Perhaps the most important exercise begins immediately after getting up and only takes a few seconds: Stand up straight and say loud and clear: "I want to be happy today!" No matter what happened yesterday, no matter what will happen tomorrow: You have the right to feel good. So let happiness into your life. Right now - and forever.

Our drive: Inner joy as the engine of life
Can you remember the last time you burst out laughing? Too bad! Because studies have shown that laughter is a real all-rounder when it comes to happiness and health , just like singing and dancing: Oxygen levels in the blood increase and the immune system is strengthened. At the same time, stress hormones fall and you feel relaxed and liberated. This makes you glow - inside and out.

Our strength: show courage and grow from it
You've always wanted to ... but then something came up again? Now is the right time to try something new. A spontaneous flirtation? Traveling alone? No matter what you try, you'll feel great, confident and strong afterwards. Create a list on which you can tick off what you have already achieved and what you are particularly proud of. We bet you'll add up quite a lot after a short time.

Our moment of pleasure: being able to treat yourself to something
Do you fancy that homemade chocolate pudding for dessert during your lunch break, but can't have it because everyone else is just ordering salad? No more guilty conscience, let's enjoy it! Winston Churchill once said: "You should do good to your body so that your soul will want to dwell in it." So treat yourself more often to so-called "comfort food", i.e. food that keeps body and soul together. Feeling good is guaranteed.

Our gratitude: showing joy for what we have
No, of course not every day is good. But every day has something good. It is up to us to recognize what enriches our lives and what we can be grateful for. If you write these things down in a gratitude diary, you will create a source of happiness from which you can draw new confidence again and again - especially when you are brooding. There is sooo much of value in our lives.

Our goal: to motivate others and pass on good things
Being able to inspire others is incredibly fulfilling. What do you do particularly well? What are your strengths? Be a role model in this. And why not also be happy? When other people see how you put them in a good mood, they are sure to follow suit with just as much drive. Happiness shared is happiness doubled.

10 things that immediately put a smile on our face

Beaming with happiness? With these tips, it will be easy in future

1 Feel nature: take a deep breath by the sea or in the forest, feel the wind, listen to the sounds. Be free and become one with everything.

2 Good literature carries us through time and space, opens up new worlds and inspires us. Let's enter the happy realm of fantasy!

3 Sniff your favorite scent: what memories does it evoke?

4 Whether it's a compliment for a colleague's performance or holding the door open for a neighbor: we also give ourselves a gift when we make others happy.

5 Being spontaneous: listen to your gut feeling.

6 Touch: When we give attention to others, happiness is released. A great feeling!

7 Singing with heart and soul - whether in the shower or in front of an audience. It's upbeat and makes you happy.

8 Ask yourself at the end of the day: What went great today? Who did something good for me? What made me happy? This makes for sweet dreams - and makes you look forward to tomorrow.

9 Focus on the beautiful things: not on the dark rain cloud, but on the colorful butterfly that is flying by.

10 Write down what you want to reward yourself with this week. Hang up the list - and start with the first item ...

Always think of solutions

We all want to be happier and enjoy life more. But coach Evelyn Wenzel knows that even small things in life are enough to make us happy. Here she reveals her happiness secrets.

In your opinion, what does true joie de vivre look like?

It is an inner attitude that anyone can consciously train. Happy people have the ability to make the best of every situation and at the same time not overestimate negative events. Happiness is found in the many little things, such as sunshine, praise or a smile. Perceiving these as something positive is the true art of happiness.

What qualities strengthen our sense of happiness?

Firstly, positive emotions, which are triggered by gratitude and optimism, for example. Secondly, commitment in the sense that you flourish and thrive in an activity. Thirdly, positive relationships with people with whom we share valuable experiences. Fourthly, meaning in what we do professionally or privately. Fifthly, clear goals in life, the achievement of which spurs us on and keeps us motivated.

To what extent is happiness dependent on money?

Happiness research says that money is very important for happiness when income is below the subsistence level. People whose basic needs and certain additional comforts are covered by their income are therefore just as happy as those who have millions. So happiness does not increase with income.

How can I become happier in my everyday life?

By integrating the above five points into your daily life and resolving to give more space to positive thoughts from now on. Because these lead to positive feelings and positive actions. Therefore, always think of solutions and notice the good things in your life instead of focusing on what is still missing and needs to be better. This automatically attracts even more good things. Always think of solutions.

You might also be interested in this:
Time to live part 1: Who dares, wins!
Time to live part 2: The magic of new beginnings
Time to live part 3: "I am great!"
Time to live Part 4: Dare to say "no" more often
Time to live Part 5: Learning mindfulness
Time to live Part 7: Learning to let go
Time to live Part 8: The secret of serenity
Time to live Part 9: More me-time, please!
Time to live Part 10: Strengthen love!
Time to live Part 11: Become an optimist!
Time to live Part 12: 15 sentences for life
Time to live Part 13: Rituals make our lives easier
Time to live Part 14: Simply switch off for a while