In 1973 a Daily Mail correspondent, Thomas Baggs, died and bequeathed a substantial sum to his alma mater Birmingham University to provide for an annual public lecture on the theme of ‘Happiness, what it is and how it may be achieved by individuals as well as nations’.

Yehudi Menuhin delivered the first lecture in 1976.  Gyles Brandreth delivered the 37^th a short time ago.  He shared two sets of secrets.

In these challenging times, I thought the best thing I could do was to share them with you. Here’s the first set (Physical Secrets) followed later in the week by The secrets of Psychological Happiness. 

Whatever you do keep smiling.

Seven Secrets of Physical Happiness

1. Find what activity or exercise you enjoy. If you enjoy it, you’re more likely to give it 100 per cent and stick with it to see the results.
2. Be fully mindful and present during your activity. This will enhance your experience.
3. Go to group classes. Meeting new people who share a common interest has multiple benefits to increase happiness.
4. Have an ‘accountability buddy’. Having someone to exercise with, or simply check in with, keeps you consistent as well as in touch with someone else.
5. When it comes to movement during the day, ‘little and often’ is what does the trick.  What our bodies benefit from are small and frequent ‘exercise snacks’, leading to reduced spinal pain, lower blood pressure and improved concentration at work.
6. Mindful walking. Getting outdoors has multiple benefits. As well as increasing happiness in the moment, it also helps with our sleep, which in turn helps improve our happiness.
7. Set regular short-term goals within your exercise routines.  Achieving short-term, realistic goals on a regular basis will improve your happiness and keep you motivated to stay active.