Whatever makes you smile - make time for it.

Behavioural scientists have dedicated many years researching what makes us happy

and we have learned that by being happy promotes a healthy lifestyle, both physically

and mentally. Each one of us has the power within to ensure that our lifestyles help set

us on course for a happier life.

Author, Sheryl Sandberg, said ‘happiness is made up of numerous small moments of

joy. The more you experience joyous emotions, the happier you are’.

As human beings, there is joy in many of the things we do daily, all we have to do is

discover those moments and enjoy them as they come. When asked to share ’what

makes you smile?’, people provided a subjective insight as to what brings them joy:

‘Walking along Dollymount Beach in Dublin with my dog, embracing the wind and

feeling the sand on my feet’

Getting outdoors into the fresh air has a multitude of benefits. Being in nature reduces

stress-related hormones and makes us happier. Making time for the outdoors is a

wonderful method of ensuring we are on track to feeling happier.

‘Helping others by being kind’

When you serve others, you experience joy, and you bring joy to others. The power of

what you do and can do makes a difference in your perspective, which enhances your

spirit.

‘A cup of tea and homemade rhubarb tart!’

There’s a myriad of ways that baking and cooking sparks joy. It brings people together

and can mark important milestones. Cooking has the power to create a certain kind of

happiness that we’re grateful for. Being handed or eating something homemade, it has

the power to transform our day and enjoy the delight in little things. We've put together our favourite rhubarb tart recipe for you to try out.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past two years, it’s that the little things are

the BIG things. There’s genuine joy in realising how much small moments of GOOD can

make a difference to our mood and our entire day. Take time to search for those little

things throughout your day; making coffee in the morning, chatting with your colleagues

at lunch, walking your dog in the evening, and enjoy them fully. It is important to pay

attention to the here and now, and to find ways to enjoy the present moment. When you

are actively present and mindful, you get to see what’s around you.