What is happiness? It is an age old question that we have all asked ourselves at one time or another, devoting countless hours to mulling over the meaning of life.

While the path to happiness is different for each of us the eternal quest, much like the search for the Holy Grail, is the same. This has led to the United Nations declaring today, March 20, the International Day of Happiness and scientists and researchers from across the globe have developed a formula for happiness based on 10 key elements.

1. Do things for others
2. Connect with people; a broader network gives us a greater understanding of difference and makes us more compassionate
3. Look after your body
4. Live your life mindfully
5. Learn new things
6. Have goals to look forward to
7. Find ways to bounce back
8. Focus on what’s good
9. Be comfortable with who you are
10. Be part of something bigger

In the same way that we exercise to build a healthier body we can train ourselves to have a happier mind. Research shows that happiness, compassion and kindness are the products of skills that can be learned and enhanced through training, thanks to the neuroplasticity of our brains.

CareSouth psychologist Leah Phillips, a mindfulness devotee and practitioner, points out that mindfulness and gratitude are things that we can easily incorporate into our everyday activities by training our brain to stop and slow down and be aware of what is going on within and around us.

“Sometimes it is the little things that we experience with great appreciation that can really help us to see the joy and richness in our lives,” said Leah. “It is too easy to get caught up in the busy tasks of a day. Stopping and slowing down gives space for reflection, appreciation and compassion.”

While our genes have a significant impact on our personal happiness (about 50 per cent according to scientists) and a small amount (10 per cent) is due to circumstances such as income and environment, as much as 40 per cent of our happiness is due to our daily activities and the conscious choices we make. So our actions really can make a difference.

Some practical ideas include:
1. Daily mindfulness by paying attention to the present moment and noticing what’s going on both inside ourselves and our surroundings
2. Finding three things each day that you feel good about or are grateful for and writing these down. You could also write a letter of thanks to someone who has been a positive influence in your life and to whom you feel grateful
3. Engage in extra acts of kindness each day such as a compliment or a helping hand
4. Use your strengths and focus on the things that come naturally and that you love
5. Look for the good in people, especially in established relationships. Research suggests we should aim for five positive interactions to every negative one.

There is no better time than today to put this happiness formula to the test.

For more information visit: www.dayofhappiness.net/#join