We all want to be happy but sometimes it's really hard to have a positive outlook.  Here are ten tips to help you be happier.

Step one – think happy

If you make feeling happy a priority in your life, it will take precedence over other feelings, a bit like a self-fulfilling prophesy: if you think “I will be happy”, you generally will be.

Step two – do things you enjoy

Have a hobby that makes you happy. Whether that’s cooking, gardening or shopping, indulge yourself every so often.

Step three – make time for fun

Laughter really is the best medicine, so always give yourself time to laugh and have fun.  If you have a long list of jobs/chores to do, try not to stress.  Take some time out and do your chores tomorrow instead!

Step four – try new things

Try things that you think might make you happy. Always fancied Zumba but never tried it?  Have a go, it might be something that you really enjoy.  If you are nervous about going on your own why not try to encourage a friend to come along too.

Step five – make time for the people you love

Happy people generally have happy families. Spending time with people that you love and investing in relationships is good for happiness.  Try to meet up with people face to face but if this isn't possible just pick up the phone or send them an email.

Step six – look on the bright side

For every negative thing you say, say two positive things. If you look on the bright side, you will have a brighter view of life.

Step seven – eat, sleep and be happy

Eat healthily and exercise often, as you are more likely to be healthy (and it’s so much easier to be happy when you are healthy). There is nothing better for a person than a good night’s sleep. If you are well rested, you have more energy for fun things, and a rosier outlook on life.

Step eight – let go

Control what you can, but accept that you won’t be in control of everything. Sometimes things happen that are completely out of our control, we can simply deal with it the best way we can.

Step nine – live in the now

Don’t bother worrying about things that have been or things that will be. Worrying makes you wrinkly, nobody wants that. Live in the now and enjoy the moment, or you will regret it.

Step ten – believe in yourself

Learn to like yourself. It’s hard to be happy when you don’t like yourself. Accept that you are the way you are, and embrace the bad with the good. If you like yourself, others will like you, as there is nothing more attractive than confidence.