Last week I wrote an article on ways to save time that would also give your happiness a boost. Now I would like to add another suggestion: give up smoking.

I don’t smoke, so I don’t know for sure, but I do wonder how much time is wasted due to smoking. There’s the time spent actually smoking of course. Usually outside and alone, away from friends and family enjoying themselves. Then there’s the time spent thinking about smoking and wondering when you’ll get the chance to nip outside to have a quick drag. If there’s a delay to when you normally get a fix, then presumably your attention will be focused on your craving, rather than what you are currently doing.

If you pursue a life of happiness, there are many, many benefits to your overall mental health and wellbeing. There is however, one potential downfall. By exuding a happy disposition and not complaining about those small things that really don’t matter, people think your life is fine and dandy. It can be assumed that you are not affected by real life – somehow the struggles have bypassed you, just because you’ve managed to handle them in a healthy and productive way.
It seems sad to me that people don’t like to …

On Monday I spoke about the sociologist who had researched the problem of family history research. The risk of causing conflict within the family, or uncovering something unwanted about your ancestors. Today I want to talk about the good that can come from doing family history.
I began researching my family history last year and have found it a fascinating experience. I’ve a lot from family members about recent history. I can’t help thinking that such an activity can only help increase a person’s understanding and tolerance for why people …

I’ve just finished reading an article about a study into the dangers of doing family history. You can read more here: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6383CJ20100409.
It was conducted by a sociologist who believed “researchers could open up a Pandora’s Box of secrets and skeletons, such as finding there are family issues around paternity, illegitimacy or marriage close to birth of children, criminality, health and mental health and previously unknown humble origins.”
Go figure. It would be pretty surprising if anybody didn’t find this in the course of their research. “I cannot believe great great grandfather …

If you want to increase your happiness, one way is through nurturing your character strengths. Positive psychology has identified 24 strengths which can be divided into 6 distinct virtues. In this article I will talk about the strengths which make up the virtue ‘humanity’: love, kindness and generosity and social intelligence. In addition, I offer tips to help you develop each strength.
Love
Having close, loving relationships is important to people with this strength. It is not just about loving your partner, but your friends, family and people around you. Such people …

You could begin by taking a personality test. There are many available on the Internet, or you can buy a book. Else you can take the time to reflect on who you are.
Try to do what feels right for you, not what you feel you  are expected to do.
Do the things that deep down make you happy and you feel  comfortable with.
Be yourself.
Try to find a job that suits your personality. Not doing so  can make you feel very uncomfortable and unhappy.
Accept other people. Do not assume that your personality …

Relaxation is the opposite of stress. It helps reduce tension levels and reverse the symptoms associated with stress. We are also better able to cope with future stressful situations. It is well worth you finding time each day to relax.
Why is it so important?
When we are relaxed, stress is reduced. Symptoms of stress disappear since it is very hard for our bodies to feel stressed and relaxed at the same time. This in itself calms us mentally. We no longer feel anxious, our thoughts have calmed and we are at …

This week, take the time to give out compliments to other people, without expecting one back. It can be to friends, family, colleagues or complete strangers you happen across during your day. Of course, if you do receive a compliment back – smile and say thank you!

Don’t be afraid to ask for support when it is needed. Your friends, family and colleagues can assist you in many ways, from practical help, offering an opinion, giving encouragement or just being there to listen. Also, if someone offers to help, don’t automatically knock them back. There is no rule that says you should always go it alone.

Think of three good things you would say about your partner, friend or family member. Think about their positive actions, strengths and displays of character. Having compiled your three good things, share them with that person. Not only will you feel good for sharing, but you will boost their happiness also.