A staff member from Ocean Park hold her ears during a Laughter Yoga class.
IN PHOTO: A staff member from Ocean Park hold her ears during a Laughter Yoga class in Hong Kong July 10, 2014. Consultancy firm Inspire 2 Aspire run Laughter Yoga classes for corporations which partner Mahesh Pamnani believes ease stress and increases productivity and creativity among staff. Laughter Yoga was first developed 1995 in Mumbai, India by Dr. Madan Kataria, and has over 600 clubs in 60 countries, according to Laughter Yoga International. Reuters

Several studies conducted have found that happy people live longer and are healthier. The National Institute of Mental Health states that the rates of depression among adults in the United States have been rising. According to the CNN, the number of people who take to self help books, in search for happiness has been increasing. WebMD stated that David T. Lykken, author of "Happiness: The Nature and Nurture of Joy and Contentment" believes that one can pursue happiness by getting rid of negative emotions. He specifies that there are ways to achieve it as well. Experts have recommended several ways to stay happy.

Stay Optimistic

Everyone is faced with situations that make them feel pessimistic and negative. A Harvard University study found those who are more positive and optimistic have a 50 per cent lesser probability to suffer from heart diseases.

Tom G. Stevens PhD, author of "You Can Choose To Be Happy: "Rise Above" Anxiety, Anger, and Depression" told WebMD that by reprogramming beliefs and values and by learning good self-management skills, good interpersonal skills, and good career-related skills, people can stay happy.

Staying amidst happy and optimistic people also contributes to your own happiness.

Laugh as much as you can

Laughter therapy really helps in staying happy. When you laugh stress hormones in the body decrease and endorphins rise. This leads to a happy state of mind. Research conducted by Oxford University shows that though the body can differentiate between real and fake laughter, they both have the same effects on the body. It increases the level of endorphins and makes the person feel high.

Socialize with people

David G. Myers, author of "The Pursuit of Happiness," conducted a study in Australia that found those who had a huge social circle and peer group was happier and lived longer. Myers told WebMD that people are depressed due to "impoverished social connections." Even if one suffers from a tough phase, friends reduce the impact.

Forgive people

Holding grudges affects a person's mental and physical health. Happiness researchers Michael McCullough and Robert Emmons who edited the book "The Psychology of Happiness," said that by forgiving people, a person can be happy.

Clinical psychologist Everett Worthington Jr. told WebMD that there is a 5-step process he calls REACH. It involves remembering the hurt, trying to remember the actions and empathize with the person who hurt you. Remember a time when you were forgiven and try to forgive the other.