Over the course of almost 80 years, researchers have found the two main things that affect long-term happiness the most. Especially as we get older. So, if you only focus on two things, here's what they should be . . .
1. Don't sweat the small stuff. Try not to let things stress you out if they don't really matter. That means you have to start putting things in perspective, and realizing what's important and what's not.
People who can do it tend to be happier. They realize life is short . . . focus on the good stuff . . . and don't let the bad stuff in life stress them out too much. Some bad things WILL happen, so you have to be resilient.
2. Don't let yourself become too isolated. They've found a really strong connection between how happy people are . . . how much they socialize . . . and how close they stay with friends and family.
That doesn't mean stay in touch with EVERYONE though. Being isolated isn't good. But neither is spending a lot of time with people who are toxic, or negative all the time.
(Getty)