We know that the concept of happiness is relative - if there was a one-size-fits-all quick fix to make us feel good then you wouldn't be reading this. But there are small things we can all strive to incorporate into our daily lives in the New Year to help improve our emotional wellbeing.
According to Dr Mo Zoha, consultant psychiatrist at Nightingale Hospital, there are some common causes of unhappiness common to most of us: "With my patients, I have seen an increase in work-related stress. Poor work-life balance is often a major aetiological factor in the development of unhappiness, resulting in people neglecting important areas of their lives, such as nurturing their relationships."
And it's not just important to stay happy for your mental wellbeing, Dr Zoha also notices a deterioration in people's physical health when they are unhappy.
He says: "On average, happier people are physically healthier, with fewer symptoms and episodes of illness and reduced death rates. They tend to be more optimistic, enthusiastic and enjoyable to be around and therefore more likely to have good families, friends and supportive relationships."
The most important thing is to understand what happiness is and, just as importantly, what it's not.
"Happiness is not just about experiencing hedonistic pleasure or positive emotions," he says. "Although they are important, our happiness is more linked to a range of other factors, such as our lives having a sense of purpose, participating in worthwhile activities, undertaking challenges and achieving goals."
Check out Dr Zoha's 12 tips for achieving happiness in 2015:
12 Tips For Happiness in 2015
Work (01 of12)
Open Image Modal"Work makes you happier. It provides routine, structure and self-worth. Make sure you are in a job you enjoy. If you are not, make finding one that you do a priority for this year."
Independence(02 of12)
Open Image Modal"Personal control in work makes you happier; there is better life satisfaction for those earning less but in control of their working practice than those who are richer but have less control."
Relationships and Friendships(03 of12)
Open Image Modal"Those with close relationships are happiest – try to see friends and family more in the New Year. Research shows the closer people live to their friends, the happier they are – make new friends close to where you live. Get to know your neighbours better, try joining sports groups or taking up a hobby close to your home."
Play to your strengths(04 of12)
Open Image Modal"Identifying your strengths and focus on developing these, either in work or a hobby. This will encourage you to become immersed in what you do and find life more gratifying."
Altruism(05 of12)
Open Image Modal"Altruism is proven to help focus beyond ourselves and enable us to be more connected with the world around us. In 2015, find local charities, sports clubs or community organisations where you can donate your time - you might even start new friendships with local people."
Be kind(06 of12)
Open Image Modal"Set yourself a weekly target for acts of kindness for friends, family, colleagues and strangers on the street. This will further increase your connection to the outside world."
Focus on the positives(07 of12)
Open Image Modal"Improving happiness levels can depend on how we focus our attention – being attentive and focusing on one positive task helps us to enjoy the moment."
Positive Memory(08 of12)
Open Image Modal"Those who are happier remember bad events in a more positive light – it is possible to focus on particular aspects of a memory to notice the positives more than negatives."
Gratitude Diary(09 of12)
Open Image Modal"You can retrain your mind to focus on the good things that happen rather than the bad. Stop taking your blessings for granted by keeping a gratitude diary. Every day for 6 weeks jot down 5 things that happened that day for which you are grateful."
Meditate(10 of12)
Open Image Modal"Regular meditation can help with positive mental health."
Say ‘Thank You’(11 of12)
Open Image Modal"Expressing your gratitude for someone’s actions is the single most effective exercise in positive psychology. Saying thank you to even small acts and gestures will help improve gratitude levels."
Use Technology Less(12 of12)
Open Image Modal"The less time you spend on using technology, the more you can carry out activities that help you engage with the world around you.”