Want To Be Happier In 2016? This Scent + 9 Other Simple Tricks Can Help

5. Be grateful

This is a surefire way to feel happy — being grateful for what you have, rather than upset by or bitter about perceived deficiencies in your life.

You can teach yourself to be more grateful. One way is through a gratitude journal (Oprah recommends this!). At the end of each day, write down anything that made you feel thankful. Research has shown that the act of re-reading these notes of gratitude can profoundly affect our outlook.

And if you ever find yourself feeling depressed, help someone else. From assisting an elderly neighbor with a chore to volunteering in a soup kitchen, humans are more upbeat, energized, and happy when they’re making a positive difference in the world.