Quality time? Acts of service? It doesn't matter what your love language is, as long as you're with the right people. A study on Personality and Social Psychology suggests that people do, in fact, experience the higher levels of positive affect and meaning when in the company of loved ones— children, friends, and romantic partners than when in the company of other types of relationship partners (e.g., bosses, colleagues, and extended family) or when alone. It was revealed that highest levels of experiential wellbeing in the company of friends, followed by romantic partners, and then children. 

So next time you're happy, spread it! Tell your friends and relatives what made you happy and share laughter over a cup of coffee or bubble tea! 😌

It doesn't cost a penny to be kind. In fact, a study found that happy people become happier through kindness. It was reported that there is a close association between kindness and happiness in everyday life, and that kind people experience more happiness and have happier memories. Doing simple acts of kindness daily not only strengthen relationships but also enables one to feel good about themselves. An American Heart Association news article mentioned that some research studies link kindness with the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that contribute to mood and well-being. The hormone oxytocin in particular benefits overall wellness because of its anti-inflammatory, pro-immunity and anti-stress effects. Likewise, in a Psychoneuroendocrinology journal article, it was found that people who performed acts of kindness—anything involving helping, sharing, or caring for others—showed improvements in gene expression associated with a healthier immune profile. 

Being kind doesn't require much effort and resources. It can be as simple as reaching out to a friend you haven't talked to in a while, complimenting a colleague's outfit, or holding the door for a stranger. But if you have the means and capacity to, you can go an extra mile — treating a friend for lunch, offering someone a ride home, or lending a hand for a colleague struggling with his/her workload. Beyond the chemical effects of kindness on our brain and body, a study from the University of Oxford demonstrated that happiness increased when participants performed kindness activities for just seven days. 🌞

Love for animals, plants, or children? Maybe you'd enjoy helping out in communities or shelters. Did you know that volunteering can increase happiness over time? According to a 2020 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies, volunteering not only opens opportunities to gain leadership and life skills, but it can even contribute to improved mental health. A Community Engagement article listed several benefits of volunteering, which includes being connected with others, increasing self-confidence, helping in staying physically healthy, providing career experience, and bringing fulfillment to one's life.

If you got some extra time, you may want to consider signing up for an initiative or volunteer act that touches your passion. You might be surprised how much you can still grow your happiness, network, and abilities. 😉