In 10 Scientifically Proven Ways to Increase Happiness, Beth Belle Cooper wrote:

I would love to be happier, as I’m sure most people would, so I thought it would be interesting to find some ways to become a happier person that are actually backed up by science. Here are ten of the best ones I found.

In summary:

  1. Exercise more: 7 minutes might be enough
  2. Sleep more: You’ll be less sensitive to negative emotions
  3. Move closer to work: A short commute is worth more than a big house
  4. Spend time with friends and family: Your relationships are worth more than $100,000
  5. Go outside: Happiness is maximized at 13.9 C
  6. Help others: 100 hours a year is the magic number
  7. Practice smiling: It can alleviate pain
  8. Plan a trip: but don’t take one
  9. Meditate: rewire your brain for happiness
  10. Practice gratitude: Increase both happiness and life satisfaction

If you read the whole article, you’ll be amazed at the fascinating science behind each of these suggestions. In a way it shouldn’t surprise us because many of the ideas are Christian virtues and others are respectful of the limitations God built into our humanity. However, I’d question how lasting these happiness plans are, especially as old age takes over. And then there’s judgment and eternity. What then?

Every Christian would want to begin this list with “Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.” Of course, that happiness strategy cannot be scientifically proven (Heb. 11:1). But we have something much surer than science to support and encourage us in this. We have the unchanging and reliable Word of God to assure us of God’s joy strategy throughout our lives and throughout eternity (John 15:11).