Make The Change

Simple, practical ideas for a happier life.

Dip between the pages of this handy volume and you will discover a multitude of suggestions to help you:

• appreciate your life
• achieve your goals
• have fun
• build better relationships
• be more optimistic
• relax
• boost your mood
• improve your health

There are opportunities for personal reflection and growth as well as tips for change.
All of these tips have a common goal: greater wellbeing and happiness. They are based on sound psychological thinking and are particularly influenced by the principles, ideas and research of positive psychology.

You will find a tip per page with space provided for your own notes. This is an opportunity to reflect on each tip and apply it to your own life. You will be an active participant in your happiness journey.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Make time for your friends
This week, find the time to meet up with your friends. If you are unable to do this, at least give them a call or send them a letter, email or a card, so they know you are thinking of them. Friendships are important to our wellbeing and have been found to be influential in reducing stress.

2. Schedule a laughter weekend
What are you doing next Sunday afternoon? How about gathering your favourite comedy DVDs, shutting the curtains, sinking into your sofa and enjoying a few hours of laughter? For greater benefits, gather a few friends to enjoy the time together. Remember, laughter is good for you, so this time is not frivolous. It's therapy.

3. Try a new ingredient
Varying what you eat not only keeps things interesting, it also helps you meet all your nutritional needs. When you next go shopping, keep an eye out for something you have never had before. If you're not sure how to cook it, search through your cookbooks or look on the web. Also, when in a restaurant, take the chance on eating something different. If you don't like it, you never have to eat it again.

4. Re-energise your routine
To increase your zest for life, give your routine a makeover. Think up ways you can inject more energy into your day. When you would normally slump in your chair, sit upright. Be alert to your surroundings rather than switching off and going into zombie-mode. Sing while you cook, make up games on the bus, go for a walk at lunchtime. Anything to mix things up and boost those energy levels. Remember to exercise regularly, eat right and sleep well.

5. Get ahead
Want to feel in control of your day? Want to boost your efficiency and feelings of confidence? This week, try to meet a deadline ahead of time. It does not have to be a deadline given to you by others - it can be a self-imposed deadline. Even if you only finish a day or even hours earlier than scheduled, you will feel you have accomplished something. If you manage it, give yoursel...