Almost everyone has heard the hit single "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin, Jr. Through its upbeat tune and simple language, this song has a very catchy way of conveying its message.

It seems McFerrin was on the right track. Many studies have shown that living a happy, resilient and optimistic life is good for your health. Being happy actually protects you from the stresses of life, and may lessen the likelihood of heart disease, cancer and stroke.

Social networks, or relationships, are essential to happiness.

Research has shown, for example, that married people tend to live longer - and happier - lives.

But, no two people are the same, so learning to accept individuals for who and what they are, avoiding confrontation and arguments, and letting go of resentments will not only ease the relationship, but also (you guessed it) make for a happier life. Less stress = more happiness. See a pattern emerging?

Happiness is actually found in everyone. Increasing it is a way to make a life healthier and more wonderful.

Abraham Lincoln observed that most people, most of the time, can choose how happy or stressed, how relaxed or troubled, how bright or dull their outlook.

The choice is simple really, choose to be happy.

There are several ways to do this:

• Be grateful. Look for blessings in your life. Give thanks for the simple things and the complex ones, as well.

• Limit exposure to bad or stressful news and gossip.

• Make spiritual connections. Being part of a religious group helps foster inner peace in many people. If religion is not for you, try meditation or silent reflection.

• Manage time effectively. Time management involves scheduling, setting goals, planning, creating lists of things to do and prioritizing. Doing these things to get and stay organized will help reduce/minimize stress in your life.

• Laugh more, as laughter may well be the best medicine of all. Research has shown that people who laugh much have improved immune system function, healthier hearts and lower blood pressure. Why? Laughter helps trigger feelings of relaxation and connection and releases blood into the oxygen stream – another feel-good booster.

• Express feelings, affections and passions to those around you. Find healthy ways to express pent up anger and frustrations that are, after all, human in all of us. (Hanging on to them increases stress and is bad for your health.)

• Work! Hard work offers personal satisfaction and fosters competence. Accomplishments are necessary to give us a sense of value.

• Exercise your body and your brain. Learn something new each day. Run, jog, walk or do other things that your body was made for. The best exercise is the one you enjoy doing!

• Avoid exposure to negative elements like loud or annoying noises, toxins and hazardous places.

Follow one or all of these tips on your quest to find happiness and then choose it over anything else.

And don't forget the quote from Abraham Lincoln, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

Diane Schullstrom is the owner of Space Coast Adventure Boot Camp in Melbourne and a certified fitness professional with more than 25 years experience. For more information, call (321) 749-8361 or visit online at www.spacecoastbootcamp.com.