How to be happy: 40+ secrets to a happier life

According to a new survey conducted by Leger, 61 per cent of respondents reported high happiness levels after age 55. This lines up with previous research that found that people tend to experience their highest levels of happiness in youth and old age, because mid-life is a stressful life stage.

A 2015 Dutch study found that people who take probiotic supplements once a day for four weeks are happier than those who don’t. At the end of the four weeks, participants were less likely to focus on current bad feelings and past negative experiences.

Eating lots of fruits and veggies can “enhance mental well-being,” according to a 2019 study in Social Science & Medicine. Aim for 10.5 portions per day – where a portion equals a cup of raw vegetables or fruits, or half a cup of cooked veggies.

Here are 8 clear signs you’re not eating enough vegetables.

Yes, a pool counts. According to a 2010 study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, water makes people feel positive emotions. And if you need motivation to book a beach vacation, a 2016 study found that ocean views are linked to lower levels of psychological distress.

A recent Canadian survey found that the happiest quintile of respondents live in places with low population density, while the happiest towns were all in rural locations.

A home in the ’burbs can make us happy. According to a 2014 poll, 84 per cent of suburbanites were satisfied with the community where they lived, versus 75 per cent of city dwellers and 78 per cent of rural residents.

Regardless of the size of your city, you’re likely to be happier if you live somewhere with sidewalks and bike paths – so long as you use them, of course.

Researchers in the United Kingdom found that adding just 20 minutes to your daily commute has the same negative impact on life satisfaction as a monthly pay cut of $550.

Of course, the best commute isn’t just short, it’s walkable. According to recent research by McGill University, pedestrians are the happiest, with 85 per cent saying they’re satisfied with their commute.

Discover the benefits of walking 10,000 steps per day.

Research has shown that living at the same address for more than five years can increase people’s happiness, likely because they’re more immersed in their community and have a greater sense of belonging.