Want a health boost that has nothing to do with diet, exercise or giving up peach cobbler? Well follow this simple advice: be happy. Basking in positive emotions improves health and longevity, according to several studies. Getting serious about feeling good can lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.

“Happy,” in this context, does not mean getting everything you want in life (who does?) or permanently escaping stress (in what world?). It means learning to do everything you can to enhance, appreciate and genuinely enjoy as much of your life as possible. Here at Fierce, we believe that some of the greatest pleasures in life come from the simple things. So here are some of our favorite ways to smile.

A smile has the power to improve your mood. So, go ahead and smile — force one if you must. It could brighten your day.  (Photographer: LuminaStock/Getty Images)

A smile has the power to improve your mood. So, go ahead and smile — force one if you must. It could brighten your day. (Photographer: LuminaStock/Getty Images)

1. Enjoy the glorious beauty of nature: a sunset, star-filled sky or, if you’re very lucky, a rainbow.

2. Listen to inspirational music — whether it’s gospel or Buddhist peace music.

3. Watch a great old movie. Turner Classics, anyone?

4. Lose yourself in a great novel — the juicier the better.

5. Have great sex.

6. Let your feet set you free. Cue up the R&B, salsa or the master of happy himself, Pharrell Williams, and let go.

7. Grab your best girls and go to a comedy show.

8. Focus on your fabulous life. Think about all of the wonderful things that are part of your world.

9. Smile, no matter what just happened. Even forcing a smile on your face can help to lighten your mood.

10. Make someone else happy — share the wonderful gifts that life has given you.

About Fierce Fridays — Tips for Weekend Well-Being

We each cherish those precious days off at the end of the week, but increasingly those of us who are charter members of the sisterhood of the stressed and overworked are losing our Saturday and Sunday leisure time to weekend work and domestic duties.

To make sure that you do something every weekend that’s just for you, we’ll be sharing a little advice to make those 48 hours a great time to recharge your batteries, bring a little good news into your life, or discover a quick and easy way to improve your health.