We all long to be happy but life throws so many problems our way. It seems much easier to walk around with a frown than a smile. You cannot expect everything in life to go the way you want it to. It is up to you to seek happiness in little things.

Here are a few tips to help you find happiness and to stay happy.

• First remember that happiness is a state of mind. Believe that no matter how bleak your circumstances may be, you can be happy.

• Have a network of friends and family. They give meaning to life and can help you share your problems. Plan activities which involve friends or family. For example you can plan for a dinner out with friends or go for a movie together.

• Spend some time with your partner and kids. A strong loving relationship does wonders for a bad mood.

• If you are the animal loving sort, get yourself a pet.

• Laugh and smile a lot. If you look hard enough you can find enough reasons for a smile. A happy baby or a beautiful sunrise is enough for a smile.

• Set good values for yourself. Be simple, honest, polite and straightforward.

• Handle your money carefully. Money problems are a big hindrance for happiness. So if you are careful with your money, you will find yourself free of financial issues. Buy only what you can afford and avoid using credit card as much as possible. You don’t want credit card debt and high interest rates to drag you down.

• Give gifts to your friends and loved ones. They don’t have to be expensive. Something simple or handmade will make them feel good. You will also feel good in return.

• Pamper yourself once in a while. That does not mean running up credit card debt or huge shopping bills. Just buy yourself something that you like or even a bunch of flowers to adorn your window sill.

• Do some volunteer work. You can teach children for free or participate in camps that offer food for the poor. If you don’t have time for volunteer work, at least donate something to charity. The act of giving selflessly is a happiness booster in itself.

• Never borrow and never lend. This is the root of tiffs and problems with friends, banks and credit providers. The best thing to do is to stay away from this altogether.

• Do something that interests you. You can read quality books or do some gardening or even baby sit if you love children.

• When you feel upset and stressed out, unwind in a way which pleases you. You can spend time romancing your partner or listening to music or watching television so that the matter which disturbs you stays forgotten for a while.

• Explore new avenues. Do something that you have never done before or visit some place that you have never visited before. Go kayaking or bungee jumping or learn to fly an airplane. Even if it sounds outrageous, do it just for the fun of it.

• If you have religious faith, participate in religious meetings and services.

• Maintain good health. Ill health is one of the major reasons for sadness and depression.