Searching for Happiness

If you are searching for happiness, you may well find that happiness eludes you. ?Happiness is not something that we find outside of ourselves. If you are expecting something or someone to ‘make you happy’ ?you are going to be disappointed. ?Being happy is a choice that we all have, whatever our circumstances, in any given moment.

Back in 2005 there was an experiment in Slough in the UK, which was filmed by the BBC. ?It was called ‘Making Slough Happy’. Below is the Happiness Manifesto, which is taken from the project.

The ?10 simple steps outlined in the manifesto, can make a big difference. ?Why not follow the manifesto and see for yourself how powerful these actions are? ?Before you start, you could ask yourself ‘how happy am I right now’? (on a zero to ten scale) and then measure your happiness afterwards.

The Happiness Manifesto

1. Get physical

Exercise for half an hour three times a week.

Regular exercise improves your sense of wellbeing and reduces stress

There’s significant evidence to show that exercise can improve your mental

health, with none of the side effects common to pharmaceutical remedies.

Regular exercise improves your sense of wellbeing and reduces stress.

2. Count your blessings

At the end of each day, reflect on at least five things you’re grateful for.

Everyone has things in their life for which they can be grateful

Psychologist Richard Stevens explains: “What you think about influences how

you feel. If you spend all the time thinking about problems, as some people

do, you’re unlikely to feel very happy. Everyone has things in their life for

which they can be grateful. Spend more time thinking about these and you’ll

feel a lot better.

Positive affirmations

Dealing with negative thoughts

3. Talk time

Have an hour-long uninterrupted conversation with your partner or closest

friend each week.

Talking to friends is a good chance to share your feelings and experiences,

and a chance to catch up on the latest gossip! Expressing your emotions can

help you to think more positively about life.

Love and intimacy

Better relationships

4. Plant something

Even if it’s a window-box or pot plant. Keep it alive!

Growing plants gives a sense of achievement. You could grow some herbs on

your kitchen windowsill.

5. Cut your TV viewing by half

Too much TV is linked to unhappiness

Put an egg timer on your TV and turn it off after a maximum of three hours.

There’s good evidence that too much TV is linked to unhappiness, perhaps

because it uses up the time we could spend on things that do make us happy:

time with our partners, exercise, learning new skills, socialising, even

gardening!”

Controlling children’s TV viewing is also important.

6. Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger

At least once a day.

Smiling has a real positive effect, not only on making you feel better, but also

on other people around you. It’s hard for other people not to respond

positively to you if you’re smiling.

7. Phone a friend

Make contact with at least one friend or relation you’ve not been in contact

with for a while and arrange to meet up.

Having a strong social network makes you feel supported and secure, which,

in turn, leads to feeling content.

8. Have a good laugh at least once a day

It’s often said that laughter is the best medicine. It’s a great stress reliever.

9. Every day make sure you give yourself a treat

And take time to really enjoy it! Be good to yourself and Make more time for

you.

10. Daily kindness

Do a good turn for someone each day. Think about volunteering.

For more about the project in Slough

Do you practice any of these suggestions? ?Do leave a comment.

If you need to help reach out and book a complimentary call with me.

Here’s to Healthy, Happy Humans!