Everyone these days is facing rising living costs and the stress that comes along with it can be hard to deal with. But it’s not so hard to put a smile on your face and be happy in the face of life’s problems. Here’s how.

• The best things in life are free – a message from a loved one or a kind action either given or received are one of the most effective ways to bring happiness into our lives, according to researchers.
• Another Happiness Factor is the weather, which we also don’t pay for. Taking time out to enjoy a sunny day, even if it’s ten minutes during a lunch break, can help raise our spirits.
• It’s the small things in life that make us happy ultimately, for example sharing a good chat, rather than big achievements, which only come along occasionally. Taking pleasure from little but positive events during ordinary days can help us focus on our happiness rather than what makes us sad.
• Many of us look at our glass and see its half empty rather than half full, and experts suggest the following tips for swapping such negativity for a happier outlook:
• Live for the moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Practise instantly changing the subject in your head if you find yourself sinking with dark thoughts.
• Laughter is the best medicine and you should seek out humour to brighten your day.
• Don’t be so hard on yourself and see the funny side of what’s going on in your life.
• Be generous to all including yourself; in your thoughts and actions.
• Believe in the power of treats, whether it’s flowers or chocolate, your favourite music, or looking after your body.
• Display photos of people and places that mean a lot to you, so you are reminded of other happy times.
• Make the morning as relaxed and pleasant as possible so you start the day in a good frame of mind.
• Break the habits that make you unhappy – don’t give up if you don’t manage to do this straightaway, but be determined.
• Clear out the clutter in your life – people, things, projects, ‘’shoulds”
• Look after your health and stay fit and well – nutritious food with plenty of exercise will relieve tension and help you cope.

And finally, here are the Top 10 Happiest Moments as listed in Mr. Kipling’s Happiness Report…

1. Getting a nice message from a loved one
2. Getting into bed with freshly washed sheets
3. Waking up on a sunny day
4. Getting a quiet moment
5. A lovely bubble bath after a hard day
6. Cake
7. A picnic on a sunny day
8. Driving with the window open on a sunny day
9. Getting praise from your boss
10. A cold beer after work