Ten steps to happiness: research just published shows that despite having more materially than previous generations, we are no happier. In fact, we are likely to see increased levels of suicide and mental illness and to live in a culture in which taking anti-depressants is the norm. Led by Lord Layard, a professor at the LSE and backed by the Dalai Lama the research has identified trust as a “major determinant of happiness in society’. The ten steps to happiness have been listed as: giving, relating, exercising, appreciating, trying out new things, direction, resilience, emotion, acceptance, meaning. Backed by NHS Direct and a number of mental health charities, the colourful website for Action for Happiness has numerous suggestions for increasing happiness and (www.actionforhappiness.org) recommends therapy for those who are struggling and in need of help.
10 steps to happiness
