Seven Secrets of Psychological Happiness:
- Ten minutes of mindfulness every day.
- A few minutes of self-compassion.
- Making time for ‘gratitude journaling’ – either ‘counting your blessings’ in your head as you wake up or before you go to sleep, or making a written list of what you have to be thankful for today, from small things (the smile from a stranger in the queue at the post office, the cup of coffee just when you needed it) to big things (like your health).
- Reducing your time on social media. Give yourself a daily limit. Aim for 30 minutes, no more. (I am a regular on X @GylesB1 and Instagram @gylesbrandreth, but all research shows that excessive social media use can contribute to loneliness, depression, loss of self-esteem and a reduced ability to develop meaningful relationships.)
- Ensuring a sense of purpose in life, a reason to get up in the morning, and setting short-term attainable goals (eg, your purpose might be to spend quality time with friends and family. Your short-term goal is to fix specific dates and times to meet up with them. Or your purpose might be to become a valued and valuable member of the community. Your short-term goal might be to work out what you can do this week to make a difference.)
- Laughing. Watch your favourite television show, learn a few jokes, spend time with people who can make you laugh.
- Giving. Give time, money, advice… even brief moments of giving and generosity will increase your own happiness – as well as the recipient’s, of course. Supporting a charity, volunteering on a regular basis, spontaneously giving up your seat to someone on a crowded train – each in their way can contribute to your happiness.
