TOP 10 HAPPINESS HELPERS

1.  BE GRATEFUL

Each night, recall three things that went well that day.  Focus on the fun stuff to crank up your contentment.

2.  LOSE YOURSELF

Spend at least 20 percent of your leisure time on pursuits that put you into a "flow" state, fully absorbing your mind.

3.  INDULGE YOUR HOBBIES

Break from the grind to do what excites you.  Love to travel?  Research a future trip to Rome.  Gratifying your desires keeps your bliss battery humming.

4.  WALK YOUR TALK

Align your actions with your values.  Cherish loyalty?  Chat with your bet pal regularly.  Practice what you preach to stay chipper.

5.  PEN A HAPPY ENDING

Instead of obsessing over what's to come, jot down your ideal future.  People who put their positive fanasies on paper reported feeling significantly happier in a month.

6.  BE A FAVOR FAIRY

Research suggests that doing even small good deeds, such as sholding elevator doors, makes you joyful.  Altruistic acts create a circle of virture; pass the karma on.

7.  REMOVE THE BLINDERS

To be satisfied, set a goal with a deadline. Then, instead of fixating on the end point, enjoy the steps that get you there.

8.  CIRCLE UP

Joining people who have convened for a cause directed toward the greater good, is as beneficial to your health as exercising regularly, studies show.

9.  TAP YOUR STRENGTHS

Find simple ways to use your gifts.  You'll find motivation in the mundane.

10.  MAKE YOUR HEART POUND

Three brief workouts a week can improve your outlook nearly as well as antidepressants, research finds.