Happier people live longer.

Numerous studies show that happy people enjoy better health and live longer.  Depression, anxiety and failing to find joy in daily living have all been associated with greater risk of disease and a shorter life span.

It would be insensitive not to acknowledge the stress and difficulties associated with this recession: the shock of redundancy and people working ever harder to stay in employment. Add to this the prospect of pension reform and declining investments and the fulfilment of working life can be undermined.

It is worth reflecting, however, that just 10% of individual happiness is said to be influenced by circumstances such as income or environment.  Our genes and upbringing account for half of our happiness while relationships and activities determine the remaining 40%.₁

This means that, even when times are tough, the types of things we choose to do and the kinds of relationships we seek can make a significant difference to our wellbeing.

In your pursuit of happiness, you might like to browse the website Action for Happiness. This new community initiative aims to build a happier society; the website is packed with information and ideas.

For example, have a look at the ten keys to happier living. These could well come in handy over Christmas, a time when we can be let down over our often (unreasonably) high expectations for a happy family time.

One of the ten keys is giving is good for you, not usually a problem over Christmas! In fact, some of us think we give too much! Thinking beyond the Christmas presents however, do you regularly make time for others, volunteer in your local community or offer a small act of kindness to a friend? People who feel part of a social network are more likely to enjoy good mental and emotional health.

A second key is to look after your body. Not so easy over Christmas when we tend to stay indoors and feast on unhealthy foods. Add in a few glasses of wine and relatives that are getting on your nerves and you have a lethal cocktail!  Physical activity not only gives you a breathing space but lifts your mood and helps to work off those extra calories.  So when you feel the heat, get out!

A third key is having goals to look forward to. Now is a good time to start thinking about what you’d like to be different next year.  I’ll be returning to this theme later to help you set - and keep - your New Year’s resolutions. So, instead of watching that TV re-run yet again, take a walk somewhere peaceful and start thinking about what would bring you health and happiness in 2012.

What would make you happier in 2012?

₁ Action for Happiness www.actionforhappiness.org