There's good news for people who want to be happier: Happiness can be unleashed one choice at a time.

Ever feel like happiness is elusive. As if it comes easy to other people but not for you. It turns out the happiest people have common habits. Here are five choices you can make to turn up the volume up on your happiness.

Choose positive emotions.

When things go wrong in life it’s easy to react with defiance, anger, bitterness, envy or any other host of negative emotions. Take a moment, breathe and choose a positive response.

Try it.

Next time you're tempted to respond in a negative way choose a positive response instead. Ask yourself, "How can I respond with love, patience, compassion, kindness or peace?" Repeat as often as needed.

Practice gratitude.

Build the habit of of looking for what’s good in life.

Try it.

At the end of each day write down three things you're thankful for. Commit for three months. Easy peasy. You may find this practice improves your wellbeing so much that you'll continue well beyond the three month trial.

Get up and move.

Exercise isn’t just good for your cardio vascular health it’s good for the soul too. 30 minutes or more of daily exercise has been shown to elevate the mood.

Try it.

Head to the park, take a bike ride, turn on some music and dance, or go old school with a little Jane Fonda. Whatever your method, get your body moving for 30 minutes a day (even if you don't feel like it.) You'll be happy you did.

Memorize positive truths.

Everyday we’re bombarded with messages about our worth and what we need to be happier. To combat the onslaught of “if you were just -- prettier, wealthier, taller, stronger, smarter, thinner, younger -- you’d be happier” we need to be armed with truth.

Try it.

Put a positive scripture or truth on the refrigerator, in your car or on the mirror. Read it out lout every day until you memorize it. Once you have it down have a celebration (ice cream, anyone?). One to try: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Be a friend.

The simple truth is we need each other. Anxiety and depression are fueled in isolation. You can kick them to the curb with a little social interaction.

Try it.

Reach out and be a friend. Say yes to the dinner invitation. Open your home to guests. Catch up with other families at the park. However you connect with other people, do it.

What do you find makes you happier? Which habit do you want to try next?

Having trouble finding your way to a happier you? Send me a message. I can help.