It's impossible to go an entire year without navigating through some challenges -- but despite any setbacks, many are approaching 2014 with an optimistic outlook. Almost 50 percent of Americans believe their fortunes will improve in the new year. Is 2014 going to be the year of positivity?

一整年都顺顺利利地通过挑战是不可能的--- 但是，尽管会遭遇挫折，许多人还是以积极的心态迎接2014年的到来。几乎半数的美国人相信，新的一年会有好运降临。2014年会是充满正能量的一年吗？

According to some experts, happiness is a choice that we can make -- not something that is entirely influenced by external circumstances. By simply deciding to be happy, we can adopt and live out a more positive life. So instead of making resolutions to accomplish specific things (be honest: is that gym membership going to be the only thing that will make you happy next year?), setting a goal to make 2014 your most positive year yet is more attainable than you think.

一些专家认为，快乐并非完全受外在环境的影响，而是我们可以做出的选择。只要下定决心保持快乐的心情，我们就可以选择过积极的生活。所以，比起下定决心完成一些具体的事情（说实话，去健身馆真的能成为新的一年里唯一使你开心的事情吗？），设立目标，使2014年成为你生活中最具正能量的一年，比你认为的更容易实现。

Below find eight ways to practice more positivity in 2014. Then tell us in the comments, what are some positive habits you're planning to adopt in the new year?

以下8种方法可以使你的2014年更具正能量。请在之后的评论中告诉我们，在新的一年里，你打算采用哪些积极的习惯呢？

1. Go outside.

1. 走出家门

Research proves that going outside helps reduce stress, increases your levels of serotonin and elevates your mood.

研究证明，走出家门有助于减少压力、产生使人产生愉悦情绪的血清素，从而改善你的心情。

2. Log some time with your nephews (or nieces, siblings or neighbor's kids).

2. 多花点时间与你的外甥（外甥女、侄子、侄女或邻居家的孩子）相处。

Little kids can have the best outlooks on life.

小孩子拥有对生活最好的态度。

3. Meditate.

3. 冥想

Plenty of research shows that meditation can help promote positivity and happiness. Bonus: It can even lower your blood pressure.

大量研究表明，冥想有助于提高积极性和幸福感，它甚至有降低血压的额外功效。

4. Play with your pet.

4. 与你的宠物玩耍

Pet ownership has been proven to boost happiness and banish stress. Thanks, Fido!

有证据表明，养宠物可以增加幸福感，释放压力。

5. Unplug every once in a while.

5. 定期离开网络

Facebook, texting, Twitter, Snap Chat... we're bombarded with information daily -- and not all of it is good. Studies have shown that spending time on social media can actually make us feel lonely and bad about ourselves. Turn off that computer and let yourself be happy.

上脸谱网、发短信、刷微博、发送即时讯息……我们每天都在遭受信息轰炸，而这些并非对我们都有好处。已有研究表明，在社交媒体上花费时间实际上会使我们觉得孤单难过。关掉电脑，去做让自己开心的事情吧。

6. Say thank you.

6. 表达感谢

Gratitude can help you focus on the positive aspects in your life. Send a thank you note to someone you care about, just because. You'll feel happier for it.

向他人表达感谢可以使你关注生活中的积极面。给你关心的人送一张感谢卡吧，只是因为你会为此感到开心的。

7. Read more books.

7. 多看书

Aside from their unconventional health benefits, good books can put your mind in another place -- perhaps, even, a positive place.

好的书籍不仅使你身体健康，还可以使你的思想超越现实进入另一处所在——或许甚至是一处积极所在。

8. Dance (or sing) it out.

8. 跳起来（或者唱起来）

Ever notice how when you're grooving to your favorite tune or screaming lyrics as you drive down the road, your mood elevates? Turns out that's no coincidence. Studies have shown that singing and dancing can be an instant, positive mood booster.

有没有注意到，当你开车的时候，你会随着播放最爱的音乐或者大声唱出歌词而开心起来？事实证明这并非巧合。研究表明，唱歌或者跳舞，可以立即给你带来好心情。