Is 'Happiness' A Skill You Can Learn?

BBC Culture Correspondent, David Sillito, tried mindfulness meditation and talks about his experience & an interview with Dr Danny Penman, author of "Mindfulness - A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World". Find out if mind over matter really can help improve pain and depression.

BBC Health suggests practical steps to make yourself happier for the long-term.

In January 2011, Action for Happiness partnered with BBC Breakfast to run a week-long Happiness Challenge. The aim was to get members of the public trying out simple actions to improve their happiness, based on the latest scientific research. To take part in the challenge, download the Happiness Challenge workbook on this page and everything will be explained. It wont take much time, there are just three parts to the challenge: 1. 10 minutes of daily mindfulness meditation 2. Writing down good things that happen to you and a letter expressing your gratitude 3. Doing one or more additional acts of kindness each day

Social relationships and the people around you are one of the most important happiness factors. Share your views about ways to improve mental well-being with our wide social network by posting on our Facebook wall or tweeting with the hashtag #bbchappy

If you would like to try a mindfulness exercise, a good place to start is with the breath.

Former Buddhist monk Andy Puddicombe guides you through a mindfulness exercise that he says will help you worry less, enjoy daily life more and get on better with the people around you.