I have always been one for positive thinking and optimism in creating a happy life. Luck, hard work and good timing has worked in getting me to the places I have wanted to go but I also have followed the steps below which all have contributed in making my life a very happy one. I hope these points might help you too.

How to live a happier life Lei Lady Lei Blog

1. Write things down

Journalling has helped me so much over the years. Whenever I'm going over and over a situation in my head, rather than venting to the closest person, I write it down. It magically takes all of the bottled up emotions out and onto the page. Try it, it really works to release tension. Read more about why journalling is so good here.

2. Exercise is power for the body and mind

Find a type of exercise you enjoy and give it your all. Even just 30 minutes each day will make you feel 100 times better.

Since having my baby 10 months ago I haven’t had the energy to find a fitness routine but I know I need one. It’s difficult during lockdown as well as gyms and studios are closed but through online classes and apps there are lots of ways to stay fit.

I’ve taken a few online adult ballet classes run by The Australian Ballet studios in the last few months which have been great. I danced when I was younger so getting back into it is an absolute joy. I may not be as flexible or strong as I was dancing 12 hours weeks in my teenage years, but the feeling of dancing again is wonderful and a great work out. They also have online beginner classes if you don't have a ballet background but wish to pick it up.

If pilates is more your thing Love Athletica (pictured here) is offering virtual classes too. Pilates works well alongside ballet to strengthen and lengthen the body. Yoga is another love of mine (Humming Puppy are my favourite yoga studio). Yoga does wonders for calming a racing mind and ease tension in the body and you can easily practise in the comfort of your home.

3. Make time for yourself

I'm an extrovert so I need interaction to fuel my energy, however I need my own space to regenerate from time to time. I use me-time to plan out my wedding and photography work, social content, blog, regroup on my goals or to simply read to take my mind off things altogether.

4. Say 'no' to things you don't want to do

Following on from the point above, don't say yes to everything just because it will please your friends. Life has become simpler since COVID-19. Our social lives, while virtually still busy, I feel it’s definitely slowed down in a positive way. We instead have to look inwards rather than outwards in seeking what we need.

5. Be in control of your finances

Money is one thing in life that can cause insurmountable amounts of stress. Only in recent years have I felt like I am more in control of my spending. Now I can safely say I'm spending wisely throughout the month, saying no to things I would have loved to do (prior to lockdown), all so I can save for more important events or purchases. In the important bucket are savings to invest in branding for my photography business and a family trip to Noosa (when we are finally able to go). Read about my financial resolution here.

6. Be optimistic

I know it's easy for me to say when I am optimistic by nature but life really is better when you look on the bright side. When you find yourself complaining or being negative, stop yourself. Elizabeth Gilbert in her podcast Magic Lessons, says "Listening to someone complaining is never interesting" and I couldn't think of anything more true. When I complain I know it's boring, so imagine what my audience must think!

Another point I live by is believing in yourself. Think of where you want to go, what you want to achieve, put in the hard work and you will get there. A lot of airy-fairy people, blogs and books speak about the universe but I believe in it and how powerful it can be. It all comes back to believing in yourself and a goal and it will work out in one way or another.

And the last thing I will leave you on is don't rely on anyone else to make you happy, only you can do that.

Lei xx