For many people, the holiday season is a time of mixed emotions. What feels like “the most wonderful time of the year” to some can be exhausting and anxiety-inducing for others.
According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Healthy Minds Poll, nearly half of U.S. adults (41%) say they expect to experience more stress this holiday season than last year. And an additional 46% worry about finding and affording holiday gifts.
31% of people surveyed said they feel anxious about being alone. As more people report experiencing feelings of loneliness, experts say it’s important to intentionally increase the joy in your life, whether it’s the holidays or any time of the year.
“The key to happiness is feeling loved and connected to other people,” says happiness researcher Sonya Lyubomirsky. This also applies when stress or anxiety increases.
Here, Lyubomirsky shares three simple acts that will help you feel more connected to others and bring you closer to the people in your life. They’re all “really powerful ways to be happy,” she says.
3 really powerful ways to be happier, according to happiness researchers
1. Have a conversation
A surefire way to be happier, says Lyubomirsky, is to connect with other people. And she believes the best way to make that connection is by having conversations with your partner, kids, and even your barista.
Conversations don’t have to be long. She says it takes just 15 minutes to see results.
The key, she says, is to make sure you’re having meaningful conversations, not superficial conversations.
Lyubomirsky suggests sharing how you felt about the book you just read or the movie you saw. You can also ask questions to further the conversation, such as “What’s the best thing that happened to you this year?” or “What are you looking forward to in 2026?”
Be sure to listen carefully when they speak, she says.
2. Practice gratitude.
Practicing gratitude has many benefits, including increasing your sense of well-being. It’s a habit Lyubomirsky recommends for people who want to feel happier and more connected to others.
This practice may be similar to calling a loved one or sending them a “I was thinking of you” card in the mail, Lyubomirsky says, expressing how much you appreciate whatever role that person played in your life.
It’s a small but powerful move.
3. Do an act of kindness
Research shows that performing acts of kindness or generosity is a surefire way to feel happier. And anything you can do to make someone else’s day easier helps, Lyubomirsky says.
It can be a big gesture like helping a friend move, or a small gesture like complimenting someone.
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