York is third happiest place to live in the UK

Our local paper here in York in the North of England, where I run my practice, has been buzzing with the news that, according to a recent survey, York is the third happiest place to live in the UK. 

York was pipped to the post by Bristol and Wolverhampton, whilst apparently a little further Up North, our Geordie neighbours are amongst the most unhappy people in the UK, followed by people in Cardiff, Birmingham, Swansea and Leeds.

As this article explains, the survey was conducted by national food firm, Mr Kipling. Researchers spoke to 2,000 people nationwide and found that:

'almost half were happy with their life in general, and only six per cent were completely unhappy. Forty eight per cent were satisfied with their social life and 67 per cent were happy with their friends and family.'

The article goes on to say: 

'Researchers also discovered that it's not necessarily the big things that make us most cheerful, with more than 92 per cent saying they would be happier with a small, unexpected gift rather than an expensive car or holiday.

The findings show that Brits are peppering the day with small moments of happiness that provide light-hearted enjoyment to raise the spirits. A simple message from a loved one was named as the little thing which makes us happiest, followed by getting into a bed with freshly-washed sheets and waking up on a sunny day.'

This is great stuff, isn't it? Doesn't it just show that a little act of kindess or a simple ritual - and of course some sunshine - is all that most of us need to feel good.

So, if you're feeling a bit low today, why not write someone a little note telling them how specal they are to you, or get out into the sunshine for just a few moments - yes, it really is out there at the moment! - or make a list of all the very ordinary everyday things you can do that help you to feel good and then make a pact with yourself to do at least one of them a day for the next week. Feel happy now!

Just as a little aside to this topic, I actually noticed the headline 'York is third happiest place to live in UK' written on a hoarding for The York Press yesterday as Tom and I were enterng our local farm shop. As I commented on it to him, a very stylish lady in her seventies appeared at my shoulder, making a loud disapproving 'tutting' sound.

'We're supposed to have all these stylish restaurants and bars and plenty of things to do,' she said, shaking her head, 'Have you seen them? Because I haven't!'

So no matter where you are and whatever city you live in, you can still be happy - or indeed miserable. It depends on the way you choose to look at things. :-)