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A Getting a handle on happiness that's supported by science That's Life Andy Juniper Guest Contributor 13 | Thursday, December 12, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com fter last week's column outlining how Canadians are currently experiencing elevated levels of excessive stress, I experienced an email inundation from readers asking me how they can unload the anxiousness and actually become happier. Naturally, I replied to these beleaguered souls with erudite advice: "If you want to be happier," I wrote, "go outdoors in 13.9 degree temperatures for about 20 minutes, briskly walk around and practise smiling. And then, upon returning home, plan a vacation. But, for goodness sake -- and pay attention because this point is apparently important -- don't actually go on that vacation." Every day, I see countless social media postings via self-proclaimed, self-help sages on the secrets of happiness. I read these posts because I'm intrigued with the elusive concept of happiness. Sadly, I usually end up gagging at the sappy, super cial advice: `If you want to be happy, ride a white steed on a beach at sunset while eating a cookie and having a kitten lick your ear.' So, it was with trepidation I waded into `10 Simple Things You Can Do Today That Will Make You Happier, Backed By Science,' as posted by one website. Alas, I found myself agreeing with the science-supported tips. Such as: exercise. Well, that's a solid start because there is no denying the science of how bene cial exercise is -- physically, mentally and emotionally. I once heard a renowned psychologist suggest nothing combats unhappiness, anxiety and depression better than a long run. have even pegged the ideal temperature: happiness via the Great Outdoors is maximized at 13.9 degrees Celsius. OK, here's where science and I part ways. Crazy as it sounds, I nd fresh air to be a mood enhancer at any temperature. Oh, and I also disagree with the science that suggests the planning of a trip -- and all the glorious anticipation that goes with it -- actu- ally boosts happiness levels more than the trip itself. Call me a rebel, but I like to plan a trip and then... take the trip. There you have it, dear readers. Now we have a handle on happiness -- supported by science. -- Andy Juniper can be contacted at ajjuniper@ gmail.com, found on Facebook www.facebook. com, or followed on Twitter at @thesportjesters. No. 2 on the happiness list: sleep. Again, science overwhelmingly con rms the essential role sleep plays in helping the body repair and the mind rejuvenate. Next up: let's toss in the obvious -- spending time with family and friends. People facing death almost inevitably say they wish they'd spent more time with the ones they love. Other things on the list, include your commute. Apparently if you want to be long on happiness, be short on your commute. In the words of a Harvard psychologist: "Driving in traf c is a different kind of hell every day." And how about smiling? Not just because a smile exudes happiness, but because researchers have found a smile can improve attention. Then there are a few Oprah-esque things on the list like meditation, practising gratitude for all you have and, of course, helping others. All pretty obvious. All backed by scienti c studies. Finally, if you want to be happier, spend time outdoors because science says fresh air improves mood, broadens thinking, and improves memory. And it's to the point where scientists say they McTavish Travel Celebrity has introduced a new "all-included" vacation available exclusively to Canadians for a limited period of time. From 0129MAR14, vacationers can experience the luxury Celebrity is known for within an entirely new vacation package, complete with non-stop air from Hamilton to Ft. Lauderdale; complimentary ground transportation between Ft. 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