Nine Signs You’re Happier Than You Think

Are you already having one of “those” kind of days? Perk up, buttercup –you may have more happiness in your life than you ever realized! The folks over at Prevention magazine discovered a few, small factors that play a major role in your overall disposition.

1. You Were a Smiley Student. Adults with the biggest grins in their college yearbook pictures tend to have five-times the success in marriage than their grumpy counterparts.

2. You Have a Sister. The British Psychological Society discovered that a little extra estrogen in your family tree can mean you have better social support, more optimism and better coping abilities.

3. You’re Not Glued to the TV. The happiest people on earth turn off the tube and engage in ”real life.”

4. You Keep Souvenirs On Display. Photos and mementos are reminders of great times –DR. SONJA LYUBORMISKY from UC Riverside says that fond memories remind you of your “happiness potential.”

5. You Make Exercise a Priority. Hit the gym, go for a walk or just mowing the lawn can make you less stressed and more satisfied with life.

6. You Have a Healthy Love Life. Never underestimate the power of physical intimacy –married folks get thirty-percent more nookie than singles –which could be part of the reason they’re just plain happier.

7. You Hang Out With Happy People. Great news if you’re one of the lucky few that has a positive B-F-F within a half-mile of your home –your happiness quotient rises a whopping forty-two-percent. The key is simply geography –live closer to your great buds and you’ll see them more often.

8. You Stay Warm With Hot Cocoa. Toasty beverages have a fabulous side effect of positive feelings. Heat up that iced tea and you could feel more generous, trusting and appreciative.

9. You Have Two Best Friends. A pair of pals –not including your spouse–is the magic number to remember. One study shows that people who have two strong, loving buddies are more likely to enjoy a strong sense of mental well-being