Nina Dobrev Shares Her Happiness-Boosting Tips & Tricks

Exercise to feel good.

“Exercising gives me endorphins and energy. I do it four days a week; I Spin with Candice Accola and Claire Holt from the show. Running is my solo time; working my muscles outside in fresh air is therapeutic.”

Don’t skimp on snacks.

“Starving to be skinny isn’t my thing. When I don’t eat, it affects my mood! On-set, I fuel up with small meals and I’m always grabbing high-protein snacks, like almonds. Chai lattes with espresso also keep me going.”

Expand your mind.

“I want to keep growing, so I make vision boards that say things like, ‘Learn. Excel. Succeed.’ Using my imagination, spelling out what I want to achieve and creating a reminder of those things helps me move forward.”

Find someone who makes you smile.

“[My Mr. Right] has to be a happy person. You’ll laugh and enjoy life more.”

Don’t forget where you came from.

“Remembering my roots matters to me. We were on a tight budget growing up, and my parents gave so much to get me where I am. Now, at Christmas, I rent a house in the Rockies and take my family snowboarding.”

Give yoga a shot.

“Yoga changed my body 100 percent. It tones everything and leans you out. Dancer’s Pose is amazing. It works every muscle! And if you can’t quiet your mind, try Downward Dog. It makes you concentrate on your breath, which resets you. Savasana is the easiest and most important yoga move because it’s so simple. Lying there is meditative.”

Always keep a toothbrush on hand.

“I have two love interests on the show, and we have to kiss a lot. I’m always brushing my teeth!”

Intelligence rules.

“The sexiest thing is to be smart. Playing dumb might be cute—for about five minutes.”

Travel lightly.

“I’m like George Clooney in Up in the Air. When I fly, I never check my bags. I bring a carry-on, an eye pillow, noise-canceling headphones, a big pillow and a blanket. I usually travel with a castmate and fall asleep in the most contorted positions, with my legs splayed out on the lap of whoever is next to me.”

Spend wisely.

“[When I’m shopping,] I buy a few pieces that are meaningful, versus a lot of things. My mom says only buy something you think is special enough to be worth three times its cost.”

Live by your words.

"Breathe deep, and let things go.”