TTM’S TOP TIPS FOR HAPPINESS

“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” 

Every year, the International Day of Happiness celebrates happiness and the right of all to strive for it.

Happiness may mean something quite different to everyone, but the creator of the International Day of Happiness believes it is a ‘fundamental human right’ for all.

The date coincides with the vernal equinox, which marks the beginning of spring. This is no coincidence, as the founder of the celebration specifically chose the date of the spring equinox for that of the global celebration of happiness.

To mark the perfect combination of International Day of Happiness and Conversation Week, we wanted to share with you TTM’s Top Tips for Happiness.

Spend time with the people that you love and nurture them. It’s not about the number of people around you, but about having a few people you can rely on in the good times and the bad.

Plan a trip, go somewhere that you have always wanted to go, keep ticking off that bucket list. TTM like to take time out as a group every year for a few days together and go somewhere we have always wanted to go and bond outside of the workplace.

Take a break from everything and re-connect with the world. Go for a walk, sit outside and take in the fresh air, read a book, take a bath, meditate or start a journal. Having even a couple of minutes away from the hustle and bustle of daily life can give you peace and tranquillity.

As a bunch of creatives, we love learning new things and expressing ourselves. Whether this be cooking, trying out a new exercise class, learning a new hobby or bringing a dream to life, happiness is often created through new experiences.

When you are in the creative field, technology is always at your fingertips and often everywhere you turn, in the workplace and at home. It is so important to take a digital break, even for an hour a day and especially before sleep. Swapping online surfing or social media for a good read or conversation with loved ones could put that overactive mind at rest.

Sometimes taking the time out to have a conversation with family, friends or even a complete stranger could make your day and theirs. It’s true the saying, that a problem shared is a problem halved. TTM have recently launched our Buddy Programme, ‘Time To Meet’ to encourage our models to meet up with a partner. Sometimes a cup of tea with a friendly face is all you need.

Studies show that exercise works as medication to improve and normalize neurotransmitter levels to get you feeling back to normal and happy again. The endorphins and levels of serotonin in the brain are increased, making it easier to feel better about yourself even if the bad feelings are still on your mind. It’s also fun exercising with others. In fact, Team TTM train together twice a week which not only allows us to take care of ourselves but also have fun while doing so.

Everything we surround ourselves with impacts our emotional state. Spruce up your home or workplace with natural elements such as organic soy candles, plants or wood to create greater health and happiness.

Focus on the present moment, anything in the past can’t be changed and the future can’t be determined either. Many people find themselves dwelling on things that haven’t happened yet which stops you from enjoying the present moment.

Write lists and set yourself goals to declutter your mind. As you tick the tasks off the list you will feel a sense of calm, achievement and you are much more likely to follow them through.