I'm very happy, because today I am the "Featured Blog" on Typepad.

Zoikes, today is a VERY happy day for me.

I’m thrilled that the Happiness Project is today’s “Featured Blog” on Typepad. Hello, new visitors, and thanks for dropping by!

I’m a-glow at the recognition and the extremely kind, generous words from my beloved Typepad. I even get a t-shirt, how fabulous.

In honor of the occasion, I’ve decided to re-publish my most popular post. Back by audience demand, it’s…Seven tips for making yourself happier IN THE NEXT HOUR.

(Usually Wednesday is Tip Day at the Happiness Project, but I decided to bend the rules, just this once.)

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Seven tips for making yourself happier in the next hour.

You can make yourself happier – and this doesn’t have to be a long-term ambition. You can start right now. In the next hour, check off as many of the following items as possible. Each of these accomplishments will lift your mood, as will the mere fact that you’ve tackled and achieved some concrete goals.

1. Boost your energy: stand up and pace while you talk on the phone or, even better, take a brisk ten-minute walk outside. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up, and the activity and sunlight are good for your focus, your mood, and the retention of information. Plus, because of “emotional contagion,” if you act energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel energetic, too.

2. Reach out to friends: make a lunch date or send an email to a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Having warm, close bonds with other people is one of the keys to happiness, so take the time to stay in touch. Somewhat surprisingly, it turns out that socializing boosts the moods not only of extroverts, but also of introverts.

3. Rid yourself of a nagging task: answer a difficult email, purchase something you need, or call to make that dentist’s appointment. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a big rush of energy and cheer, and you’ll be surprised that you procrastinated for so long.

4. Create a calmer environment: clear some physical and mental space around your desk by sorting papers, pitching junk, stowing supplies, sending out quick responses, filing, or even just making your piles neater. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizeable dent. Try to get in the habit of using the “one minute rule”—i.e., never postpone any task that can be completed in less than one minute. An uncluttered environment will contribute to a more serene mood.

5. Lay the groundwork for some future fun: order a book you’ve been wanting to read (not something you think you should read) or plan a weekend excursion to a museum, hiking trail, sporting event, gardening store, movie theater—whatever sounds like fun. Studies show that having fun on a regular basis is a pillar of happiness, and anticipation is an important part of that pleasure. Try to involve friends or family, as well; people enjoy almost all activities more when they’re with other people than when they’re alone.

6. Do a good deed: make an email introduction of two people who could help each other, or set up a blind date, or shoot someone a piece of useful information or gratifying praise. Do good, feel good—this really works. Also, although we often believe that we act because of the way we feel, in fact, we often feel because of the way we act. When you act in a friendly way, you’ll strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people.

7. Act happy: put a smile on your face right now, and keep smiling. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile has a positive influence on your emotions—turns out that just going through the motion of happiness brightens your mood. And if you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.

Some people worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal. To the contrary. Studies show that happier people are more sociable, likeable, healthy, and productive—and they’re more inclined to help other people. So in working to boost your own happiness, you’re benefiting others as well.

Feel happier yet?

Comments

[Monica Ricci]

Gretchen, WOOHOO FOR YOU! That is very exciting! Good going.
~Monica

[Miles]

Great work, this site has quickly grown to one of my most closely watched and read.

Keep up the good work.

[Kstyle]

Congrats Gretchen,
You just never know where this blogging thing is going to lead next. k

[Janna]

Congrats!! You deserve the feature, that's for sure :)

[Lee]

Congratulations on your new-found fame! Regarding your quest, perhaps this might help: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6657843.stm
All the best from Spain.

[Cara]

Congratulations, Gretchen!

[Martha Garvey]

Mazel tov. Very nice write-up.

[Gretchen Rubin]

Thanks everyone! All these good wishes make it even nicer.

[annmarie]

Congratulations Gretchen! I haven't commented in a while, but I read you daily. In the interest of cleaing out junk I don't need I pretty much demolished my daily must-read blog list. Only a choice few remain, one of which is Happiness Project. Thanks for your good work.

[CK]

Hi Gretchen: congrats on the write-up and on the forthcoming (happy) book. As a happy person, I must ask -- don't you find it unhappy that so many strive or find happiness elusive? No doubt beautiful to teach more how to be happier, be it through control of environ or whatnot...it basically comes down to finding our passion and being at peace with ourselves. Sure, that sounds simple (I find it is) but I guess finding joy in so much of what I do, that the thing that most saddens me is when others don't find more joy in their lives.

And I should say that I'm 7 weeks off of the most devestating loss of my life (my mother in a tragic accident whom I was so close to). Not an easy time by any means...but I've not lost my joy, nor do I intend to. I'm oddly fortunate to have such a gaping hole in my heart over such a tremendous woman.

Anyhow, interesting book that I look forward to reading. Btw, I created and Host a business book club (but it's for marketing). You might find it interesting...and yes, it makes a lot of people very happy to share knowledge and get smarter together! Here's the link for the latest segment which launched today:

http://www.mpdailyfix.com/2007/05/book_club_round_3_gets_sticky_1.html

Much luck to you. This is an important project, enjoy your journey. Hope you didn't mind the long comment.

[Jennifer]

Wow. I love this site. The concept, the put-togetheredness of it, the insight. So glad to have found you!

[Whitney Johnson]

What a delightful read -- I am delighted to have been introduced to you.

My best,

Whitney Johnson

[Jeanne]

Hello, I came by via the Featured Blogs spot on the TypePad homepage, as the name of your blog certainly caught my attention! Congratulations on your achievement -- I will be back to read more thoroughly.

Love this list. I think I'm starting already -- here is a #6!

[Dennis Goedegebuure]

Hi Gretchen, I also found your blog on the Typepad Featured blog.
I'm happy that I did read on, and have even blogged about your project myself.
I would like to send you best wishes for finishing your project and looking forward to the result.

My post is in Dutch, so it might be hard to read, but it is only positive: http://www.thenextcorner.com/2007/05/the_happiness_p.html

[MoreTimeAndMoney]

Congratulations!

[patti digh]

how wonderful! i was delighted to see The Happiness Project featured on Typepad!

[Joseph Bernard]

Hi Gretchen, I very much like your tips and this blog.

Happiness is an inside game. Nuturing your body, mind, heart and spirit will make happiness much less effortful. The other important happiness factor is to remember whatever is not happy in you is just a story and a lousy one at that.

I write about happiness, inner peace, purpose and passion for life at www.explorelifeblog.com