Happiness Hacks

Telling a funny joke is a terrific way to cheer up others, defuse tense situations, and add levity in times of stress. The key here is to make a funny joke, not something overly corny or lame. Memorizing a joke and telling it to others is a good way to cultivate a sense of humor. Plus, did you know that laughing may actually reduce your risk for heart disease? Laughing can also mitigate the damage that’s incurred when you are experiencing deep distress and pain. Want to feel good? Be able to laugh at stressful situations. 

You know how happy you feel when you’re eating your favorite food. That’s why it’s your favorite. Cook or order that one dish that just puts a smile on your face. It could be comfort food from your childhood, an exotic creation you first tasted on vacation, or even a savory palate-pleaser you learned to cook when you were dating someone from another country. Happily savor every bite of that Moroccan tagine chicken, New England crab cake, Midwestern meatloaf, Southern fried chicken, or whatever is your favorite.

Put a “lucky bamboo” plant on your kitchen counter, where it will happily enjoy some warmth. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can successfully grow this plant. It doesn’t need much light and will thrive in plain old water (as long as the water is clean and kept at the same level in the vase or jar). According to the ancient Chinese tradition of feng shui, the “lucky bamboo”—actually not a bamboo at all, but a member of the Dracaena family—creates harmony wherever it is placed. Its numerous long green leaves gracefully grow out of slender stalks. Put a three- stalk plant in the bedroom to ensure longevity, wealth, and happiness, or if you work from home, put a six-stalk plant in your office to attract prosperity.

Attend at least one service in your spiritual faith this week. Research suggests that participation and belief in a religious faith or spiritual tradition is an important ingredient in a purposeful, self-actualized, meaningful, and happy life. One way to stay in touch with your core spiritual beliefs is to attend a religious service or gathering where others share your faith and beliefs. Some studies link regular participation in such events to a greater sense of well-being, a stronger connection to community, a reinforcement of personal beliefs, and a more stable, healthy, and happy family life. If you don’t have a specific faith, create a regular ritual to honor what you believe in. It can be an elaborate affair, or it can be something as simple as finding a few minutes to read about or reflect upon beliefs that inspire you. 

Nothing thrives through neglect. This is especially true for romantic relationships. Lavish the kind of attention on your romantic partner that you desire for yourself! Make a reservation at one of the best hotels or bed-and-breakfast establishments in your area. Such accommodations usually offer intimate, cozy settings and comfort- able bedrooms (sometimes with fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs). Surprise your partner with a weekend getaway and watch how your love blossoms. 

Push the button in the elevator for a fellow rider. Help an elderly person up the steps of a building or a subway exit or onto a bus. Put your pocket change into a charity box. Invite a fellow shopper to move ahead of you in the check-out line. Shovel the snow off your neighbor’s walk. Offer to let someone share your umbrella. Random acts of kindness require very little effort, but such acts pay great dividends in the good karma and personal happiness they generate. 

The greatest gift you can give anyone is the gift of life. Hospitals nationwide provide lifesaving blood transfusions every day, yet all too often a shortage of blood prompts blood donation centers, the American Red Cross, and hospitals to call upon citizens to donate. Consider donating on a regular basis or even just once a year—perhaps make your donation on your birthday so that someone else can make it to his or her next birthday. The happiness you feel on your special day will be magnified by your generosity. 

Flirting is fun and harmless and can make you feel good about yourself. Next time you’re in a bookshop or coffee shop—or even a supermarket!—try a little flirting. Let’s say you see a great-looking guy thumbing through a travel guide. Or maybe an attractive woman is standing in front of the science fiction novels or shelves of business books. The point is that you like what you see. You could walk over, excuse yourself, and reach past her to retrieve a book that’s right in front of her. If you’re a bit timid, simply flash a nice smile after making eye contact. Or comment on the travel book he’s reading. Is it a guide to Ireland, where you once bicycled through rolling hills? Have you read Finnegans Wake? Show your curiosity and interest in the topic (and the person) and get your best flirt on.

Ever too tired to cook? Feel like having to plan what’s for dinner is the bane of your existence? Don’t let that stress you out and rob your happiness. Encourage (or tell) each family member to choose one day each week to prepare dinner. Be graceful and supportive if you’re presented with a stack of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches—at least you didn’t have to make them! If you have children, get them an age-appropriate cookbook and help them make some recipes. After that, they’re on their own. Train the whole family so that the next time you are too tired to cook, you can relax and check the family schedule to see whose turn it is to cook instead.

Making a card that says exactly what you want to say is way more fun than perusing dozens of cards on a store shelf. Oh, and since it costs nothing when you already have the materials on hand, you’ve got another reason to smile! A sheet or two of colored paper, paste, scissors, colored pens, and some magazines are all you need to make a great, personalized birthday card guaranteed to evoke smiles of appreciation. Find birthday greetings on the Internet or make up your own, then use magazines to clip out images or words that express your thoughts. Have fun with it! You’ll find that the receiver of the card will be far more appreciative of all your hard work than if you had simply pulled a generic card off a shelf.