5 minutes a day to MORE JOY

It doesn’t take long to get more happiness into your life – just follow these easy expert tips

Happy mornings

• MAKE YOUR BED

This is an easy way to start the day with a sense of positivity and accomplishment. Experts believe making your bed can be an indication that you’re on your way to greater things, since it sets you up in a success mindset. It’s also the first step towards good sleep hygiene, ensuring better slumber. Plump up the pillows, smooth out the covers and take pride in a simple but important job well done.

• WRITE DOWN YOUR DREAMS

Writing in a journal when you wake can be a great way to clear your mind for the day ahead. Many great songs and stories started life as dreams, so this could also be a way to engage with your innate creativity.

• WATCH THE SUNRISE

To find new perspective on life, get up early and delight in the sunrise. The start of the morning is a magical time of renewal. No matter what happened yesterday, the world continues to turn and the sun still comes up every day.

• STRAIGHTEN UP AND SMILE

Posture can have a big influence on how we feel: cognitive scientists have found a direct connection between looking down and feeling down. On the flip side, if your body starts to act more confidently and joyfully then your mind will do so too. As you get ready for the day, straighten up, pull your shoulders back and smile.

Happy days

• GO FOR A WALK OUTSIDE