Don't worry, be happy

Recently many of you have been asking me about happiness and mild depression or feeling 'fed up' for no apparent reason.

For many of us, I think boredom is the cause. Boredom is usually associated with children or impatient teenagers, but many adults these days have life so good that they are unimpressed with most things in their life.

What does it take to impress you? For some of you it may mean the latest sports car or designer handbag for others it may be something as simple as being able to afford a three scoop ice cream sundae.

I believe that happiness is a state of mind and with a bit of focus you can 'think' yourself happy.

Clinical depression is another thing entirely and that requires medical treatment so please don't confuse the two.

That feeling of almost constant dissatisfaction with everything in your life might not be unhappiness. It might just mean you have become impossibly spoilt and complacent.

Let's face reality, for most western expats, life here is much better than at home.

Your house is probably much larger, the furniture more luxurious, you probably have access to a swimming pool or tennis courts.

You have the services of a housemaid, gardener and maybe even a driver. You belong to one of the best social and leisure clubs on the island, eat out several times a week at the best restaurants, own the latest MP3 player and mobile phone, have your kids school fees paid and airline tickets home at least once a year, perhaps even in business class.

What's not to be happy about?

Well, your neighbour has just rolled up in an even more luxurious car than yours, that designer handbag has lost its appeal now you have used it a couple of times, the maid is just not folding the towels the way you like them, your steak was decidedly overdone when you ate out last night and why are you only flying business class when first class is so much better?

Have you become so jaded, blasŽ and spoilt that you just cannot appreciate anything anymore?

Trust me, it can happen to the best of us. Just try reminding yourself what awaits you at home: the dole queue, having to buy marigolds again, public transport, the local comprehensive school, supermarket 'dine in for a tenner' meals becoming the highlight of your week, the local municipal baths and those freezing cold, damp, dark mornings, afternoons and evenings.

Oh, and did I forget to mention waiting nearly a fortnight to see the national health doc because of course, out here, you have private medical insurance too.

Most humans need to experience a feeling of achievement, to feel that they have worked hard and deserve the lifestyle they have and to be able to see the even more wonderful possibilities in store for them if they work even harder.

I am the first to admit that life here in Bahrain is wonderful, but not for everyone.

Look around you at those less fortunate expats who come from the east. For many of them, just being able to dream of having an ice cream seems impossible.

Many of them are worked like donkeys with accommodation and living conditions akin to that.

They send most of their meagre salaries home to families that live in abject poverty but that is only if they are lucky enough to actually get paid.

When was the last time you stopped to offer a bottle of cold water to a labourer working in the heat of the sun?

When was the last time you donated to a charity?

When was the last time you smiled and said thank you to that overworked, underpaid waiter with the sad smile who serves you with such dedication? When was the last time you took a good long look around you and counted your blessings and thanked your God?

Just in case you have become so jaded none of this helps you realise how happy you are, then here are a few things to try to help trigger your happy face into action once again.

* Exercise: It helps release feel good endorphins and is now being prescribed by doctors to help depression

* Drink water: At least two litres a day as dehydration can drastically affect your mood, even at one per cent dehydrated

* Eat better: Focus more on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and good quality proteins. Bin the junk food and fizzy drinks just for a week and you will see your mood change

* Smile: Research has revealed that smiling is contagious ... try it. It also helps you feel better

* Belly laugh: A real good belly laugh can also release those feel good hormones. Get that comedy DVD out

* Friends and family: Being around those you love and who love you can be a powerful mood elevator.

* Charity: Do something selfless for others. It can be something simple like giving your maid the day off, with pay!

* Housework: Tidying and sorting through cupboards and drawers can help you put your life in order * Inhale: Try inhaling some geranium, bergamot, grapefruit or lavender essential oil as they can release happy hormones.