Scientific research has proven that people can, in fact, condition themselves to be genuinely happy. An interview with J.P. "Gus" Godsey, the "Happiest Man in America" and Martin E.P. Seligman, author of 20 books and the authority on happiness studies reveals whether the "happiest guy" can make himself any happier.
"The Happiest Guy." Dennis McCafferty. USAweekend.com [Internet] 9 March 2003. Available from: http://www.usaweekend.com/03_issues/030309/030309happiestman.html

The Dalai Lama visits MIT to confer with neuroscientists, psychologists and behavioral scientists on a project that may prove meditation has significant beneficial medical and emotional benefits. Buddhists have long maintained that meditation offers great benefits to their minds and bodies, but the empirical world demands more concrete evidence. Researchers plan to map the brain activity of meditating monks with the latest in advanced technology, like the functional magnetic resonance imaging machine, to prove that meditation has a profound effect on brain activity, mood, behavior, and physical well-being. The Dalai Lama said this about the project, "The U.S. surgeon general advises at least 60 minutes of physical exercise five times a week. It's not inconceivable that 10 or 20 years from now the U.S. surgeon general might recommend 60 minutes of mental exercise five or six times a week."
"Scientists Meditate on Happiness." Kim Zetter. Wired News [Internet] 16 September 2004. Accessed on 28 September 2004. Available from:
http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,60452,00.html

Someone finally figured out a way to approach psychology from a positive perspective. Martin E.P. Seligman, PhD., is a University of Pennsylvania Professor and the creator of Positive Psychology, an unorthodox approach to psychology that deals with beneficial, healthy aspects of mental health, rather than negative aspects such as mental disorders, trauma, anger, etc. See how Dr. Seligman puts his new approach to the test in an annual seminar entitled, "Can Happiness be Taught?"
"Can Happiness be Taught?" Martin E.P. Seligman. Daedalus; 133, 2, 80(8) Spring 2004. Available from:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3671/is_200404/ai_n9394183

Ever wonder why some people are just 'skippier' than others? A researcher contends that genetics accounts for about half the variance about why some people seem inherently happy and others do not.
"Living Well: Much Positive Energy Goes into Studying Happiness." Bob Condor. Seattle Post Online [Internet] 4 September 2004. Available from: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/health/193389_condor04.html

In addition to french fries and smoking, being stressed can also lead to hypertension and coronary heart disease. "The Dangers of Chronic Stress." By Michael Craig Miller, MD. Newsweek, October 2005. Available from: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9466930/site/newsweek/

Studies have shown that emotional stress can increase the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. Researchers are now saying that the risk of psychological and social factors are almost as great as obesity, smoking, and hypertension. "The Good Heart." by Anne Underwood. Newsweek, October 3, 2005. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9467735/site/newsweek/

Have you ever gotten sick and couldn't figure out where you got it? Well, research proves that stress can make you physically ill. Another study documents the psychological connection to the immune system with some interesting results.
"A new take on psychoneuroimmunology." By Beth Azar. Monitor on Psychology. Volume 32, No.11. December 2001. Available from: http://www.apa.org/monitor/dec01/anewtake.html

Proven stress reducer: Forgiveness. According to Harvard Women's Health Watch, learning to forgive can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, help build stronger relationships, reduce pain, and make you feel happier.
"Five for 2005: Five reasons to forgive." Harvard Women's Health Watch. January 2005. http://read.health.harvard.edu/user/user.fas/s=784/fp=3/tp=76?T=open_summary,873225&P=summary

Did you have a good day? Write it down! New findings suggests a link between writing about positive experiences and living a longer life. Keeping a journal is also a great way to let off steam or work through a problem. Other studies have shown that keeping a "gratitude journal" where you write down 1-5 things that you're grateful for, will also make you happier, more joyful, and less stressed. "Positive Emotions in Early Life and Longevity: Findings from the Nun Study." Deborah D. Danner, David A. Snowdon, and Wallace V. Friesen. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 80(5)(2001): 804-813. Available from: www.apa.org/journals/features/psp805804.pdf
and http://www.apa.org/releases/nuns.html

Okay, even we'll admit that you can't be skippy 100% of the time. But, here's 14 easy ways to feel joyous MOST of the time.
"Maximum Joy." Andrea Malin. Prevention Magazine Sept 2003: 117-121, 188-189. Available from: http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-1-74-206-3098-1,00.html

A new study says that funnier people may live longer! Well, kinda. A study at the University of Maryland Medical School found that laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect against a heart attacks. Better go find that book of 'knock-knock' jokes!
"Laughter is Good for Your Heart, According to a New University of Maryland Medical Center Study." University of Maryland Medical Center News. Press Release, November 15, 2000. Available from: http://www.umm.edu/news/releases/laughter.html

Like your mother told you, saying 'thank you' can go a long way! A research project on the Psychology of Gratitude found that experiencing gratitude and other positive emotions can have benefits ranging from personal and social development, to individual health and well-being, and community strength and harmony.
"Gratitude, like other positive emotions, broadens and builds." Fredrickson, B. L. In Emmons, R. A. & M. E. McCullough (Eds.) The Psychology of Gratitude. New York: Oxford University Press. Available from: http://www.unc.edu/peplab/publications/BLF_GratChap_2004.pdf

The people who practice some form of meditation already know the mental and physical health benefits. For those who don't know, a new study found that meditation actually alters the electrical activity in your brain, which can have a profound effect on the left side of your brain, the logical, problem solving half. The study also found that meditation had a significant positive effect on immune function by increasing antibodies.
"Alterations in brain and immune function produced by mindfulness meditation." Davidson, R.J., Kabat-Zinn, J., et. al. (2003) Psychosomatic Medicine [Internet] 65, 564-570. Available from: http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content/abstract/65/4/564

Some people thrive on the hustle-bustle of large urban areas like New York City or Los Angeles. If you're one of these folks, then you'll know its not always easy to find peace - let alone joy - in the big city. Here are 20 strategies adapted from scientific research and applied to modern urban life.
"Happiness: A User's Manual." by Ben Mathis-Lilley. New York Magazine, July 17, 2006. Available from: http://nymag.com/news/features/17574/

What really makes people happy? Psychologists say they know for sure. After thousands of studies on happiness, researchers have finally narrowed-down the practices of the happiest people.
"Psychologists now know what makes people happy." By Marilyn Elias, USA Today. Available from: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2002-12-08-happy-main_x.htm

Giving hugs can make you happier. It's true! New research shows that expressing affection can reduce stress and depression in the giver, regardless of whether that affection is reciprocated. Time for some PDAs!
"Give Hugs for Good Health." Arizona State University College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Newsletter. Spring/Summer 2005. Available from: http://clas.asu.edu/newsevents/clasnews/2005/springsummer/default.htm

An easy way to feel more joyful, healthier, less stressed, and optimistic: write down 5 things you are grateful for. It takes 5 minutes, and can make a HUGE impact on your life. "Happiness Research, What it means to you." by Kathie Hightower. Expert Magazine, March 26, 2003. Available from: http://www.expertmagazine.com/artman/publish/article_261.shtml

Despite what you think, happiness is not just a vague, ethereal feeling; researchers have discovered that it is a real, physical state of the brain and that we're capable of inducing it deliberately. Scientists have also learned that having a "happy brain" can keep you from getting sick and may help you live a longer life! Who knew? Happiness: the cure-all!
"The Biology of Joy." Michael D. Lemonick. Time Magazine 17 January 2005: A12-A17. Available from:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1015863,00.html

In psychological terms, mental health should be more than the absence of mental illness. Meaning that psychologists should not only focus on bringing patients from an ailing, negative state to a neutral or normal state, but helping their patients reach positive, even happier mental state. This new outlook for psychology is the brainchild of Martin P. Seligman, a University of Pennsylvania professor. As scientists are learning more about how happiness functions in the brain, Seligman and other psychologists are researching ways to teach the brain to be happier. Learn more about this breakthrough work here:
"The New Science of Happiness." Claudia Wallis. Time Magazine 17 January 2005: A1-A9. Available from: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1015832,00.html

Good news! Vigorously laughing - even when there is nothing particularly amusing going on - may be good for your health. So go ahead and laugh it up! You always knew you were funny. "The Funny Thing About Laughter." Jeffry Kluger. Time Magazine 17 January 2005: A24-A29. Available from: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1015917,00.html

The unfortunate truth is that happiness is a fleeting emotion and you'll have to work to get it. But finding happiness is easier than you think, and half the fun.
"Dancing to Evolution's Tune." Robert Wright. Time Magazine 17 January 2005: A11. Available from: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1015866-1,00.html

Been singing in the shower or belting it out in traffic?! If not, have you ever wondered why other people delight in hearing their own voice so much? Well, turns out that music - yes, even you singing "L-O-L-A Lola..." at the top of your lungs - ignites the same pleasure centers of the brain that are stimulated when you eat chocolate or have sex.
"Music and the Brain." by Norman M. Weinberger. Scientific American.com October 25, 2004. Available here: http://sciam.com/print_version.cfm?articleID=0007D716-71A1-1179-AF8683414B7F0000