NEW YORK — When it comes to happiness and living well, we can learn a lot from toddlers. Dr Hasan Merali, an associate professor of pediatrics at McMaster University and a pediatric emergency room physician, has treated thousands of patients between the ages of 1 and 5.

He shared a few good habits, common among toddlers, that can improve your mental and physical health.

TRY POSITIVE SELF-TALK. Young children tend to coach themselves out loud, a practice known as private speech. Toddlers aren’t shy about self-talk, Dr Merali said, and neither should you.

Research suggests that for adults, positive self-talk can help with problem-solving, learning and confidence.

TAKE ANY OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE. Two-year-olds are active for almost five hours a day. They move joyfully and instinctively, Dr Merali said. Adults can look for ways to move more, even if it’s just for a minute.

Take a quick walk around the block, or schedule a meeting on foot. Brief bursts of activity have been shown to increase longevity if they add up to 10 minutes per day.

ASK QUESTIONS. Young kids aren’t afraid to pose questions, Dr Merali said. One study found they asked an average of 107 questions an hour. Adults have been socialised to hold back questions because we’re often worried about what other people think.

But asking not only helps us learn, it’s also an important way to build relationships.

FIX YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE. Toddlers thrive on routine, and having a schedule with consistent sleep and waking times will help you, too, said Dr Alberto Ramos, a sleep neurologist and researcher with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Napping also has a host of benefits.

LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO LAUGH. One study found that young children laugh six times as much as adults. But we can seek ways to build playfulness and humor into our day.

Listen to a comedy podcast or trade silly texts with someone, Dr Merali said. Research shows you laugh more when you are with friends, so make time for them

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.