Most happiness books focus on one big idea.
Books on grit teach grit. Books on gratitude teach gratitude. Books on mindfulness teach mindfulness.
But real life is more complicated than that.
Stress, relationships, purpose, burnout, loneliness, habits, emotions, health, resilience, meaning... they're all connected.
Happy Hacks takes a different approach.
In this practical, research-backed guide, family science professor and Extension specialist Dr. Dave Schramm brings together the most powerful findings from positive psychology, neuroscience, relationship science, and well-being research into one highly usable book for women, men, parents, and anyone who wants to feel better in everyday life.
Sleep. Movement. Gratitude. Relationships. Purpose. Stress. Joy. Resilience.
101 short, actionable ideas designed to help you flourish, think healthier, strengthen relationships, and build a more meaningful life.
For decades, researchers have studied what truly helps people thrive. Happy Hacks translates that science into daily routines in a way that is clear, relatable, and immediately usable.
The research is surprisingly hopeful:
Lasting happiness is not reserved for lucky people. It is not determined entirely by personality, income, success, or circumstances. Many of the habits that improve well-being are small, learnable, and available to all of us.
"A practical guide to building more happiness, one small habit at a time" - Laurie Santos, Yale University, creator of The Happiness Lab podcast
Inside, you'll discover practical ways to:
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• Manage stress and reduce anxiety without pretending life is easy
• Build stronger, healthier relationships at home and at work
• Increase joy, gratitude, and emotional resilience
• Break habits that quietly drain energy and well-being
• Strengthen purpose, meaning, and daily fulfillment
• Develop healthier mental and emotional wellness patterns
• Create lasting change through small actions that compound over time
You'll explore topics including:
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• Happiness and the brain
• Sleep, movement, and mood
• Stress management and emotional regulation
• Gratitude and positive emotion
• Relationships and belonging
• Meaning, purpose, and faith
• Resilience and personal growth
• Simple good habits that improve everyday life
Unlike many self-help books that demand a total life overhaul, Happy Hacks focuses on realistic progress. Small shifts. Small habits. Small moments practiced consistently over time.
Each entry is brief, engaging, grounded in solid research, and designed to give you something useful you can apply immediately.
No fluff. No empty motivation. No toxic positivity. Just practical, science-backed ideas to help you build a happier, healthier, more meaningful life.
Whether you're a busy mom or dad navigating stress, a professional facing burnout, or anyone wrestling with loneliness, anxiety, or the feeling that life could feel fuller than it does right now, Happy Hacks meets you where you are and helps you move forward.
"Happy Hacks brings the science of happiness where it belongs: into daily life... I love this book." - Tal Ben-Shahar, author of Happier and former Harvard lecturer
If you've ever wanted someone to gather the best happiness research and translate it into simple, usable ideas for everyday life, this is that book.
