Explorer and educator Dan Buettner visited many countries and talked to thousands of people while researching a new book on happiness. His conclusions include:

1. Find the right neighborhood. Look for one with sidewalks, meeting places, green spaces and characteristics that encourage social interaction.

2. Stop shopping and start saving. The thrill of buying something wears off. Financial security increases happiness.

3. Get enough sleep. People who don't are more likely to develop depression and anxiety.

4. Don't watch so much TV. You'll get more pleasure from spending time with people, reading or engaging in a hobby.

5. Visit with the right friends. Happy people purposely create social times. Time spent with happy friends makes our happiness grow.

6. Find your mate. Studies show that married people are more likely to be happy. But both health and happiness decline in an unhappy relationship.

7. Be part of a religious community. Happy people often attend church services regularly. They tend to live seven years longer than others.

8. Have a dog or cat. You'll have lower blood pressure, fewer stress hormones in your blood and higher self-esteem.

9. Practice compassion. At the Institute for Research in Brazil, studies show altruism stimulates the pleasure centers in the brain.

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