Steps to Being a Happier Person

Say Thanks. Any parent raising a child knows how much time is spent teaching that child some manners. Say thank you when someone gives you a present. Say thank you when somebody holds the door. Say thank you when the server notices you left your child’s favorite toy under the booth and rushes out of the restaurant to give it to you. As adults, we surely don’t need reminders for the typical thank-you moments. But many of us may need reminders to do so beyond the typical door openings and gift receiving; after all, part of our purpose here is to get a little deeper, right? Once a week (or more often as you enjoy it more), think of someone who has had an effect on your life—big or small—and write that person a note of gratitude (not via e‑mail either; be personal). Gratitude is one of the gifts you can give others that also has some selfish benefits: Some research shows that fifteen minutes of daily gratitude can dramatically decrease stress hormones in your body. Another cool practice used by some friends: Keep a gratitude bell in the house, and when one member of the family does something nice for another, ring the bell. It’s a great way to teach kids that helping others really matters.