Four habits of happy people – as recommended by a psychologist
![](https://assets.weforum.org/article/image/gdfVVm_MyCRtqpvdkt8vtSB1n_oz_CpwCq6vNMpj0S8.jpg)
The reality is that there’ll be times we manage to engage with happiness habits and feel positive Image: Pexels/Kindel Media
Lowri Dowthwaite-Walsh
Senior Lecturer in Psychological Interventions, University of Central Lancashire![](https://www.weforum.org/uplink.jpg)
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![Studies on happiness show that people benefit more when they engage in moderate and high-intensity exercise, which increases the heart rate.](https://assets.weforum.org/editor/zCPoaft223BAGGb-KUGza7O_siRAskrKSHosooyO7rY.png)
![Spending time in the company of friends and family provides both short-term and long-term happiness gains.](https://assets.weforum.org/editor/ZFjOus3O-HyElSqjWnI1-s8yugieVmBKhBQFg1556A0.png)
![A more optimistic mindset and practising a sense of gratitude can buffer against negative emotions and increase happiness.](https://assets.weforum.org/editor/uLprqVaf6qBjVeODWRzrCDRuYjcLr1MiT1BpFFDY2YE.png)
![Pets provide companionship and also reduce incidents of depression and anxiety while helping to boost our happiness and self-esteem levels.](https://assets.weforum.org/editor/evwKImzwOi6vF4CeKrOJoQF9cnWWPu_yvAgVmpQIMkU.png)
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