Are we happy enough? Here’s a step-by-step guide to feeling happier

The average Brit give himself just 6.37 out of 10 on a happiness scale, with just one in ten rating their life satisfaction at nine or above, according to a recent study.

When asked to rate their life satisfaction on a scale from one to ten the average Brit gave themselves a middling 6.37 out of ten.

Just one in ten rated their life satisfaction at nine or above, indicating excellent life satisfaction.

Researchers at Ninen9 Super Seeds also looked into the ways we boost our mood and found three in five look to bed for comfort in hard times, and over half lean on family for support.

Some 43 per cent play their favourite music when they need to raise their spirits, with reading a book proving more popular for boosting our serotonin levels than sex.

Nearly half of the women polled in the study thought time to relax was important for their well-being, while 35 per cent of men preferred sex as a way to unwind.

But it’s the typical British weather which is most likely to get us feeling down in the dumps first place, with 40 per cent claiming inclement weather has a negative effect on their emotions.

Women are twice as likely as men to be brought down by living in a messy home, with 37 per cent claiming that untidiness has a negative effect on their mood compared to 18 per cent of men.

In order to make their lives better, one in six would like to improve their physical fitness and 16 per cent would like to have more certain financial security.

TOP TEN WAYS TO LIFT SPIRITS

1. A good night’s rest
2. Spending time with family
3. Spending time with friends
4. Having downtime to relax
5. Listening to music
6. Regular exercise
7. Watch TV/A film
8. Reading a book
9. Doing your hobby
10. Eating your favourite meal

TOP TEN THINGS TO PUT YOU IN A BAD MOOD

1. Poor weather
2. Having no time to yourself
3. Sitting in traffic
4. A heavy workload
5. Coming home to a messy home
6. Checking the news
7. Checking your bank statement
8. Using public transport
9. A bad hair day
10. A bad outfit day