10 Steps to Happiness

A group of UK social scientists tested out ten steps to happiness in Slough, England. Slough is about 20 miles west of London and a diverse but economically challenged city of some 120,000. (The British comedy "The Office" is set in Slough.) The experts called their 3 month experiment a success.

At any rate here at The 10 Steps to Happiness:

• Plant something and nurture it
• Count your blessings - at least five - at the end of each day
• Take time to talk - have an hour-long conversation with a loved one each week
• Phone a friend whom you have not spoken to for a while and arrange to meet up
• Give yourself a treat every day and take the time to really enjoy it
• Have a good laugh at least once a day
• Get physical - exercise for half an hour three times a week
• Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger at least once a day
• Cut your TV viewing by half
• Spread some kindness - do a good turn for someone every day

I say add some meditation and some Van Morrison and make it an even dozen.

Check it out: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4436482.stm