Since the dawn of time people have wanted to be happier. Happier people have more energy and more motivation to solve the problems around them. Just like the wealthy have specific habits, so do the happy. So what are some of these happy habits? How do we become happier?

Sonja Lyubomirsky, is an American psychologist, who studies the science of happiness and she found that 50% is chemical, 10% is circumstances (work, where you live, finances, relation status), and 40% is intentional activity, its your routine, its what you do that effects your happiness habits. Therefore, half of your happiness is completely out of your control but you can take charge of some of your happiness. Just like we spend time on physical fitness to become more fit we need to do the happiness homework to become happier.

In her book, “The How of Happiness”, Sonja Lyubomirsky identified 6 important habits in people who are happier than others:

1. They exercise (I’m proof of this habit)!
2. They invest in relationships with family and friends by calling them and spending quality time together.
3. They practice being optimistic even under difficult circumstances by avoiding negative talk.
4. They express gratitude by writing it down and saying it out loud.
5. They help people they know–and those they don’t! They enrich the community.
6. They pursue goals of lasting importance. This is something the wealthy do, too!

Do you see the similarities between the wealthy, the happy and the healthy? Challenge yourself to set aside time to do this homework preferably first thing in the morning. This sets the tone and intention for the day.

These specific practices help us hold on to our happiness when our world collapses during a global crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic. It offers us hope of happiness in the time of Coronavirus.

Happiness habits are just as important for your health as fitness habits. Make it part of your daily life. Be proactive!

Today’s food & workout recap:

• Breakfast: English multi grain muffin, 2 eggs, 3 mozzarella string cheese  (483 cals)
• Lunch: 30g honey almond granola, Vanilla protein Premiere shake (300 cals)
• Snack: Power crunch bar (200 cals)
• Workout: 10 mins Spinning Cardio
• Dinner: 5 oz. Salmon, 1 cup broccoli, lemon wafers (481 cals)

Total food calories for today: 1,464 = (80g, 21% Carbohydrates) (75g, 45% Fat) (127g, 34% Protein)

I had another great day with my nieces. This is one of my happy habits, spending time with my family. I also get to model happy behavior for the young girls in my life.