If there’s anything we learned from this list, it’s that experiences and relationships make up a happy life. And most of the times, happiness isn’t expensive.

Here are 8 factors that bring a smile on our faces, and deep in our hearts:

HAVING OTHERS TO CARE ABOUT

It’s the human in us. Naturally, our lives are filled with meaning and purpose when we share it with people we truly care about. A life where one has to care for and worry about another is a life that’s filled with love and connectedness. Relationships are, after all, the core of our existence.

EXERCISING

Exercises don’t only have positive effects on our body, but our mind, too. The release of endorphins has a consequent physical effect on our well-being and mind, as endorphins are considered our body’s natural painkillers. So whenever we exercise, remember that it makes your overall being a healthier outlook.

VOLUNTEERING

Practice kindness every day. It is believed that while it’s a natural human inclination to save oneself and think of oneself, the more you break away from it, the happier you get. The more you give yourself, your time, even your money or blessings to others, the happier–and free–you become. Every day, try to break the habit of thinking of only yourself.

HAVING PETS

There’s a reason why there are so many dog or cat memes only. They say simply petting your pet already releases happy hormones in your body. But on a deeper level, having a pet to feed and come home to gives one a sense of belonging and responsibility, so much that pets are believed to take away negative feelings of rejection. Not to mention that pets are a reminder of nature’s beauty, too.

REMINISCING

Happy people have the ability to laugh at themselves, make peace with silly decisions in the past, and relive old memories with a better, brighter point of view. To reminisce and indulge in nostalgia is a healthy practice to train your mind to think positively of inevitable situations, too.

BEING GRATEFUL

Maintaining a positive outlook is key to happiness. We all know this is easier said than done, when daily struggles always attempt to pull us down to hopelessness. But to be genuinely happy, one must practice being thankful, always look at the bright side, and focus on the blessings. It helps also to write down these notes of thanks.

APPRECIATING CULTURE

It can be watching a film or a play, going to the museum, or simply enjoying what has been made by both man and nature. In general, having a hobby or sustaining an interest keeps one healthy and happy. It takes away the boredom of routine life for some, plus, your hobbies and interest are ways for you to connect and interact with others.

NOT FOCUSING ON BEING HAPPY

Don’t be too obsessed on the pursuit of happiness. Doing so might only depress you, because you may be misled to think that where you are currently isn’t an example of a happy life. Instead, every day, remind yourself to stick to the positive habits, which, when you keep doing and doing, will then collectively make up your happy life.

What makes you happy? Tell us below!