10 Keys to Happier Living

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People who have meaning and purpose in their lives feel more content, in control and get more out of what they do. They also experience less stress, anxiety and depression. Where we find meaning and purpose will vary for each of us but they all involve being connected to something bigger than ourselves. Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind. Join the movement. Be the change. When you eat a piece of fruit or chocolate – try doing so mindfully. Before you put it in your mouth notice its colour, shape, texture and smell. How does it feel in your hands? Take a small bite - but don't chew! Notice how it feels in your mouth. What is the texture now? What can you already taste? If you move it around your mouth does this change? Then start to eat. Feel the texture and notice all the flavours as you chew the food slowly and as you swallow. Some programmes are designed to nurture our relationships, for example, married couples who attended a mindfulness programme that incorporated loving-kindness meditation and focused the application of mindfulness to relationship issues, demonstrated significantly increased relationship satisfaction, as well as increased optimism, engagement, spirituality and relaxation [29]. Eat nutritious food, drink more water, catch up on sleep. Notice which healthy actions lift your mood and do more of them.

sedentary time with mental health in adults: an analysis of data from the Health Survey for England. BMJ Open Gilbert, P. (2014). The origins and nature of compassion focused therapy.British Journal of Clinical Ask for help today. Confide in a friend, talk to an expert, reach out to a colleague, ask a neighbour to lend a hand. Do something that you know will make you feel good. Listen to music, watch something funny, get outside or call an old friend.Algoe, S. B., Dwyer, P. C., Younge, A., &; Oveis, C. (2020). A new perspective on the social functions of emotions: Gratitude and the witnessing effect.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,119(1), 40. Shapiro, S.L. (2009) Meditation and Positive Psychology. In Eds: S.J. Lopez & C.R. Snyder, Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology. NY: Oxford University Press

The most widely applied model of character strengths is known as the VIA. Formerly this stood for ‘values in action’ but is now taken to represent a pathway to wellbeing and other positive outcomes. The VIA was developed to provide an inventory of what is best in human beings. It comprises 24 strengths that were found to be universal across different cultures and history. The VIA survey of these strengths is free (see below), has been taken by millions of people around the world and is available in many different languages.Relationships are the most important overall contributor to happiness. Close relationships with family and friends provide love, meaning, support and increase our feelings of self worth. Broader networks bring a sense of belonging. So taking action to strengthen our relationships and create new connections is essential for happiness. EXERCISING: Take care of your body Relating – the people around you offer a valuable pool of support so it’s important to put time into strengthening those connections Give yourself a bit of head space. At least once a day, stop and take five minutes to just breathe and be in the moment. Aknin, L. B., & Whillans, A. V. (2021). Helping and happiness: A review and guide for public policy.Social Issues and Policy Review,15(1), 3-34. Harbaugh, W. T., Mayr, U., &; Burghart, D. R. (2007). Neural responses to taxation and voluntary giving reveal motives for charitable donations.Science,316(5831), 1622-1625.