There are many things reported to boost your health, but did you know that happiness is actually one them? Here are 5 top tips to boost your happiness.

Research by the University of Illinois and the Gallup Organisation and the University of Texas at Dallas has shown that ‘positive feelings predict longevity and health beyond negative feelings’. So being a happy person could actually help you to live longer! We are all looking for ‘true happiness’ – whatever that may be! Read on for our 5 top tips to boost your happiness.

1. Allow yourself some ‘me time’
We are all often so busy that we forget to take some time for ourselves, but Robert A. Stebbins, a past lecturer of sociology at Presbyterian College, says ‘authentic happiness comes from realising our potential for enduring self-fulfillment’. This could be as simple as allowing yourself an hour to read that book you meant to get around to, or indulging in a relaxing bath. Whatever takes your fancy – as long as you spend the time focusing on yourself.

2. Get more sleep
Sleep often gets pushed to the bottom of the list of priorities, but sleep deprivation has a negative impact on your mood. How many times have you felt grumpy and irritable after a late night? That’s because a lack of sleep raises your cortisol – the stress hormone – levels. Life coach, Louise Presley-Turner says that 85% of UK adults don’t get enough sleep each night! So make sure you get to bed early – your body will thank you.

3. Catch up with loved ones
We often associate happiness with being successful – that feeling you get when you’re given a pay rise is amazing, right? But researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that spending time with friends and family actually makes us far happier than financial security. So, cut your overtime and visit the people you love. Better still – schedule a day out together!

4. Get outside
If you’re getting so caught up in work that you don’t spend any time relaxing in the beautiful outdoors, it’s time to change that, as a study by the University of Sussex found that people are ‘substantially happier outdoors’, showing a link between nature and wellbeing. Try eating your lunch in a nearby park to give yourself some much-needed fresh air.

5. Exercise
That great feeling you get after a workout isn’t just because of your accomplishment, it’s endorphins – little happiness hormones – rushing through your body. Admittedly, it can be difficult to find motivation to work out, but try it – you will be amazed at how much better you feel afterwards. A review by The Cochrane Collaboration found exercise to be equal, if not more beneficial than medication for treating depression!

Natalie Roberts writes awesome blog Fit and Gluten-Free!

Find out Is lack of sleep sabotaging your health?; check out our Q&A with ‘Medicinal Chef’ Dale Pinnock – one of our fave foodies and read these 5 reasons to give more hugs