10 GOOD HABITS FOR HAPPINESS

1 IF YOU FEEL NEGATIVE, REMEMBER THE 90-SECOND RULE. Neuroscience shows that if we sit with an emotion, it will pass after 90 seconds. We are trained to shut off emotions such as anxiety and anger, but repression is highly toxic for our physical and mental health. Find the courage to sit with uncomfortable emotions. We need to dispel the myth that positivity is rose-tinted naivety. 2 THE FIRST SEVEN MINUTES IN THE MORNING AND LAST THING AT NIGHT

are when your subconscious mind is most malleable and suggestible. Use this time to programme your subconscious to self-generate the six supreme positive emotions of love, calmness, confidence, gratitude, hope, and happiness. 3 START EACH DAY AFRESH WITH A MINDFUL SHOWER. While in the shower, imagine washing away any stress, tension and anxiety. Feel the water on your skin. Breathe. 4 TRY AFFIRMATIONAL TEETH-BRUSHING.

For example, as you brush, repeat, “I am calm with the kids”, or “I am confident in all situations I find myself in.” Use this time to take control of the areas of your life that can feel out of your control. Tying an existing habit into an already established one makes it more likely to become set in your neural pathways. 5 IF YOU FEEL STRESS OR ANXIETY MOUNTING, ASK YOURSELF:

“Is this situation within or beyond my control?” If it is beyond your control, accept it and focus on responding to it, rather than reacting. If it is within your control, choose to do something that makes it better for yourself and everyone around you. Move from resistance to acceptance.

6 TRANSFORM EVERYDAY MOMENTS OF FRUSTRATION

into ‘mindful me moments’. Take seven deep belly breaths to stop and breathe in situations that cause frustration. If you’re waiting at a traffic light or a standing in a queue at the bank, turn these moments into opportunities to close your eyes and breathe.

7 DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY.

Even if it feels so personal, it is not. What people say or do speaks volumes about them and nothing about you.

8 POWER POSE FOR CONFIDENCE.

Do it every day, or before an important event such as a presentation or interview. When you change your posture, you change the neural networks in your brain.

9 USE YOUR ATTENTION AND INTENTION COMBINED

to achieve what you wish for. Stay focused on one thing and avoid multi-tasking. Acknowledge all your progress, no matter how small.

10 LOVE YOURSELF AS YOU WOULD

your own child, a parent, a sibling, a friend. Treat yourself with the respect that you deserve, and everything will flow from there. Be gentle and kind to yourself always, and especially if you make a mistake. Show extra compassion to yourself in difficult times. Let tears come if they need to, always; crying is a very positive thing. ‘The Positive Habit’ by Fiona Brennan is published by Gill. It is available to pre-order in Eason and Dubray shops, or see thebookdepository.com. See thepositivehabit.com