Make sure you eat well, do exercise, and find some time to rest. Take good care of your body, brain and spirit.

20/20

Give back.

Learn to give.

Doing good is one of the best ways to make sure you are in a good mood. According to Harvard, when people do good deeds, their brains become active, just like the stimulation they receive when you experience other rewards. Therefore, people who care about others are happier than those who don't care much about others.