EIGHT HABITS OF THE WORLD’S HAPPIEST PEOPLE

Dan Beuttner is a best-selling author, who’s traveled the globe studying how people live long, happy lives.  And in a recent interview, he laid out the top eight habits of the world’s happiest people.

Based on research and the many people he’s met, he says these are the eight things you can do to feel happier every day.  How many are you doing?

1.  Get at least eight hours of sleep.  The happiest people sleep eight to nine-and-a-half hours a night.

2.  Eat a plant-based breakfast.  Stay away from too much meat and dairy in the morning.  Sugary cereal isn’t good either.

3.  Socialize.  The more the better.  Ideally, with people you like.

4.  Volunteer.  People who do tend to feel happier, more satisfied with their lives, and have fewer symptoms of depression.

5.  Take naps.  Quick power naps of 30 minutes or less leave us more focused, creative, and productive.  Yes, that’s on top of the nine-and-a-half hours he wants you to get a night.

6.  Have faith.  It doesn’t matter what you believe in.  Studies show people who are religious or faithful are more likely to describe themselves as “very happy.”

7.  Limit TV and social media.  The ideal amount is no more than 30 minutes a day of each.  So that’s one show and a quick skim of your favourite social media platforms.

8.  This one’s not doable for most of us:  Don’t work full-time.  You won’t be happy if you can’t make ends meet.  But in a perfect world, part-time is better.  People who work less than 35 hours a week tend to be the happiest overall.