Get Happy

"Trade technology for touch (at least temporarily). When you really want to connect, hold your partner's hands, look your coworker in the eyes, hug your child. Eye contact and physical touch increase connection.

"Try a loving-kindness meditation (LKM). Visit Barbara Fredrickson's site (positivityresonance.com/meditations.html) for a guided loving-kindness meditation.

"Ask, 'How can I help?' Remember that relationships are more important than whatever's keeping you busy. When you see a friend or coworker struggling, ask how you can help.

"Ask, 'Can you help me?' One key benefit of relationships is that you don't have to do life alone. Allowing others to help you not only lightens your load, but also strengthens the bonds between friends."