Nine Ways to be Happier in Thirty Minutes

"Being happier doesn't have to be a long-term ambition. You can start right now. In the 
next 30 minutes, tackle as many of the following suggestions as possible. Not only 
will these tasks themselves increase your happiness, but the mere fact that you've 
achieved some concrete goals will boost your mood.

1. Raise your activity level to pump up your energy. If you're on the phone, stand up
and pace. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Put more energy into your voice.
Take a brisk 10-minute walk. Even better...

2. Take a walk outside. Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that
improve mood. For an extra boost, get your sunlight first thing in the morning.

3. Reach out. Send an e-mail to a friend you haven't seen in a while, or reach out to
someone new. Having close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys
to happiness. When you act in a friendly way, not only will others feel more friendly
toward you, but you'll also strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

4. Rid yourself of a nagging task. Deal with that insurance problem, purchase
something you need, or make that long-postponed appointment with the dentist.
Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a rush of elation.

5. Create a more serene environment. Outer order contributes to inner peace, so
spend some time organizing bills and tackling the piles in the kitchen. A large stack
of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make
a sizable dent. Set the timer for 10 minutes and see what you can do.

6. Do a good deed. Introduce two people by e-mail, take a minute to pass along
useful information, or deliver some gratifying praise. In fact, you can also...

7. Save someone's life. Sign up to be an organ donor, and remember to tell your
family about your decision. Do good, feel good―it really works!

8. Act happy. Fake it 'til you feel it. Research shows that even an artificially
induced smile boosts your mood. And if you're smiling, other people will perceive
you as being friendlier and more approachable.

9. Learn something new. Think of a subject that you wish you knew more about and
spend 15 minutes on the Internet reading about it, or go to a bookstore and buy a
book about it. But be honest! Pick a topic that really interests you, not something you
think you "should" or "need to" learn about.

Some people worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal, but in fact, research
shows that happier people are more sociable, likable, healthy, and productive
―and they're more inclined to help other people. By working to boost your own
happiness, you're making other people happier, too."

By Gretchen Rubin, author of 'The Happiness Project'
www.gretchenrubin.com