Happiness remedies Part One

Small things that can make you smile.

Helping other people.
Volunteering is extremely good for your well-being! It could be anything from comforting the elderly to selling knitted cardigans at the local Cancer Research shop... No matter what kind of help you give, you'll get happy in return. Unless you're a die-hard capitalist who won't leave your bed for less than £100, volunteering is definitely for you. It's a CV booster that employers will acknowledge because they can see evidence of your work ethic and experience. Career-focused volunteering is a good way to go if you want to ensure your CV is more 3D. If you're stuck for inspiration, websites such as v.inspired.com and do-it.org are the perfect place to scout for opportunities in your local area. Alternatively, get out there and see for yourself! I'm sure your free service will be warmly welcomed in the majority of places and honestly, it's a worthwhile experience.

Hot chocolate.
Whipped cream & marshmallows included.
 To make it, I advise heating a cup of milk in a microwavable cup (check the bottom!) for about 2 minutes and stirring in lots of chocolate powder. Choose your biggest cup and your favourite brand of chocolate. Milk of choice? Cravendale. Not only do they have genius adverts but the milk is so thick&creamy&lovely. Chocolate sprinkles on top are optional, although recommended. 
It's no secret that chocolate makes us happy and a little bit won't hurt your waistline, so feel no guilt and enjoy!

Walking.
If you're just plain bored of refreshing your internet browser, get outside! You'll have plenty of time to read TheThinkingGirl'sNotebook later, don't worry ;). Maybe your body is just crying out for exercise and your mind wants to concentrate rather than be numbed by notifications and youtube comments. A destination is preferable (maybe you need some more milk after that hot chocolate?) and if you plug in your iPod (avoiding the depressing music) you can click on an anthemic number and pretend you're in a film. You may as well, nobody can read your mind. Even just taking a scenic route for the purpose of relaxing is inductive to happiness - everybody needs some alone time!

Focus on the positive.
After all, if you're doing that, you're bound to be happy. Sometimes it just takes some deliberate thinking to ensure you're not wallowing in misery and instead appreciate your time on the earth. Think about something that you like or someone that makes you smile or write a list of what you're grateful for. Just smile. Be happy  and in the present moment.

What to do this winter to keep yourself happy and helpful

What to do this winter to keep yourself happy and helpful

Go for a walk and smile at every person you come across

Fly a kite. A colourful kite

Write a story: short, long, mid-length

Buy some face paint and wear it for the whole day for no particular reason

Try out a new recipe from a fancy cookbook. Something Jamie Oliver would be proud of

Have at least 3 conversations with different people about the meaning of life

Buy a scrapbook and fill it up with love.

Decide that everything will be okay because if you believe that, it will be.

Clean your room to music – an old idea but you love it and you know it.

If you’re a boy, dress up as a girl and take photos of your beauty.

If you’re a girl, dress up as a boy and take photos of your beauty.

Donate even the smallest amount of money to charity.

Ask somebody if you can take their dog for a walk.

Watch a classic film that you have always wanted to see but never got round to seeing.

Call up an old friend – yes, CALL! – proceed to talk to them with genuine interest for at least an hour.

Open up a savings account for a super summer.

Plan that summer (including room for spontaneity)

Buy a really aesthetically pleasing puzzle and make it. Puzzles are fun.