Today’s quote: “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”– John C. Maxwell

Here are some simple daily habits to make you happier

1. Smile

You tend to smile when you’re happy. But it’s actually a two-way street. We smile because we’re happy, and smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier.

2. Exercise

Exercise isn’t just for your body. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress, feelings of anxiety, and symptoms of depression while boosting self-esteem and happiness.

Even a small amount of physical activity can make a difference. You don’t have to train for a triathlon or scale a cliff — unless that’s what makes you happy, of course. The trick is not to overexert.

Consider these exercise starters:

Take a walk around the block every night after dinner. Sign up for a beginner’s class in yoga or tai chi.

Start your day with 5 minutes of stretching.  Remind yourself of any fun activities you once enjoyed, but that have fallen by the wayside. Or activities you always wanted to try, such as golf, bowling, or dancing.

3. Get plenty of sleep

No matter how much modern society steers us toward less sleep, we know that adequate sleep is vital to good health, brain function, and emotional well-being. Most adults need about 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night. If you find yourself fighting the urge to nap during the day your body may be telling you it needs more rest.

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. Reserve the hour before bed as quiet time. Take a bath, read, or do something relaxing. Avoid heavy eating and drinking.

Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Invest in some good bedding.

Take Action:

Which of these simple daily tips could you use to be a bit happier?