Happiness is somewhat in our control.
Studies show that 50% of a person's happiness is genetic, 10% is circumstantial, and 40% is based on intentional activity.
So, how can you shift that 40% in your favor?
Psychologists have found a lot of surprising things that make people happy.
1. Get in touch with your inner animal
Different things make men and women happy. Think of a keg for men and a manicure for women.
Evolutionary psychologist Satoshi Kanazawa says realizing this difference is one of the keys to happiness. "One of the best ways to improve happiness is to recognize and accept that we are animals," she writes. "We are all designed by evolution to be a certain way, and no amount of denial or fighting will change our evolutionary legacy and its implications. One of the ways that men and women are different is in what makes them happy."
A global Nielsen study of 28,153 people from 51 nations found what makes each sex tick: "Men are happier with money, while women find greater joy in friendships and relationships with their children, co-workers and bosses."
2. Attempt to break a bad habit
A recent study tracked the symptoms of depression in people who were trying to quit smoking. It was found that subjects were happiest whenever they were successful -- even if they were only successful for one day.
Simply trying to quit was enough to boost the subjects' moods.
Find something you don't like about yourself and nip it pronto for an extra surge of endorphins.
3. Make up to $75,000 and not one penny more
Money doesn't buy happiness; countless studies have proven that.
Why? Because wealthy people usually make money by doing stressful work; they don't spend much time relaxing and enjoying life.
But a new study found that money can make you happy -- if your salary doesn't exceed $75,000.
According to a research report by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, "People's emotional well-being -- happiness -- increases along with their income up to about $75,000."
View more at Business Insider
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