Editorial: Stop and smell the roses

Happiness is something we all strive for and perhaps one of those things taken for granted because life just happens.

When the alarm goes off in the morning, many of us are already planning the day ahead.

Walk the dog, get to work, meet a friend for lunch, hit the gym, duck into the supermarket and oh what I am going to have for dinner tonight?

I'm sure happiness is weaved in there somewhere between a good hard workout and that chocolate pudding for dessert.

However, we all find happiness in different places.

For me, it can be feeling the water on my back as I swim, the wind in my face as I cycle (if it's not a head wind) or simply walking the dog or reading a good book.

Life is busy and it can be hard to find time to do what makes you happy.

We have some simple ideas to try on page 14 by health and performance expert Matt Johnson.

Don't neglect family time. Switch off the television and put the devices to one side and have a good old-fashioned yarn around the dinner table.

And while you've put the device down, do something for you.

I've recently dusted off my neglected yoga mat to try and bring a bit more balance into my life - pun intended.

You can also try device free nights - play cards or a board game - remember those, that's what we used to do before the internet.

And finally good nutritional food and plenty of sleep will leave you feeling refreshed, energised and happy.

So before you get carried away writing your shopping list, stop and smell the roses and remember that life is good.