We tend to think of happiness as a goal and not the journey. However, happiness is something we should strive for daily. On the road to happiness, we must learn to appreciate the little things that we take for granted. These little snippets of joy can come in many ways and forms. The trick is to be mindful and take the time to notice.

Here are a few simple ways to drive happiness into your daily life:

1. Take care of your body

I know. Everyone keeps mentioning that exercise, diet and a healthy lifestyle is key to happiness. All the self-help books say so as well. They are all right and for good reason. It’s not just a platitude or an old adage. A healthy body is not just looking good and being able to run a marathon. It also has biological components that are true, tried, and tested. A proper diet and regular exercise helps your body release happiness hormones. Here’s what they are and how to hack them:

• Dopamine – the reward chemical
  • Complete a task
  • Engage in self care activities (spa day, haircut, etc.)
  • Eat good food (not junk)
  • Celebrate your wins
• Oxytocin – the love hormone
  • Play with a pet
  • Hold a loved one’s hand
  • Hug your family
  • Give a compliment
• Serotonin – the mood stabilizer
  • Mediate
  • Exercise
  • Walk in nature
  • Get some sunlight
• Endorphin – the pain killer
  • Laugh
  • Eat dark chocolate
  • Dance
  • Smell some essential oils

2. Boost your self-esteem

Develop a healthy self-esteem. Start by eliminating negative self talk. Give yourself a pep talk once in a while and avoid demeaning yourself with negative self talk. Think about this. Would you tell a good friend that she is worthless and stupid? You are your bestest friend in the world, so don’t be hard on yourself. Your relationship with yourself is the most important relationship of all. Cultivate a healthy self worth by identifying your strengths and playing to those.

3. Practice optimism

I know it’s hard to look on the bright side with everything going on in the world. But, reframe it as an opportunity to try harder or to be the change you want to see in the world. When you challenge a negative outlook and try to see the silver lining, you rewire your brain into being open to possibilities. And that expands it. Neuroplasticity, baby. Look it up.

4. Enjoy yourself

Here’s an exercise for you. Create a joy jar. A joy jar is a jar filled with ideas for happiness and joyful activities. Take a jar and write down one happy activity in a small piece of paper. When you think of something happy, write it in another piece of paper and put it in the jar. Pull one out everytime you feel a tinge of sadness.

What are your “pursuit of happiness” tips? Do you have a favorite one? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!