Useful checklist on how to become and stay happy from author Sonja Lyubomirsky:

1. Count your blessings. Express gratitude for what you have both privately and to others.

2. Cultivate optimism. Practice seeing the bright side of everything.

3. Avoid over-thinking and social comparison. Don't dwell on problems.

4. Practice kindness. Do good things for others. »more»

Researchers using advanced brain imaging techniques and investigating the question "Why are we nice to others?" have confirmed what social psychologists have long suspected, because it makes us feel good. Furthermore, we are hard-wired to feel good when we good things for others. »more»

Everyone knows that stress is a silent killer. But what to do about it? In addition to ridding yourself of the underlying causes of stress, experts advise Exercise, Sleep, and Mindful Relaxation all top the list. Below is a description of each and why it works taken from a recent LA Times Health section article.

Exercise: »more»

Conventional wisdom is that nostalgia is a worthless waste of time and it is often derided by mental health professionals as well. Being nostalgic is often considered synonymous with being stuck in the past. Not so fast says a recent study published in the journal Psychological Science. »more»

One route to happiness may be to go with the flow -- but be prepared to work hard first. »more»

A growing number of psychologists have become interested in studying nostalgia, the human emotion that is unique to humans. Some researchers believe that nostalgia may be a powerful psychological coping strategy to protect ourselves against loneliness and social isolation. »more»

As the stock market endures record plummets, job losses sky rocketing, housing prices free falling and the world entering into recession, spending money on others might be the furthest thing on your find. But if you can manage to do so, it might be the surest path to a much needed happiness boost. »more»

If you're ready to think over some big ideas about happiness and aging, here's a website that can get you started in twenty minutes. »more»

The conventional wisdom that the best way to cope after a traumatic or disturbing event is to talk about it may be wrong--at least for some people. How many times have you heard that the best course of action is to talk about it? But research is showing that there can be downsides to this approach. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times(7/28/08 print edition only): »more»

You know the expression ‘we’re creatures of habit’? It’s believed that change is difficult, perhaps even impossible, as we keep on with our old ways of operating in the world. But it’s important for many good reasons (such as changing what makes us miserable and staying young) to do new things. »more»