CHECK IN WITH YOUR HEALTH

Want to be healthy? Be happy. Want to be happy? Be healthy: The two go hand-in-hand. In fact, research links happiness to a longer life, stronger heart, and better immune system—plus fewer aches, stressors, and diseases over time. When you’re happy, you’re more likely to take care of yourself and stick to healthy behaviors like eating fruits and veggies, sitting less and moving more, and catching up on your Zs. When you’re healthy, you’re more likely to feel happy!

Start the cycle off right (or get it back on track) by doing regular body check-ins to pinpoint any areas of your health in need of a little extra TLC. To do a full body check, begin with your feet: How do they look and feel? Any aches or pains? No? Okay, now move on to your ankles and lower legs. Work your way up through your body, ending with your head. Some issues may be fixed with an over-the-counter pain medication, Band-Aid, or patience. Other issues might require a visit to the doctor.

SIGN UP FOR A ROAD RACE

Road races are a unique way to explore a city and often benefit a nonprofit or charity at the same time. Plus, the exercise gives you a boost of feel-good hormones like serotonin. You can sign up for any length (5K, 10K, half-marathon, etc.) depending on whether you are new to racing (or want to keep a more casual pace) or an experienced runner. It’ll give you an exercise goal to work toward and motivation to stay on track.

CHERISH A MUNDANE MOMENT

Ordinary moments matter; life will pass you by if you don’t stop to pay attention! Instead of focusing on just the really good (and really bad), cherish as much as possible. Take in that quiet morning at home, your drive to work, the way the sky looks right now, and so much more. Happiness isn’t just in “big” moments.

FOCUS ON YOUR BREATH WHEN YOU WAKE UP

Rather than reaching for your phone the minute you open your eyes in the morning (we’ve all done it!), dedicate that moment to a quick morning breathwork session. While you’re still in bed, put one hand over your heart and take five deep, slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This easy exercise will help direct the usual morning’s flood of thoughts in a positive, organized way, prepping you for a happy, successful day.

VALUE YOUR AGE

It’s time to let go of outdated stereotypes about certain decades and milestone birthdays. The age you are right now is what matters; you might as well enjoy it! If you feel your thoughts lingering in the past or dreading getting older—at the expense of living up the present—take a moment to appreciate your current age and focus on all the great things you can do to enjoy it.

PRACTICE WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Work-life balance is more than an even split between hustling and recharging. It’s a blend of all the things that make you happy (e.g., fitting in a weekly exercise class), along with the stuff you have to do, like paying taxes. This helps create more satisfaction about the life you’re leading, so you can avoid burnout and prioritize what matters most to you. Practice balancing the times you are super productive with a little self-care, either scheduled in as quick sessions or as a full personal day.

IDENTIFY YOUR INNER CIRCLE

Friendships change as you evolve and grow, and it’s important to identify and possibly re-evaluate who’s in your inner circle once in a while. Consider whether each person in this circle is genuine and motivates you to be your best, happiest self—and who might be more of a drain on your emotional energy.