Nine rules for life used by happy people

Happiness is not such an unattainable thing as we sometimes assume it to be. Attaining it can actually be quite simple.

We at Bright Side have found out the rules that are followed by genuinely happy people, and we decided to share them with you.

1. Maintain strong relationships with those around you

Researchers have shown in a study of people who were 70 or older that those who are happiest in old age are the ones who valued their close relationships with friends and family throughout their lives and did everything they could to maintain them.

2. Value time more than money

One survey revealed that the majority of happy people would prefer to have more time than more money. This confirms the established fact that those who value time over all material objects get the greatest satisfaction out of life.

3. Calculate expenses and live within your means

Not being able to pay the bills is very stressful for almost any individual. This is why researchers recommend being careful with your income and not attempting to acquire things that you can’t allow yourself.

4. Appreciate the wonder around you

Researchers have noted that people who often pay attention to all the wonderful little things around them are more satisfied with their lives than those who don’t. As a result, they’re a lot happier.

5. Spend a lot of time with friends

Time spent among friends does much to make us happier. We receive an especially large amount of satisfaction from spending time with our closest friends who are happy themselves. Their feelings of joy and "lightness" are easily transferred to all those around them.

6. Look after those close to you, and try to make them happy as often as possible

Psychologists have noted that people who spontaneously carry out good deeds are a lot happier than those who never do this. Being good to others makes you feel good yourself.

7. Spend money on experiences rather than material objects

There is evidence that people become a lot happier if they spend their money on emotions. While buying material objects can also help make a person happy, the feeling of euphoria they get from acquiring something new lasts nowhere near as long as it does from experiencing new things.

8. Play sport regularly

It’s been proven that physical exercise helps a person fight psychological problems and cope better with stressful situations. Moreover, research also shows that physical activity is directly connected with feelings of happiness.

9. Learn to live in the here and now

Some research indicates that people who practice meditation, and more generally those who know how to appreciate each moment life gives you, are a great deal happier than others.