21 ways to be happy TODAY; Life may feel miserable but, in many ways, we've never had it so good. So cast off those blues with our guide to instant joy.

Byline: By Monica Cafferky

Heating your home, feeding the family and paying for the odd treat is getting tough as bills soar. You'd think that coping with the credit crunch would have us all sick with worry...

But, in fact, we're doing really well-fitter, stronger, healthier and living longer.

"Life expectancy is so good that eliminating all accidents and infectious diseases would only raise it by a further two years," says geneticist Prof Steve Jones, of University College London.

"If you wonder what utopia is like, don't - you are living in it and things are not going to get any better."

So wake up and smell the coffee. Most of us are warm, well fed and healthy.

Still miserable? Try these simple ways to happiness...

(1) Boost your self-esteem

Identify what you're good at and do it. Self-esteem is linked to happiness and surveys show the feeling of success is one of the commonest sources of joy.

(2) Avoid info overload

Edward Suarez, associate professor of medical psychology at Duke University Medical Center, North Carolina, found people who multi-task are likelier to have high blood pressure. So instead of talking on the phone while picking up the kids' toys, sit down and focus on the conversation.

(3) Wash your hair

A century ago, women washed their hair once a month using borax or egg yolks. Enjoy modern hair care products and wash your tresses every day. Clean hair makes you feel good.

(4) Make time for friends

People with a circle of supportive friends are likelier to have healthier blood pressure, cholesterol levels and stress hormone levels than those with two or fewer close friends.

(5) Take part

Feel what you think doesn't matter? It does. Have your say by voting. Register to vote at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

(6) Count your blessings

Focus on what you have got, not what you're missing. A study at University of California found that people who took the time to count their blessings once a week boosted their mood and improved their health and energy levels. And it relieved pain and fatigue, too.

(7) Get rid of that niggling task

Visit the doctor, answer a difficult email or buy something you need. Crossing an irritating item off your to-do list will give you a rush of energy.

(8) Pamper a pooch

Walking and stroking pets can relieve stress, lower blood pressure and heart rates. One study showed pets are better than spouses at relieving stress.

(9) Enjoy your job

In 1908, a typical working day was 14 hours with few breaks. There was no employment regulation and no minimum wage. Still hate your job?

(10) Get enough sleep

Few of us get enough sleep and that makes us grumpy. Getting into bed by 8pm one night with a book - and turning the light out an hour later - can do more for your mood than any amount of retail therapy.

(11) Sing in the shower

Music activates parts of the brain that produce happiness, the same parts activated by sex and food. So in the morning tune the radio to your favourite station and sing along.

(12) Visit a quiet place

Museums, parks, libraries and places of worship provide islands of peace in a frantic world. Find a quiet place near your home and make it your secret hideaway.

(13) Stop worrying about your age

Celebrate all your birthdays. Remember when you were 10 how21seemed ancient? Enjoy your age, because you won't be this young again.

(14) Ignore the stock market

Chinese researchers found a direct link between the daily performance of the stock market and the mental health of those who follow it. If you don't have money invested, ignore it. If you do, remember time heals financial wounds, so give your investments time - and give yourself a break.

(15) Have a good cry

Bottling up emotions can lead to a build-up of suppressed anxiety and anger. Let your emotion come out when you're upset and have a good cry.

(16) Light an oil burner

Getting a good nose-full of lavender aids deep relaxation, according to research. So find a scent that soothes you and burn it when you're relaxing or put a few drops of essential oil into your bath.

(17) Say "I love you"

Tell those close to you that you love them and why. A little praise never hurt anyone.

(18) Give yourself something to look forward to

It may be just a walk in the park or reading a book. Build these treats into your daily life.

(19) Volunteer to help out

Helping others less fortunate that yourself puts your own problems into perspective.

(20) Change your thinking

People who survive a terminal illness, accident or witness a tragedy have a different perspective on life. Many say that they no longer leave anything until later. They travel now, learn a new skill now, contact an old friend the same day the thought pops into their head.

Follow their lead - try living for today and not tomorrow.

(21) Watch It's A Wonderful Life

This classic 1946 film stars James Stewart as George Bailey who, facing financial troubles, is about to commit suicide when he meets his guardian angel Clarence.

Clarence shows him how the world would have been a much worse place without him and how he has touched the lives of everyone in his town.

It guarantees a smile.

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CLASSIC: It's A Wonderful Life