Put on a happy face.

Dozens of books are written each year on how to uplift oneself and be happy, while study after study indicates people will live longer if they have an optimistic attitude toward life. Thinking happy thoughts tends to result in a happier existence, adding both quality and quantity, maintains psychologist John Tassey, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Although some people may perceive happiness as an abstract concept, there are many concrete steps individuals can take to help integrate it into their lives. Tassey suggests the following to promote happiness:

* Regular exercise is a wonderful mood elevator and stress reducer Daily workouts are best, but even 20 minutes three to four times a week is enough.

* "It's important to have relationships. The freshness and uncertainty of a relationship offers challenges and emotional growth, both of which actually promote happiness. People think the stress, tension, and conflict in a relationship cause depression, but that's not necessarily true."

* Set goals and strive to achieve them. Studies indicate that, in 30% of cases, people who set "unrealistic" goals actually achieve them. "The point is not to doom yourself to failure by setting unrealistic goals, but to consider that you might have unrecognized potential. The task of working toward a goal you consider important is a big part of happiness."

* Don't become a victim to your emotions. "Taking charge of your emotions will instill confidence. Often, depression can be considered |learned helplessness.' If you're...