Science of Happiness: Tips from Tim Bono for a Happier Year Ahead

Unlocking the Science of Happiness: Tips for a Happier New Year

As we enter the new year, many of us are looking for ways to increase our happiness and well-being. According to Tim Bono, a psychology lecturer at Washington University in St. Louis, there is no secret to happiness, but there is certainly a science to it. In his recent book, “When Likes Aren’t Enough: A Crash Course in the Science of Happiness,” Bono explores how small, everyday actions can have a significant impact on our overall happiness.

Based on his research and scientific studies, Bono offers the following tips for getting and staying happier in the coming year:

1. Get outside and move around: Spending time in nature and engaging in physical activity can boost mood and energy levels.

2. Get more happiness for your money: Invest in experiences and giving to others rather than material possessions.

3. Carve out time to be happy and give it away: Help others with your time and feel empowered to tackle challenges.

4. Delay the positive, dispatch the negative: Anticipate enjoyable experiences and get negative tasks out of the way quickly.

5. Enjoy the process: Focus on the journey rather than just the outcome to stay motivated in the face of setbacks.

6. Embrace failure: Learn from challenges and view failure as a stepping stone to success.

7. Prioritize sleep: Ensure you get enough rest to enhance mental acuity and mood regulation.

8. Strengthen your willpower: Practice resisting temptations in daily life to build willpower muscles.

9. Introduce variety: Switch up your routine to stay motivated and engaged.

10. Stop comparing yourself to others: Focus on your own progress and success rather than comparing to others.

11. Connect with others: Build high-quality friendships and engage in regular social interactions.

12. Limit time on social media: Avoid excessive social media use, which can lead to lower self-esteem and motivation.

13. Practice gratitude: Focus on the positives in life and express gratitude regularly.

Additionally, to make New Year’s resolutions stick, Bono suggests identifying important reasons for change, acknowledging potential barriers, setting specific dates and times for new behaviors, making goals measurable, and rewarding yourself for milestones achieved.

By incorporating these science-backed tips into your daily life, you can pave the way for a happier and more fulfilling year ahead.