SIX WAYS TO HAPPINESS.

This past year has taught me a lot about myself and has made me grow massively as a person. Things have been far from easy, but one thing for sure is that I have really learnt to appreciate the things that matter most in life. Simple pleasures rather than the bigger, more materialistic things that deep down we all want to get our hands on…but do they actually make you truly happy? When I first moved to London, I couldn’t wait to get involved in everything the city had to offer, to eat out in all the fancy restaurants, go out partying every night and of course, being obsessed with fashion I wanted to buy EVERYTHING the magical world of Oxford Street had to offer. The reality was a little different, money has been ridiculously tight and I have had to find happiness elsewhere.

When you are living on a shoestring, settling in to a new environment, missing friends and family from home, battling fatigue and putting up with the stresses of a job, it can be hard to stay positive (there have been many tears along the way). So I have come up with a list of a few things that have kept me feeling happy through my journey over the last 12 months, take a read if you will, you never know maybe they will inspire you to change the way you think too.

1. Probably a little obvious, but family and friends are everything. I have always been a family girl, but this year especially I have truly valued the constant love and support from the people that know me best. Picking up the phone and having a chat with a special relative can turn a bad day in to a good’un or a cuddle with your boyfriend whilst watching rubbish t.v…these are the moments that are special. I have learnt a lot about people recently and feel like I know exactly who my true friends are. Stop caring about what people think, especially if they clearly don’t care about you…this was (and maybe still is) one of my biggest hang ups; but knowing who you can rely on makes everything easier.

2. Eating Healthy and staying fit. I have really taken pride in making sure to look after my body this year, a lot of things that happen in day-to-day life are out of our direct control, but looking after yourself is something that we can all easily be in charge of. I have religiously been going to the gym, working out and eating a balanced healthy diet for a long while now and I can honestly say I have never felt better. Exercise gives me a chance to empty my mind of London stresses and to just focus on myself, when you start to see the difference; not only physically but mentally too…it becomes seriously addictive.

3. Find something you love doing and do it as often as you can. This kind of ties in with the above, but since moving to Watford I wanted to find a way of getting to know new people and I happened to try out a Zumba class. I was instantly in love…I haven’t been this obsessed with something since I had to stop dancing and since that first class, it has been the highlight of my week, every week. Not only do I get to express myself through movement once more, but also I have made some fantastic new friends, who without Zumba our paths would never have crossed. Zumba is without doubt my happy space and if you can find something similar, I promise you it will only lead to positive vibes.

4. Laugh. Now I have always been a bit of a smiler, but this year has definitely tested my strength and I am sure if you were to ask my boyfriend he would tell you of all the stress and tears. But I like to think I have still maintained my lighthearted nature, both in work and in my spare time. Laughter really is the best medicine, not only does it release endorphins that will naturally make you feel good, but there is nothing better than sharing a moment of laughter with someone; being able to laugh at myself is something I pride myself on. Life is too short to take yourself seriously, embrace your own stupidity and not only will it make others laugh but I guarantee you will feel good too.

5. Find happiness through other peoples happiness. I know this sounds a bit cheesy, but not being able to get that materialistic happiness boost from purchasing a new pair of shoes, has made me appreciate ACTUAL happiness. I love nothing more than doing small gestures of good will to brighten someone’s day, whether it be just wishing a stranger a good day or buying your friend a bar of chocolate, making other people smile is a super easy way to feel positive.

6. Leave your work at the front door! Something that I am still learning, but it is definitely the most important point of all. No matter how stressful your day has been or how long your to-do list is (mine is honestly never ending), as soon as you leave the office and get off the train FORGET ABOUT IT (until the next morning at least) and focus on relaxing. Clearing your mind of work and having some time to just be "you" is the easiest way to keep a positive mentality…easier said than done, but work on it and everything will seem better.

So there you have it, 6 small pointers that have kept me feeling happy and positive over the last year. Not everything revolves around how much money you have, finding “a happy place” through your day to day actions will show you how strong a person you really are. Have a positive week everyone and remember to spread the love!