Eight ways to stay happier this year, according to science

Eight ways to stay happier this year, according to science Getty Images Why not try these science-backed tips to get more happiness in your life? While older people typically shrink their social networks to prioritise spending time with those who know them well, research shows that it's a good idea to remain open to new friendships, as they give us slightly different benefits to our relationships with family, which can be based on obligation. And if you are the sort of person who finds making friends difficult – sharing an awe-striking moment, such as the total solar eclipse that passed across North America last year, is one way to help make you feel closer to the people around you while also inspiring some positive emotions along the way. Getty Images It’s thought that regularly looking forward to fun activities might give us a more optimistic outlook Do some volunteering It's almost a cliché to say that doing something for someone else makes you feel better than rewarding yourself, but the more learned about altruism, the more it seems to ring true. We also shouldn't consume too much caffeine – no more than 400mg or around two to three cups of coffee, depending on the strength – to avoid disrupted sleep, headaches, nausea and anxiety.. and a bonus from our newsletter: what I learned from six steps to calm by Melissa Hogenboom This year I've covered many science-backed ways to improve our health and wellbeing, but I must admit, like many of us, I don't always act on the advice I am featuring.