Researchers find 69 per cent of people feel trapped in the same old routine and over 40 per cent are unhappy with their lives in the UK.

That’s quite a statistic. A complex one. Why? The research states that the reasons range from financial worries, self belief, physique worries to getting old. The list goes on!

So how can you make yourself happier by the end of today? Even just a little? By owning your worries and perceived problems. There’s nothing that kills happiness more than disempowerment.

What does that mean? It means taking responsibility and taking things into your own hands which will empower your world. This instantly generates feelings of internal strength and fortitude which in turn increases happiness. The level of happiness varies from person to person but it’s a guarantee.

• These 5 things you can do today will make a difference:

 

1. Get up earlier than usual:

The morning is the most important part of the day. It dictates how the rest of your day will be. Waking up early enough to think, plan and organise your most important priorities for the day will influence the positive aspects of your day. From writing down what you’re thankful for in life (changing your thought pattern for the day) to writing your top priority to get done to reduce worry or stress. It’s essential for happiness in this busy world.

 

2. Nutrition:

Get your food wrong and it doesn’t matter what else you do, it wont be an optimal day for happiness. Nutrition effects hormones, energy production and ability to think effectively. Take responsibility and you will change your world.

 

3. Get an early night:

Taking responsibly for your own activity which includes bed time will once again empower you. Not only that but without going into endless detail here about the health benefits of sleep ?, quality sleep is proven to increase happiness.

 

4. Reframing your thoughts:

Everything is perception individual to the person. One may see the bus being late as something as bad as a heart attack (and may cause one) while another may see the late bus as a chance to read more on their journey. When you next percieve something as ‘bad’ ask yourself what good can come of it? You may surprise yourself as there’s almost always a benefit in all kinds of situations. This in turn, even when done with small things, increases happiness.

 

5. Water:

2% of dehydration has been proven to negatively effect mood. Not much is it? Stop relying on coffee for energy and drink more of what you’re mostly made of. Your cells, brain, organs and blood rely on this. It doesn’t matter if you listen to the best gurus on the planet for mindset, screw this up and you’ll be unhappy!

Try it and you’ll see but remember most important of all, take responsibility. No one will do this for you, not even your doctor.

Here’s to being happy

Rupert Hambly