Clodagh's guide to happiness!

Right, here it is, Clodagh’s guide to happiness! This is unedited, so it's probably all over the place. But here are my tips, tricks, ideas and thoughts that are tried and tested methods of being happy!

Disclaimer/note-These are things that I do, or I suggest my friends do. It works on me and them, but there may be some you want to change slightly to adapt to you, or something.

Right, shall we crack on then?

Tip number one-Make a list of all the things that you are good at. It can be anything, from touching your nose with your tongue, to making a cracking cup of tea, or painting like Degas, whatever you're good at. Then when you're feeling sad- read it! Instant happiness.

Tip number two-drink tea. Or milk, or coffee, or hot chocolate. Something warm, it makes you feel cozy, and cozy=happy.

Tip three-accept what is wrong with your life. Accept the bad things, and then think 'okay. I can either wallow in misery and self pity/hatred for the rest of your life, or you can accept it, or also see the positive in your life.’

Tip four-when it rains, don't run indoors. Take your time, and savour it. But don't stay out in it too long, you'll catch a cold, and that will make you sad.

Tip five-Have me time. (Nom I don't mean designated time for worshipping me.:p) Take a few hours and pamper yourself. Do something you want. Listen to music, paint your nails, draw, read, play a game. Do something that makes you happy, but preferably that takes a bit of concentration, so it doesn't just become monotonous. (I don't suggest TV or a movie)

Tip six-Change your thinking. If you think negatively all the time, you will spend more and more time miserable, and you'll forget how to be happy. Change your way of thinking-be positive. Bad times don't last forever. Keep your head up.

Tip seven-Have a movie night. With your family, with friends, by yourself, it's up to you. Any kind except sad. That's for the next tip.

Tip eight-let yourself be sad. This sounds weird, but, it works. Something bad happens, you have a terrible day, your relationship ends, whatever. Get some ice cream and chocolate, wrap yourself in a duvet, grab the tissues, get a horrifyingly sad book and movie, and cry. That's right, cry. Let it all out. BUT-and here's the trick-only for the length of that movie are you allowed to have your pity party. An hour and a half is all you have. After that, get back to your life, face the day.

Tip nine-Keep a book full of inspirational quotes, ticket stubs, postcards, things that remind you of happy times. Read it when you're sad.

Tip ten-Look at pictures of kittens. Just google cute kittens. Just-yes. No explanation needed.

Tip eleven-Be yourself. Pretending to be someone you're not makes you miserable. Be truth to yourself, stick to your morals, and-

Tip twelve-don't change yourself for others! Unless, you know, you're a complete asshole or something. Then you can change and try and be a better person. But if you're trying to change to fit in, or make someone like you-don't bother. They're obviously not worth your time anyway.

Tip thirteen-Make friends with an old person. They're so sweet, and full of stories of their lives. They can have a lot of wisdom, and talking to them can brighten their day too.

Tip fourteen-be kind to others, and do something nice. Making others happy and making them smile increases your chance of happiness.

Tip fifteen-treat yourself occasionally. Don't indulge all the time, though, or it won't feel like a treat.

Tip sixteen-surround yourself with inspirational quotes. Put some on your wall, write them on post it notes and put them around your room, create a board on pinterest, check back here daily.(I post a daily inspirational quote)

Tip seventeen-enjoy life. Enjoy the little things.

Tip seventeen-Don't be overly sensitive. Sometimes we get overly sensitive to tiny, tiny things-let them go. Sometimes, things happen. Don't fight against everything.

Tip eighteen-If you have negative voices in your head telling you you aren't good enough, or saying negative things, shut them up. They are lying.

Tip nineteen-Be laid back. Don't take everything to heart or be serious all the time. Let go sometimes.

Tip twenty-Realise that you can't control everything. Whatever will be, will be. Your here for life, you might as well enjoy it.

And that is it! Those are tips! This was my guide to happiness! I hope it gave you some ideas to try out!

Do you have a guide to happiness? What keeps you happy?

Peace, love and cupcakes,

Clodagh xxxx