Six ways to make the festive season a time of positive change

Relationships are one of the keys to having a joyful life. People with one or more close friendships appear to be happier. Connection with others is vital to feeling loved and needed.

Reaching out to others less fortunate increases our mental well-being. People who volunteer have fewer depressive symptoms and higher life satisfaction. If you have an hour or two a week, why not get in touch with a local community organisation and get involved?

Being active and doing regular exercise has both physical and mental well-being benefits. Exercise improves mood straight away by releasing feel-good chemicals.

Not only that, but it helps with freeing oneself from negative thoughts and builds life satisfaction.

Find your purpose and if your full-time job is not be your dream work, make sure to make time for doing what it is you love. What is the one activity that makes you feel exhilarated; that you lose yourself in and experience complete joy and satisfaction while you’re doing it? Make sure you include this as part of your daily life.

Gratitude is a powerful attitude to cultivate. Gratitude is a strength which allows you to be aware of the good things you have in life and not take them for granted. People who are thankful for what they have are better able to cope with stress, have more positive emotions, and are better able to reach their goals.

Accept what cannot be changed and let go of the need to control things outside of your control. Put your focus and energy on the things that you can change.