1. Smile

So simple but so effective! It's proven that by simply turning the corners of your mouth your brain releases endorphins which make you happy. Even if you feel the complete opposite, smiling can actually trick your brain into thinking you are in a good mood. I remember a lady told me to always use the 'Mona Lisa' smile (an unrecognisable upturned lip); when you talk, walk, breathe and even sleep (if you can hehe), by simply doing so your mind is in a constant state of underlying peace and happiness irrespective of your thoughts. So smile while you still have teeth!

2. Mindfulness

'Just be mindful!', perhaps one of the most popular yet aloof piece of advice I and many others have received and given...but what does it mean? For a long time I didn't really understand what it meant to be mindful, the word itself is contradictory but through reading different books and articles and trying it for myself, mindfulness really inhabits the act of being mind-less rather than mind-full. It involves living fully in the present moment and being completely in the 'now'. When you are first introduced to this you might think it is an airy concept. I remember being told to stare at a leaf for one minute and notice every little vein, spec of green and caterpillar hole, it immediately brought a halt to my whizzing thoughts but my friend thought it was absolutely rubbish and got into an argument with the poor lady! A simple way you can introduce mindfulness is through your breath. Try taking big deep slow breaths through your nose. Listen to the sound of the inhale and exhale. Focus completely on the feeling of the air passing through your nostrils, down your throat and into your lungs. Imagine a beautiful colour passing through your body spreading love, peace and happiness to each fingertip and toe, to every nook and cranny. Watch the way your belly rises and expands. If your thoughts begin to drift away, bring the awareness back to your breath. Breathe out every last drop of air until there is no more left inside you. Repeat this process for one minute and notice how you feel afterwards. Try not to punish yourself if your mind constantly drifts to its thinking state, it is completely natural at the beginning and how we as humans have been groomed. Hopefully you will feel a little more relaxed, at ease and clear headed. Now imagine being like that all of the time; that is mindfulness! I will be doing a post all about mindfulness soon.

3. Gratitude

'Remember the time you prayed for everything you have now.' Isn't that amazing to think about?! I know I am definitely guilty of not stopping to smell the roses and realise just how lucky I am. It's proven that people who express daily gratitude are happier and also live longer! You woke up this morning, you have eyes that can read these words, you have technology to communicate with others, you have clothes, food, water, shelter and many more; there is always always something to be grateful for even in the midst of scarcity and depletion. I definitely want to do a post about gratitude in the future but tonight before you go to sleep, why not try writing or recalling a list of ten things you are grateful for? It will fill you with so much love and gratefulness for simply being alive. 

4. Treat Yo' Self

Something that I definitely struggle a lot with is treating myself but I'm starting to realise that it's not a selfish act but actually a selfless one. I am beginning to understand that as humans we can't constantly push ourselves to be busy and working all the time and that we do deserve rest. If like me you struggle with immense guilt at the thought of being nice to yourself try and think about the fact that in the long term it will boost your mood and productivity levels, thus helping others. A little goes a long way and treating yourself everyday can do wonders for your happiness. It doesn't have to be extravagant or costly; paint your nails, listen to your favorite songs, have a bath or light a candle. Do something that you love and makes you feel good. For me it's sitting down with a cup of black coffee while playing sudoku on my phone or watching an episode of Fun For Louis in bed at night. How will you treat your self today?

5. Random Acts of Kindness

Random acts of kindness (RAK's) are a win win situation for everyone. It makes both the giver and receiver feel amazing! I try to do at least one RAK a day whether it is something as simple as texting my friend a positive quote or making my parents a cup of tea. There are hundreds of ways you can express kindness towards someone today, even just telling someone you love them is sure to make you and others happier.