Living a happy, resilient and optimistic life is not only wonderful, but is also good for your health. Being happy actually protects you from the stresses of life. Stress is linked to top causes of death such as heart disease, cancer and stroke. To be happy is relatively easy, just decide to be a happy person. People have the power to choose to be happy, no matter how good or bad a situation is.

There are many ways by which you can do this.

* Being grateful is a great attitude. We can learn to be thankful for things that many of us usually take for granted. For example, you can thank the cook for a wonderful meal, thank the taxi driver who drives you home safely or simply thank God for being alive.

* Having a religious connection is also recommended. Being part of a religious group with its singing, sacraments, chanting, prayers and meditations help foster inner peace.

* Laugh and laugh heartily everyday. Heard a good joke? Tell your friends or family about it. As they say, 'Laughter is the best medicine'. Being happy can do wonders to your mind and body.

* Learn to express your feelings, affections, friendship and passion to people around you. They will most likely reciprocate your actions. Try not to keep pent up anger of frustrations as this is bad for your health. Find ways of expressing them in a way that will not cause more injury or hurt to anyone.

* Whenever you feel disgruntled or unhappy over certain matters, or feels that life is unfair to you, learn to count your blessings. There are many more unfortunate people who are much worse off than you in this world.

* Working hard brings tremendous personal satisfaction. It gives a feeling of being competent in completing our tasks. Accomplishments are necessary, as they give us a sense of value. Work on things that you feel are worthy of your time.

* Avoid exposure to negative elements like loud noises, toxins and hazardous places.

* Try and learn something new everyday. Learning also makes us expand and broaden our horizons and could also give us more opportunities in the future.

These are just some of the things you can do everyday to be happy. As Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."