If you want to be happier, all you have to do is put a more positive spin on life, especially when it comes to the little things. That’s the result of a massive study on happiness by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. According to lead researcher, Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, people who focus only on the bigger questions are less likely to be happy. Like, “Will I be happy if I move to another city?” Or, “Will I be happy if I get married?” Because living in a different city, or tying the knot doesn’t change the details of your everyday life – just the big picture. In fact, the study found that your mood – good or bad - basically comes down to micro-moments.

For example, study volunteers who dwelled on small negatives – like a spilled cup of coffee, a jammed copier, or a bad hair day – were less happy overall, and more likely to be depressed. On the flip side, people who focused on every positive thing that happened – no matter how tiny – were happier. Whether they found a penny on the sidewalk, got a phone call from a friend, watched a beautiful sunset, or smelled the aroma of freshly baked bread. In fact, people who consistently think positive thoughts bounce back faster after adversity, stress, or a difficult challenge. The ability to rebound quickly provides a substantial mood boost, makes it easier to shrug off little irritations, and makes life much more satisfying. You don’t have to be a Pollyanna and pretend bad things never happen. Dr. Fredrickson says you just have to learn to shrug off the little negatives more quickly – and be faster to embrace the small positives. Focus on those two things, and you’ll be happier overall.