According to Dr Richard Stevens of The Open University, adopting as many of the following as possible each day, will help us to feel happier. This was tried by a group of volunteers from Slough, Berkshire ( England ) who followed the happiness program for two months. At the end they registered a 33 per cent increase in their levels of happiness.

1.    Count your blessings, at least five of them at the end of each day.

2.    Plant something and nurture it.

3.    Phone a friend who you have not spoken to for a long time and arrange to meet up.

4.    Take the time to have an hour long conversation with a loved one each week.

5.    Have a good laugh, at least once a day.

6.    Give yourself a treat every day. Take time to enjoy it.

7.    Exercise for half an hour three times a week.

8.    Cut your television viewing by at least half..

9.    Smile at and/ or say hello to a stranger at least once every day.

10.  Do a good turn for someone daily.