Happiness, according to Martin Seligman, is partly influenced by our genes and environment, but a significant 40% depends on our actions Philip Zimbardo, a well-known psychologist, also supported this idea, pointing out that we can work on this 40% to increase our happiness To improve one's well-being, science suggests spending at least 20 minutes a day outdoors. Natural light and fresh air help improve mood and memory Another tip is to actively engage in the pursuit of happiness. Several studies show that those who try to be happy actually end up feeling better than those who do not Discovering one's strengths and using them on a daily basis is another path to happiness Shawn Achor, a Harvard psychologist, conducted an experiment that showed how this approach can lead to a significant increase in happiness, with long-lasting effects Regular exercise is key to improving mood through the release of endorphins in the brain. The positive effects can persist even on days when you don't exercise Attributing meaning to life, as shown in a Japanese study, is crucial to well-being. People who find purpose in life live longer and are healthier than those who do not Surrounding oneself with happy people is another way to increase one's happiness Happiness is contagious and can affect not only friends and family, but also neighbors, as studies on social contagion theory have shown A social support network, which can come from close friends, a loving family or community ties, is more important for happiness than factors such as income or ethnicity Finally, caring for others is a practice that contributes to happiness. Studies show that volunteering is associated with lower levels of depression and a reduced risk of death