We’d all like to be a little happier.
Deep down we know that true happiness probably comes from working through our issues, being nice to other people, finding a job that fulfills us, and getting rid of those massive worries like financial insecurity and climate change.
But that’s quite a lot of work, so we’d rather focus on quick, simple wins that people claim are the secrets to joy.
So, what can we do today to make ourselves happier?
According to a new bit of research, we should be singing in the shower and forgiving our enemies. Easy.
Bupa Care Homes commissioned a survey of 2,000 adults to celebrate Silver Sunday, a nationwide event taking place on Sunday 6 October to help tackle loneliness (as loneliness doesn’t make you happy, FYI).
This Sunday a load of Bupa homes will open their doors to host activities including roast dinners, pub quizzes, dances, and Mad Hatter’s tea parties. If you’re in need of something to bring some cheer to your day, you can check if a home near you is taking part.
But in the meantime, we can learn from what those who were surveyed said are the keys to happiness.
As you might expect, a lot of people said social connection is pretty important (handy, considering this survey is promoting that exact thing), as well as looking after your physical wellbeing and taking part in relaxing activities.
How many things are you ticking off?
The 40 secrets to happiness, according to the survey:
- Laughter
- Having a good relationship with your family
- Being fit and healthy
- Getting enough sleep
- Seeing your loved ones regularly
- Financial security
- Having a partner
- Getting regular exercise
- Being able to laugh at yourself
- Making others happy
- Eating healthily
- Being able to forgive yourself for your own mistakes
- Being polite
- Having a close friendship group
- Having a hobby
- Going on holiday at least once a year
- Being able to forgive others
- Falling in love at least once
- Having a pet
- Being kind to strangers
- Travelling the world and experiencing other cultures
- Spending time with the kids
- Living close to your family
- A good cup of tea
- Being a regular reader
- Feeling like part of a community
- An occasional tipple
- Saying hello/good morning/good afternoon etc to strangers
- Getting your five fruit and vegetables a day
- Knowing your neighbours
- Cooking/baking
- Having a successful job
- Indulging yourself in snacks/sweet treats
- Singing in the car/kitchen/shower
- Doing charitable work
- A busy social life
- Dancing
- Mum’s cooking
- Calling home once a week
- Painting or drawing
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