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Happiness is a feeling of pleasure or contentment, but it often seems as though the stress of everyday life has a way of taking over. If you want to put the tension behind you, you will be glad to know that you can improve your mood in minutes. Below are five tips to instant happiness that will, no doubt, have you smiling:

Give in to your sweet tooth. Studies have shown that chocolate is linked to both happiness and stress reduction. When enjoyed in moderation, this sweet treat may be something to smile about. Afterall, having a bite of the food that you crave is instant happiness in it's own right.

Get moving. Experts have long believed that there is a direct link to exercise and stress reduction. A simple 30-minute walk may help you to relax and, not to mention, feel great about yourself and the goal of better health.

Be good to yourself. It's always a good time to treat yourself to something special, but it's even more important to do so if you are feeling blue. This doesn't mean that you need to go on a lavish vacation or purchase a new sports car, but perhaps a relaxing evening at home or a night out with some friends is just what the doctor ordered. If you feel like shopping, limit your budget to $50.00 and buy something that makes you feel happy. Keep in mind that impulse shopping to ease emotional pain is not a good idea, but treating yourself to an occasional pick-me-up is an entirely different story.

Go with the flow. It's a well-known fact that water is calming, which is why many people choose to have water features in their home. Whether it's a tabletop fountain or a more dramatic feature, the relaxing nature of flowing water is widely promoted. Instant relaxation, in itself, is a form of happiness.

Use your good scents. Specifically, a scented candle may help to improve your mood. This is especially true if you are using a scent that's known to be relaxing, such as lavender or vanilla.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional advice relating to the treatment of stress or depression. For additional information, consult a physician in your area.