Conditions for Optimal Happines

I have to admit.  I have not been as happy this week as I could be.  I realize that there are some areas that I am neglecting.  Here is what I have discovered leads to my optimal happiness.

1) Rest.  Everyone is a little different.  I need seven and a half to eight hours of sleep a night to feel well rested.  It seems like a lot to some, but it is what my body is programmed for.  I am not one of those people who wake up at a certain time every day without an alarm clock.  I prefer to think of my sleep needs like a timer.  When it is done it is done. The past few weeks have been stretching it to the brink.

2) Exercise.  Ideally I have the time and energy for three or more runs a week.  They don't have to be long runs, just some running.  This past week I have not had the time to squeeze in the correct number of runs.  I am feeling the effects.

3) Reading.  I usually read for at least one hour a day on my lunch break.  Since I have only been taking a half hour lunch, this has been thrown off.  Not only does reading help me escape a little bit, I like the feeling of accomplishment of finishing a book.  I have stacks of them that need to be read, but lately, finding the time has been difficult.

4) Hydration.  I notice that I feel better when I drink 48 ounces of water a day.  I have no idea if this is a legitimate thing, or if lack of water can lead one to be unhappy (well, more than the general displeasure of dehydration).  I just know that I feel better when I drink all of my water. 

5) Clean.  My home is far from perfect, but I feel less stress when things are in proper order, and generally clean.  It helps with item location, and an overall feeling of security for me.  I don't have to worry if someone pops by, most of my home is in order.  While I by no means need to be signed up for hoarders, or some other horrific show, my house could be a little less chaotic.  Right now I have a stove in the middle of my kitchen (long story) and an office that looks like a PartyLite bomb went off in it.  While both of these things are part of operation happiness (the stove is awesome, I just need to do a little counter surgery, and the PartyLite stuff is so cute!) they feel like clutter. 

Here is the bright spot in the clouds.  All of these items can be worked on.  I can come home after work and take a thirty minute nap.  I can make more of an effort to read and drink water instead of watch tv.  I can clean things up a little bit at a time and I can certainly make more time to exercise.  I just need to make them more of a priority.

What are the things that you need for optimal happiness?