Achieve a balanced focus on the present, past and future. For instance, it helps not to blame yourself or others for things that happened in the past and it does not help to worry about a future you cannot change. Live in the present but remember good things from the past and build on your dreams for the future. Do not let new technologies such as cell phones, the Internet or video games control your life?

Understand your emotions – such as being jealous or unreasonable – and how this affects others. Find words to match how you feel. Look in the mirror to see what you look like when you are feeling a particular emotion and decide how you want to feel and look.

Productive relationships are the key to keeping you happy. Smile and laugh – it’s good for the body. Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and get lots of exercise. A happy brain makes you happy. Give your brain enough rest by sleeping eight hours a night. Enjoy silence, it makes you relax. Meditate. A good way to meditate is to sit quietly where you won’t be disturbed, relax and try to think of nothing. Note everything you hear, nearby and far away. If thoughts drift into your head allow them gently to drift out again. This helps you to relax, improves your clarity of thoughts and allows you to feel in control with your life.