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July 4, 2008
Posted: 11:29 AM ET
What makes you happy? Money? New car? Family? That’s what you may think, but that sort of happiness is almost always short lived. Studies show that unless you are below the poverty line, money doesn’t bring Americans much happiness. The key instead is to move your happiness set point, so that your baseline happiness is better all the time.
 So, here are some tips to on how to bring a little ‘happy’ to your life:
1) Stay active Don’t stay cooped up in your house after work or on the weekends. Do you like to sing? Join a choir. Love children? Donate time being a big brother or big sister. Crazy about animals? Volunteer at your local humane society. Look for your passion and use it in your daily life
2) Exercise Research shows walking even 30 minutes a day can take the blues away.
3) Get some sunshine Light deprivation can cause some people to get depressed, letting the sunshine in may boost your mood.
4) Laugh Often A study out of the University of Maryland Medical Center says laughter is the best medicine and can actually help keep your heart healthier by improving circulation.
When it doubt, accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative, and that may mean getting rid of some of the “toxic” people in your life. Also, be compassionate. According to some studies, it is one of the only reliable ways to get and stay happy.
Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You’ll find the answers to all your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. eastern on CNN. Posted by: Dr. Sanjay Gupta - CNN Chief Medical Correspondent |
 
About this blog
CNN's team of experts share their top tips to help you become a wise consumer. We know you're busy, and that's why our tips are quick and effective. From health to personal finance, we'll arm you with the information you need to make smart choices.  Contributors
Gerri Willis is CNN's Personal Finance Editor, hosting Open House and appearing regularly on American Morning.
 Ali Velshi is CNN's Senior Business Correspondent, hosting Your $$$$$ and appearing regularly on American Morning.
 Dr. Sanjay Gupta is CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent and host of House Call.
 Elizabeth Cohen offers up medical advice in her weekly Empowered Patient report.
 Judy Fortin's Health Minute segment runs daily weekdays on Headline News.
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