Many people would agree that the true meaning of life is simply to be happy. In fact, most of those same people would agree that being happy is more important than anything else in life. If you’re not happy with your life, then how can you enjoy your achievements and your lifestyle?

So it’s very important to be happy and satisfied with your life, no matter what kind of situation you currently happen to be in. Here are three ways to make sure you’re giving yourself the chance to be as happy as possible.

Exercising regularly is always one great way to do this. It may seem like a chore, but exercise passes on some truly great benefits and it’s worth keeping up with it.

In terms of improving your mood, exercise is beneficial in that it causes your body to release endorphins. These hormones are natural mood enhancers, keeping your attitude positive and your spirits high. Thus, exercise is very useful as a tool for maintaining happiness.

Hobbies can provide another way to be happier with your life. Studies have shown that hobbies stimulate us mentally, and in doing so, can improve our moods.

I know that I’ve seen seriously depressed people find a reprieve from their illness when they find a hobby to occupy their time. A hobby can be an effective way for a depressed person to escape to another place where he or she can dissociate from the situations that cause the depression.

Last on the list of things to change is your diet. Remember that you are what you eat; foods that are made of junk will make you feel like junk. Foods high in sugar are most responsible for influencing moods negatively, so stay away from them to maintain a level attitude.

You’ll find that eating natural foods, such as fruit and vegetables, will have the opposite effect. They provide the necessary nutrients to keep your body running effectively, which is a necessary component of happiness. Try adding more of these foods to your diet, and you’ll see an improvement within a few weeks.

Providing healthy food for your child is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure their health. Remember your children learn from what you do more than what you say.

o Avoid Eating Time Restrictions: Restricting when you child can eat increases the risk your child may develop poor eating habits or create an eating disorder–such as anorexia, bulimia, or obesity. Allow your child to eat when she/he is hungry, rather than only allowing food intake at pre-designated times. Healthy nutritious snacks are part of a healthy food plan. Five or six small meals a day are nutritiously better than three large meals.

o Buy Only Healthy Food: Your actions speak louder than your words. Children will eat what is available and what they see you eat. Keep fruit in a bowl on the counter and have these snacks yourself. Remember, your child can only choose foods that are available. AND most importantly–avoid fast food–greasy hamburgers and French fries.

o Be Sensitive To Your Child’s Food Likes and Dislikes: If your child does not like tomatoes or corn for example–avoid forcing your child to eat it. Forcing a child to eat something they do not like could cause anorexia, bulimia or obesity. There are many healthy vegetable choices. Teach your child about nutritious foods–lean protein such as, turkey and soy give strength for their sports activities and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables add luster to skin and hair.

o Praise Healthy Choices: Give your child praise when she/he suggests healthy choices when grocery shopping. “I am very proud of you for choosing the dried pears–they are a healthy food.”

o Avoid Nagging: If your child eats unhealthy food with their friends at a sleep over or on play dates, avoid a lecture. Occasional junk food will not ruin his/her health. Remember the acorn does not fall far from the tree. I worried when my first child went off to college that she would fall into the junk food syndrome of her peers. You can imagine my relief when she said, “Mom, my snack cabinet looks like ours at home. My friends are surprised I do not have all the junk food they like.”

o Never Use Food As A Reward: Food as a reward sets up eating as a way to celebrate rather than for nutrition only and could create weight problems later in life. Instead, reward your child with a physical activity, something fun–preferably outside.

o Sit Down As A Family For Dinner: As often as possible make it a family tradition to eat dinner together. This is a good time for each family member to share their day. Be mindful to engage with baby too–cooing, shrieking and laughing. Research reveals that children who eat dinner at the table with their parents have better health and are less likely to get in serious trouble as teenagers. Meal time is an excellent opportunity to teach manners–please, thank you, napkin usage, proper utensils, etc.

o Eat Buffet Style: Buffet style allows your age appropriate child to choose some of each item she/he likes. You can supervise your toddler to take healthy portions and allow seconds as needed. Avoid forcing a certain portion–let your child’s natural metabolism dictate portion size.

o Encourage Food Sampling: Encourage your child to take three bites of each of the foods offered. Include the practice of having your child rate a new recipe. On a scale of 1 to 5–5 being the best, ask for a rating. When a recipe or vegetable receives a 4 or 5 serve it more often. Offer the items your child likes less–less frequently. This allows your child to participate in decision making and makes dining a family affair. Another fun way to promote healthy eating is allowing your child to take turns choosing the healthy menu.