Everyone strives to be happy… sometimes it just takes a little effort. We reveal the habits that make up the GREAT DREAM
The Ten Keys to Happier Living framework, developed by Action for Happiness, is based on an extensive review of the latest research about what really affects mental wellbeing. Together the Ten Keys spell the acronym GREAT DREAM.
Giving - Do things for others. How often do you make an effort to help or be kind to others?
Relating - Connect with people. How often do you put effort into the relationships that matter most to you?
Exercising - Take care of your body. How often do you spend at least half an hour a day being active?
Appreciating - Notice the world around you. How often do you take time to notice the good things in your life?
Trying out - Keep learning new things. How often do you learn or try new things?
Direction - Have goals to look forward to. How often do you do things that contribute to your most important life goals?
Resilience - Find ways to bounce back. How often do you find ways to bounce back quickly from problems?
Emotion - Take a positive approach. How often do you do things that make you feel good?
Acceptance - Be comfortable with who you are. How often are you kind to yourself and think you're fine as you are?
Meaning - Be part of something bigger. How often do you do things that give you a sense of meaning or purpose
"Practising these habits really can boost our happiness. It's great to see so many people regularly doing things to help others - and when we make others happy we tend to feel good ourselves too,” says Professor Karen Pine, a psychologist from the University of Hertfordshire and co-founder of Do Something Different.
“Practising self-acceptance is the one thing that could make the biggest difference to many people's happiness. Exercise is also known to lift mood so if people want a simple, daily way to fee happier they should get into the habit of being more physically active too.”
Source: University of Hertfordshire via ScienceDaily
