Happiness is a choice.

You don’t have to pursue it. You don’t have to search for it. You don’t have to earn it.

Just choose it.

Then choose it again.

How do you do that? By transforming it into a daily practice.

Here’s a few tips to help you:

1: Focus on what you are grateful for. Gratitude is a powerful positive force - researchers have found that people who regularly use gratitude journals are much happier.

2: Smile. Studies have shown that smiling works like a continual feedback loop, reinforcing emotions and even lowering heart rates.

3: Nurture your relationships. It’s been scientifically proven that deep, rewarding relationships are one of the keys to long term happiness. Spend some time with your spouse, catch up with a friend, ring your mum.

4: Meditate. Meditation is one of the strongest methods for reducing stress hormones and literally rewiring the brain. Find a version you like and get it into your diary on a daily basis - even 10-15 minutes will have an enormous positive impact.

5: Exercise. Endorphins created during physical exercise have a whole host of wonderful benefits, including lowering stress and boosting mood.

6: Accept that you won’t always feel happy. Experiencing the full range of your emotions is a big part of being human - emotions help you evaluate your experiences, deepen your understanding of yourself and fuel your growth. Acknowledge and accept all of your emotions - they are crucial to your wellbeing.