Rather than focusing on your limitations, try to spend time nurturing your strengths. In particular I mean your character strengths. Positive psychology has identified 24 different character strengths of which some will be more important to you than others. These are your signature strengths. I have written about these strengths in a separate article. If you can, use your  strengths everyday. It will help you feel good about yourself.

Try giving some of your time to a worthy cause. It can be as  often as you like; however, the more time you spend volunteering, the happier you will be. Get involved with something that interests you. It as an opportunity to have new experiences, meet new people and learn new skills. The great thing about volunteering is it benefits you as well as others.

You don’t get much satisfaction from watching television. Although it may be a good way to unwind after a hard day, it will do little to actually increase your happiness. Watching TV is a passive activity that is not engaging. To be happy, get involved with something that absorbs all of your energies. You will feel far more satisfied afterwards and know you have accomplished something.  Also watching TV before bedtime can prevent a good night’s sleep. It’s more of a struggle to be happy if you’ve not slept so well the night before.

Think of the small things in your life that make you happy –  then do them as often as possible

Write a list of the everyday things that cheer you up. Then make a conscious effort to fit them into your daily routine. Don’t allocate your once a year vacation as your time to be happy.  Building up an event such as a vacation can result in disappointment as it wasn’t the all-out relaxing experience you had vividly imagined months before. Make time for yourself everyday.

What you learn is up to you. Whether you attend a class, read a book or website or get hands-on is up to you. Learning can help you prevent getting bored, renew your energies and exercise your brain cells. It will take you to new places as you develop your skills and perhaps even face your fears. If you want to be a wiser elder – you will want to keep learning.

Friends are a great source of support. You can turn to them during difficult times as well as when you want to just relax and unwind. Having close friends is important to your wellbeing, can reduce stress and you may even live longer.  Remember, you can choose your friends so make sure yours are ones that value and respect you.

Life is stressful; however stress can be managed and should not take over your life. Engage in activities that you know relax and unwind you. Don’t wait for a special occasion; you should find time every day to de-stress. One of the best and easiest ways to relieve stress is through exercise. Just choose an activity that works for you.

Humour is a great way to relieve stress and to boost happiness. Laughter releases endorphins, which make us feel good about ourselves. Watch your favourite comedy, look for funny videos on YouTube or read entertaining books. You could even schedule a night out at a comedy club. Also, try laughing at yourself – life won’t seem nearly as serious.

Yes it’s true. You can decide whether to be happy or not, moment by moment. Also, don’t worry about genetics. Just because your dad’s not the happiest chappie in the world does not mean you are doomed to a life of misery. If you want to, you can look on the bright side of life. It’s also worth recognising the many decisions you have made so far in your life (some far bigger than others). Take responsibility for these and be proud of all the choices you have made.

You really should feel good about your body. It will increase your confidence. Do not compare your body to anybody else. Just stand in front of a mirror and appreciate all of it. Think about how each body part functions and the benefits it brings you. You may struggle initially, noting just your flaws. If this is the case, note four positives that replace the one negative thought you have about that particular body part. Practice this daily and smile while you do it.