While this time of year is one of my favourites, it is also one of my busiest and i am sure it is like that for most people.  While I have been running around trying to get a dozen things done before the end of next week, i found myself getting more and more frustrated and overwhelmed without even realising it.  The season that is supposed to be one of happiness and merry, was becoming the opposite for me.  So i stopped, took a step back and made a list of things of even little things that i could do to remind myself that even though i am busy, this is the season to be jolly!

1. Smile.

Smile at everyone and at no one in particular.  Smiles are contagious, when someone smiles at you you cant help but smile back, right?  So it must be true, smiling = happiness.  At least for a little while.

2. The best is yet to come.

While i was growing up, i went to the same church for 18 years.  The pastor at the church, Pastor Derek, sadly passed away a few months ago.  He was such a loving, kind person and when someone has seen and helped you grow up, you cant help but have a special connection with them.  The one thing that Pastor Derek always use to say in church was "The best is yet to come".  Look ahead and not behind. Get up each morning and say to yourself, The best is yet to come.  One of the best ways to start the day....well that and a cup of tea!

3. Have an attitude of gratitude.

No matter what we all have going on in our lives, there is always SOMETHING that we can be grateful for. Even if you think it is only something small, its something and it's a great place to start.  Take a moment to find something to be grateful for each day and before you know it, happiness will be one step closer to you.

4. Know and use your strengths.

We all have strengths and talents and i have found that when i am doing a lot of things that fall outside of those things, i am no longer happy.  Know what your strengths are and use them to your advantage when things get crazy.  Not only will you find yourself feeling happier, but you will get all those things done a lot quicker.

5. Take a break.

When life gets too busy take a break. Even if its only a 2 minute break and even if you cant get away for a bit of me time.  We were born with amazing imaginations and while us adults don't use them nearly enough, take a few minutes to imagine something funny, or something fun and see what that can do to lift your mood.

6. Create something.

Find something that you love and create something around it.  Take some time out to create anything using your imagination and hands leaves you will a feeling of wholeness and happiness.  Creating something out of nothing feels marvellous.  Give it a try.

7.  Take a few minutes out to help someone else.

I know, i know. We are all so busy so where do i find time to help someone else?  I'm not sure, but i do know that just holding a door open for someone whose hands are full or letting someone out while sitting in traffic are just small examples of what we can do for others that doesn't necessarily take too much time out of our already busy days. 

8. Take your lunch breaks.

I am the first person to throw up her hands and say that i very seldom actually move away from my desk and have a lunch break.  It's not good for me on a daily basis and its not good for me as a whole.  We need a break, our eyes need breaks from the screens and our minds need a break from work.  Why don't you make the most of your lunch break. Have lunch with a friend, read a book or magazine, go for a walk outside or put together a list of creating options for when you get home later.  Lunch breaks are there for a reason - respect yourself and take them ( And i am totally talking to myself here as well!!)

9. Clutter causes chaos.

I don't know about you but i find it difficult to relax when chaos rules.  I'm not saying everything has to be perfectly in place to be happy, but i have found that by just putting one thing in its place ( or getting rid of one thing ) each day helps to reduce the chaos and increase the happiness.

10. Enjoy the moment.

This moment IS your life.  You don't get any re-runs or second go's.  So make the most of them and more importantly, find a way to enjoy them.  Very little of our lives are made up of huge moments, the majority of life is made up of small, routine, daily moments - so make the most of them and find a way to enjoy them.