Six simple ways to feel happier

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1. Eat up
Turning to comfort food in times of distress is nothing new, but did you know that noshing on certain treats will actually give you a mental boost? Though most modern diets recommend keeping carbs under control, a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that people are less angry and depressed when following a high-carb but low-fat diet. Now you can dig into your favourite pasta tonight guilt-free.

2. Embrace aging
Another day older and another day wiser, right? So, don’t fret about crow’s feet — aging can be a good thing. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, after the age of 50, people actually start to feel happier. Count the candles on your next birthday cake and reflect on how far you've come.

3. Work it out
Even if you’re overwhelmed with your workload, juggling BlackBerry messages and daycare, working can be good for you. According to an ongoing project by the German Institute for Economic Research, having a job is important to happiness as long as you have balance and make time for the other important things in your life.

4.  Spend some time with the family
No matter how crazy your family gatherings get, spending time with loved ones can actually make you happier. According the German Institute for Economic Research, the more you focus on your family and friends, the better you’ll feel about life in general.

5. Get networking
From life-long besties to trusted co-workers, having people around that care for you offers an instant mental boost. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, happiness spreads through social networks. People at the centre of a social network tend to be happier so call up your girlfriends and get gabbing.

6. Take a hike
From the boreal forests of British Columbia to the craggy coast of Newfoundland, Canada offers an abundance of natural beauty. Plus, all that fresh air and greenery is beneficial in more ways than one. A study at the University of Rochester in New York found that nature not only lowers stress and makes us happier, but it also makes people nicer because it positively affects their actions. A walk in the park is all it takes to get a natural reminder.