Evidence suggests that unhappy people die younger than happy ones - as much as nine years younger! Research findings in the field of positive psychology is shedding light on what really makes us happy. Here are some tips on how to increase your happiness:

Cultivate friendships - family and friends are key. The wider and deeper your relationships with the people around you, the better. Findings indicate that friendships have a much bigger effect on happiness than income. Just as stress can lower your immune function and trigger illness, friendship and happiness can do the opposite.

Find meaning in life. The belief in something bigger than yourself is another critical ingredient to happiness. It doesn't matter what it is: religion, spirituality, a social cause, human rights, the environment, or anything that is bigger than your own self interest. As long as you can find meaning in something beyond yourself - the bigger, the better.

Align your goals with your values. Clarify your core life-values - things that you are passionate about, that give you joy and a deep sense fulfillment. Redefine your goals to be in harmony with your values and the likelihood for success and happiness will be much greater.

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." - Mohandas Gandhi 

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