8 Ways to Feel Happier

According to our forefathers, the pursuit of happiness is our inalienable right – so do your patriotic duty by putting more joy in your life with proven mood boosters.

These uplifting attitude adjustments take less time and effort than you'd think!

Practice Random Acts of Kindness Whether you volunteer at a soup kitchen or simply lend a supportive ear to someone who is going through a rough time, you'll get a feel-good rush known as "Helper's High." Study after study has shown that if people stop dwelling on their own issues and focus instead on reaching out to others, levels of stress hormones drop. When you make another person's life brighter, it's a win-win scenario.

Indulge in a Little "Retail Therapy" You don't have to go on a budget-busting spending spree to experience the instant euphoria that comes from shopping. In fact, even window shopping or just wandering around the mall will do the trick. However, recent research revealed that people in a low mood are more likely to make impulse purchases. Best to leave the plastic at home and simply have a fine time checking out the latest fashions, using the fragrance testers, sinking into a plush sofa, or letting the seasonal aisle put you in a vacation frame of mind. If you bring along a small amount of cash, you're allowed to treat yourself to an inexpensive trinket or two. Tip: The shopping ploy works well if you're alone but it can be more fun with a BFF or two!

Get Moving! There's a reason gym-rats who are subdued in the locker room before they work out end up coming back all bubbly and full of smiles. Physical activity spurs the production of endorphins, the happy hormones that give us a natural lift. In fact even seriously depressed people lighten up if they stop being couch potatoes. Find a way to fit some exercise into your life. You'll not only be healthier but you'll also be happier.

Count Your Blessings Mentally tally up all that's right about your life no matter what challenges you may be facing at the moment. Better yet, make a written list. Some researchers contend that if you use a pen and paper instead of typing on your computer, the thankful feelings will be more potent and stick around longer.

Change It Up Boredom is a definite downer. Anything you do to get out of your usual routine can make life more interesting. Start saving for a getaway to a place you've never visited before.Take a roundabout route to work. Rearrange the furniture. Sleep on "his side" of the bed and have him sleep on yours. Try some ethnic food you've never tasted. Switch to a bolder shade of lipstick. Your goal is to banish same old, same old and surprise yourself with new and different.

Spend Quality Time with Children If you have kids in your life, great. If not, borrow some for a day at the zoo or a trip to a science museum. You could even become an official Big Sister or Foster Grandparent. There's nothing like seeing the world through the eyes of a youngster to freshen a weary outlook. When a little one stares with amazement at a flower or a snowflake or a sunset, how can you not share that sense of wonder?

Give Yourself a Thumbs Up Affirmations are a time-honored way to cheer yourself up. That's because they really work! At least once a day, give yourself credit for being the wonderful person that you are. No accomplishment is too small to go unnoticed. Did you finally buy a pair of running shoes? That counts even if you didn't start running yet. Did you make it through half of your To Do list? That's better than not having tackled it at all. Did you let the person with one item go ahead of you in line at the checkout counter? Great! It all adds up. The trick is to nurture the habit of noticing what's right about you. You'll be glad you did.

Cultivate Friendships Get out and "friend" someone in person instead of on Facebook. Call your sister or visit your neighbor rather than sending emails or Tweets or text messages. Join a club. Find a support group that meets somewhere other than online. Let your husband go to the game with his buddies while you host a Girls' Night In with the wives. The more people you have in your life who cherish you and want to spend time with you, the better you'll feel.

What about you, What makes you feel happier?