10 Ways to Find Happiness

by Dr. Robert Holden

Happiness is life's most cherished goal. On every continent, in every country and in every culture, when people are asked, "What do you want?" the most popular answer is "happiness." When parents are asked, "What do you most want for your children?" the answer is "happiness." Happiness is the goal that makes other life goals—like success, prosperity and relationships—feel meaningful and enjoyable.

It's official—the pursuit of happiness has sped up! We are chasing after happiness faster than ever. And the faster we run, the longer the race becomes. In recent years, our happiness levels have not risen. We are experiencing what researchers call "static happiness." In the 1940s, when people were asked, "How happy are you?" the average score was 7.7 out of 10. Most recently, the average score was 7.2 out of 10.

Are you in search of happiness? Try my 10 tips to find happiness in your life. NEXT

The Health Benefits of Laughter

Laughter is a key component of a happy life and it has powerful physical and mental benefits. No matter what you're facing, you can learn to laugh and benefit from its healing ways.  

By Madeline Vann, MPH  and Christine Wilmsen Craig, MD

Funny movies, sitcoms, cute toddlers, and a good friend’s jokes can all offer one of the most powerful, natural stress relievers out there: laughter.“I think one of the best things is that laughter increases your sense of humor,” says Lynda Tourloukis, a certified laughter teacher based in Park Ridge, Ill. A motivational speaker and life coach, Tourloukis says she became interested in the healing benefits of laughter after she and her husband spent a weekend chuckling and guffawing at a seminar offered by the Humor Project, an organization that focuses on "the positive power of humor." Now she trains other laughter teachers and has become a personal laughter advocate. Everyday Health