Psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall has devised a formula to pinpoint the day we are all most likely to feel the cheeriest.
The former NHS psychologist and Cardiff University lecturer said people should forget credit crunch worries because the secret of happiness lies with things which are free. Dr Arnall, 44, who runs the Feelconsultancy.com happiness clinics, said feel-good sensations are enjoying time with friends and loves ones, appreciating nature in the sunshine and looking forward to the weekend and a holiday.
His complicated mathematic formula is: O + (N x S) + Cpm/T + He.
Put simply, he gave values to each symbol and added being outdoors (O) to nature (N) multiplied by social interaction (S), added memories of childhood summers (Cpm) divided by the temperature (T), and added excitement about holidays (He).
British spirits, dampened by the credit crunch, have been boosted by the sunny start to summer, the longest days of the year with daylight until 10pm, the nearing of payday next Friday and optimism tennis star Andy Murray could win Wimbledon.
Dr Arnall, from Brecon in Powys, Wales, said: "People's minds are on the credit crunch – but that doesn't take away from the equation's primary factors, which are spending time with people you love and being outdoors in the warm weather.
"The most important things you can do to be happy are free. People may be less able to afford other leisure activities but it's free to walk in the park or paddle in a stream.
"It refreshes you and you forget your other worries.
"And the most important thing in our lives are our relationships – and no amount of money can buy that.
"I've spoken to miserable multimillionaires and people who have no money but are very happy because they have amazing friends.
"Any psychologist, life coach or happiness expert will tell you that relationships with people are what makes you happy.
"The bottom line in every class I've run is that this is how you feel happy.
"It's simple. If you heard on the radio that the world would end in 10 minutes, who would you call? Call them now and tell them what of think of them – and that will make both of you happy."
The Happiness Formula - O + (N x S) + Cpm/T + He
O = being outdoors and outdoor activity
N = nature
S = social interaction
Cpm = memories of childhood summers and other positive thoughts
T = temperature
He = excitement about holidays
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