We all strive to be happy and healthy. Unfortunately, a recent study found that Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in over 50 years, with only 14% of American adults responding that they are happy.*

Despite these challenging times, there are a number of small things you can do that will make a big impact on your overall well-being.

Here are three things that have the power to lift your spirits and keep them high: 

1. Take a Walk – A mere 30 minutes of walking can drastically improve your overall health and wellness. It’s an excellent way to maintain your weight as well as prevent or manage various conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Plus, it strengthens your bones and muscles and improves your mood.** A great place for a nice combination of walking space and scenery would be Ala Moana Beach Park.
2. Read – Have those books or magazines on your shelf been collecting dust? Why not crack one open and begin by reading a paragraph. With that, you can gradually integrate yourself into the book. Reading can stimulate your mind and increase your knowledge. Not much of a reader? Try audiobooks or podcasts instead. They cover a wide range of topics, so you’ll be sure to find something that suits your interests and perhaps inspires you.
3. Volunteer – It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the main ways you can care for yourself is to care for others. Volunteering not only connects you with people who share the same values but can build a stronger, more connected community. And the actual work done by volunteers is often directly related to the health of the people, animals and organizations in the community. This improves the positive environment for all.

Happiness is something we all have to continuously work at. Fortunately, Hawai`i is already one of the happiest states in the U.S. so, we’ve got a head start! 

We hope these three suggestions help to increase your happiness during these challenging times.