HAPPINESS HABITS

EMBRACE BOREDOM We've lost the art of boredom. But boredom is really important. An exciting moment is only exciting when it spikes from a baseline of boredom or nothingness. We need to build more space for that. This is where screens are an issue. The times when we'd have natural boredom and down time are now being filled with our phone - videos, texting, social media, games.

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Children need to get more comfortable with doing nothing. To have their own thoughts and space, and not always have activity. It's in that downtime that their brain is able to recover and rest.

TRY: Most great ideas come when we're doing nothing and have space to think. Create an afternoon with nothing planned.

GET OUTSIDE

Being outside offers significant health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood and better sleep by lowering cortisol levels and increasing serotonin. It provides physical benefits like boosted vitamin D production, stronger immunity and greater physical activity. Spending time outdoors can also boost creativity and problem-solving skills, improve self-esteem and foster stronger social connections.

TRY: Do something you wouldn't normally do outside, like cook dinner on a camping stove.

THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE

Teach children the idea of delayed gratification. Yes they have to do their homework, but in five years time they'll be able to study for the job they want.

Encouraging those skills early on in a world that is dopamine driven, - everything is now now now - is so important and so helpful to set them up for future happiness. Doing this also helps answer a child's “why” questions when you ask them to do something.