Lots of people think that happiness comes naturally. When you finally have the perfect boyfriend, the best wardrobe, a rockin’ body, etc. it all comes together? Right? Not exactly. While these things can help, happiness is something we have to work at every day. Here are five things that can help improve your happiness.

Stop living in the past

The past is the past and you can’t change it, no matter how much you may want to. Instead, live in the present and embrace every moment in life. Work toward a better future in your present and you’ll be able to forgive whatever happened in the past.

If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all

This one never stopped being true. Gossip and negative energy aren’t going to do anything for your happiness. When you get the urge to comment on someone or something negatively, take a deep breathe and swallow that thought. It’s most likely unnecessary and you’d be better off not dwelling on it.

Don’t seek other people’s approval

Seek your own approval. Yes, we all want our parents to be proud of us and our friends to love us, but ultimately the only approval you need to seek is your own. Stop worrying about what other people think and worry about what you think.

L.I.G. 

Let it go. I wish this one would catch on like YOLO wildfire because I think it’s even more important to remember in life. Don’t let the little things bother you. Focus on the big picture.

Don’t hold on to expectations

The thing about expectations is generally they are never going to be how you thought.