Rule #1 - Stop feeling sorry for yourself!

Self-pity is the worst emotion of all. It destroys everything around you and makes you feel powerless. Stop being a victim, stop feeling sorry for yourself - and be happy.

Rule #2 - Be grateful!

We are too little grateful for the gifts the world offers us at its fast pace. Right now, think about everything you are grateful for: family, health, home and everything else. Be grateful every day - and be happy.

Rule #3 - Say "YES" more!

We all say "NO" too much. Try to say "YES" more in every area of life. Don't fight against the tide. Say "YES" more to emotions, situations, events - and be happy.

Rule #4 - Stick to your life goals!

We are more likely to find ourselves halfway up a ladder we didn't want to climb than at the start of one we want to climb. Who do you really want to be? Follow your own goals - and be happy.

Rule #5 - Learn to let go!

Emotions often keep us from true happiness and liberation. Remember that your emotions do not define who you are. Get rid of unwanted emotions by asking yourself: "Can I get rid of this?" Free yourself - and be happy.

Rule #6 - Show your kindness!

Separation is a two-way street: it makes you happier, and shares the same joy with others. Show kindness in special ways every day - smile, hold a door open for someone, pay for someone's coffee - and be happy.

Rule #7 - Happiness is only here and now!

Most of us spend our time anywhere but in the present: we are addicted to the past or planning our future. The present moment is the only one that exists right now. Decide to be happy - right now, right now.

Rule #8 - Don't keep yourself away from the experience!

Studies show that material things only temporarily increase your happiness. Experiences, on the other hand, create overall joy. Enjoy a holiday in a safari park, learn a new language, join a dance club - and be happy.

Rule #9 - Value both sides of the coin!

How often do we embrace joy and happiness but reject sadness? Joy and sadness are two sides of the same coin, you can't experience one without accidentally experiencing the other. Don't fight it when you feel sadness - and you can be happy.

Rule #10 - Communicate more!

Extensive research shows that people who are active communicators are the happiest and most successful. How many friends do you have? Be proactive and create new relationships - and be happier.

Rule #11 - Love more!

The more you love, the happier you are. Try to give more love to everything and everyone - friends, family, nature, even your enemies: open love in your heart - and be happy.

Rule #12 - Dream!

Dreams are the spark plugs of the soul. They bring excitement to your daily life and allow you to move forward. What do you dream about? Think about your dreams, write them down and go for them - and be happy.

Rule #13 - Plans determine the direction of travel.

You achieve what you want to achieve. If you don't know where you're going, any path can lead you there. Always plan everything you do - and be happy.

Rule #14 - Enjoy simple pleasures!

True happiness lies in small pleasures and rituals, whether it's a daily walk in a nearby park or a glass of wine after work. Create your own little rituals - and be happy.

Rule #15 - Accept what is!

Many spend their time rejecting the existing. We struggle with our own emotions, creating anger and resentment. Accept the status quo, change it if you wish. But first accept it - and be happy. 

Rule #16 - Exercise and eat right!

You're happy when you're happy with your lifestyle. For optimum happiness, try to walk for 40 mins a day, get enough Omega3 fatty acids - take supplements or eat more fish, also nuts, turkey, cottage cheese. Enjoy - and be happy.

Rule #17 - Look away and don't bother!

Often we gain a new perspective on our lives after losing a family member or overcoming a serious illness. Don't wait for life to tell you, take a moment to look at your life from the sidelines and remember your true priorities right now - and be happy.

Rule #18 - Laugh, dance, laugh!

Take the time to laugh at life's follies by unleashing all your emotions and enjoying it to the full! Surround yourself with happiness - great music, dance classes, evenings out with friends. Smile - and be happy.