10 Keys to Happier Living

Action for Happiness promotes the 10 Keys to Happier Living, which are a set of evidence-based principles designed to guide you on your path to a greater well-being. The 10 keys consist of:

Giving

This key emphasises the importance of engaging in acts of kindness and generosity towards others. By doing something kind for someone else, whether it’s a small gesture or a larger act of volunteering, you can experience a sense of connection, purpose, and fulfilment.

Relating

Building and nurturing positive relationships is crucial for happiness. This key encourages individuals to invest time and effort in cultivating meaningful connections with family, friends, colleagues, and the broader community. Strong relationships contribute to a sense of belonging, support, and overall well-being.

Exercising

Physical activity and exercise is proven to have a significant impact on happiness and mental well-being. Regular exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, and improves mood. This key highlights the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily life, whether it’s through sports, walking, yoga, or any form of movement that brings joy.

Awareness

Mindfulness and being present in the moment are central to this key. By cultivating awareness and paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, we can enhance our ability to savour the present, manage stress, and develop a deeper appreciation for life’s experiences.

Trying Out

This key encourages individuals to embrace new experiences and pursue personal growth. Trying out new activities, hobbies, or learning new skills can expand our horizons, boost self-confidence, and bring a sense of achievement and excitement to life.

Direction

Having clear goals and a sense of purpose gives our lives meaning and direction. This key emphasises the importance of setting meaningful goals and aligning our actions with our values. Working towards a purposeful life contributes to a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.

Resilience

Life inevitably brings challenges and setbacks. Resilience is about developing the ability to bounce back from adversity, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook. This key encourages individuals to cultivate resilience through self-care, optimism, and seeking support when needed.

Emotions

Acknowledging and accepting a wide range of emotions is crucial for well-being. This key promotes emotional intelligence, self-compassion, and the ability to manage emotions effectively. By developing a healthy relationship with our emotions, we can cultivate greater happiness and mental well-being.

Acceptance

Learning to accept ourselves, others, and the circumstances we cannot change is fundamental to happiness. This key encourages individuals to practise self-acceptance, embrace diversity, and cultivate a mindset of non-judgment and compassion.

Meaning

Finding a sense of purpose and meaning in life is deeply fulfilling. This key invites individuals to explore and reflect upon what truly matters to them, whether it’s through spirituality, personal values, or contributing to something larger than themselves. Living a meaningful life brings a sense of fulfilment and deep-rooted happiness.