1. A sense of purpose: feeling that you have something worthwhile to do; something that is important and fulfilling.
2. A sense of control: feeling that you can direct your own life and make choices that affect your happiness.
3. A sense of belonging: feeling close to others, having supportive relationships, and being part of a community or group.
Nurturing a strong network of family and friends
It’s been said that the three keys to a happy life are strong relationships, meaningful work and a sense of purpose. While there’s no question that all three of these things are important, we’d like to focus on the first key for a moment: strong relationships.
The importance of family and friends in our lives can not be overstated. They provide us with love, support, laughter and comfort – all things that are essential to a happy life. We all need people we can rely on, people who make us feel good about ourselves and people who we can have fun with.
Of course, nurturing strong relationships takes effort. It’s not always easy to find time for the people we care about when we’re juggling work, family and other commitments. But it’s so worth it! Spending time with those we love is one of the best ways to reduce stress, boost our moods and feel truly happy.
Eating healthy
3. Limit saturated and trans fats. Saturated and trans fats can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. They’re often found in processed foods, such as cookies, cakes, crackers, and fried foods. To limit these unhealthy fats, check food labels and choose products that have “0 grams trans fat” and no more than 2 grams of saturated fat per serving.
4. Cut back on sodium. Too much sodium can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day, or about 1 teaspoon of salt. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, your doctor may recommend a lower sodium intake.
5. Drink plenty of water. Water is essential for our bodies to function properly. It helps carry nutrients to our cells, helps flush toxins from our bodies, and helps keep us hydrated. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink about 3 liters (about 13 cups) of fluids each day and women drink about 2.2 liters (about 9 cups).
6. Be active every day. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity most days of the week. You can also do other activities that increase your heart rate and make you breathe harder, such as yard work, dancing, or swimming.
Exercising regularly
Exercising regularly is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It reduces your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight, reduces stress levels, and boosts your mood.
Eating a healthy diet is another key to a happy life. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases, and improve your overall health.
Maintaining positive relationships is also important for a happy life. Surrounding yourself with supportive family and friends can help you cope with stressors in your life and make it easier to achieve your goals.