HOW TO:

HERE ARE TEN TIPS TO HELP YOU BECOME HAPPIER:

If you could, wouldn't you like to be just a little bit HAPPIER? Of course you would. Who wouldn't? With that in mind, here are ten easy tips to help you become happier:

#1.) Take care of the basics: Before tackling your deepest insecurities, make sure you're taking care of the basics . . . like staying well-fed and getting enough sleep.

#2.) Don't vent: This is probably the opposite of everything you've been told. But venting every little annoyance doesn't make your anger go away . . . it just makes you feel worse.

#3.) Fake it: If your feelings are affected by your actions, then, by that logic, acting like you're happy will actually make you happier.

#4.) Try and fail: Look, nobody's perfect. But you'll be happier if you try new stuff and FAIL . . . versus never trying anything new.

#5.) Don't "treat" yourself: When people are upset, they try to "treat" themselves to small indulgences, like a new pair of jeans or a couple glasses of wine. And it actually works for a few minutes, until the guilt sets in.

#6.) Buy your happiness: On the other hand, money can help improve your happiness if you use it to improve your health, to eliminate sources of irritation and marital conflict or to stay in touch with family and friends.

#7.) Leave some wiggle room: There are two types of people in the world: Those who want things to be "perfect", and those who want things to be "good enough". --Guess what? People who are OK with "good enough" are happier than those who need perfection.

#8.) Exercise: Getting even a little exercise is just about the surest way to improve your mood.

#9.) Stop nagging: Nagging doesn't work. All it really does is make you and everyone around you much more aggravated and annoyed.

#10.) Take action: Some people assume that happiness is something you're born with. But that's not true. In fact, it's estimated that you can control about 40% of your own happiness level. (CNN)

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FOUR WAYS TO SURVIVE A JOB YOU HATE

Do you hate your job? Well, you're not alone. According to one poll, 77% of Americans do. So why not do something about it? Whether you've been there for ten months or ten years, here are four ways to survive a job you hate . . .

1.) MAKE FRIENDS. Just because you hate most of your coworkers doesn't mean you should ignore them ALL. Having a social life at work is important, because it makes the experience more tolerable.

--Plus, it's a clever way to network. Co-workers know people at other companies. So, if you're looking for another job, start there. Just don't ask your BOSS if he knows of job openings at his old company. Remember, the only thing worse than HAVING a bad job is LOSING a bad job.

2.) GET MORE INVOLVED. I know that sounds like the LAST thing you want to do, but some people hate their work because they don't take PRIDE in it. If you can create your own project at work, do it. At the very least, it'll keep you from getting bored.

3.) LOOK FOR OTHER JOBS INSIDE YOUR COMPANY. Maybe you don't hate your COMPANY, you just hate your JOB. Well, seven out of ten jobs go to people who know someone at the company. And at least you already know EVERYONE at your company.

--So see if another department has an opening you're interested in. If you keep searching for other jobs . . . inside AND outside your company . . . you'll realize that being miserable at your current job won't last forever.

4.) RELAX. You PHYSICALLY have to be at work, but that doesn't mean your MIND has to be on the job. Not 100 percent anyway. If you're allowed to use headphones, use them. Listen to music . . . or learn a language.

--Just do something that takes your mind off the work you're being FORCED to do . . . And ALWAYS take a full lunch break. (AskMen.com)