Having a busy life and running from one thing to another with a jam-packed schedule, can be exhausting. And millennials are, according to The Harvard Business Review, complete workaholics. Being serious about your career is great but when it compromises your peace of mind, you know it’s time to slow down. With the UAE’s Happiness Festival going on at the moment, we’re totally inspired to bringing joy to our everyday. Happiness is not a person, destination or thing; it’s a state of mind and all you have to do is the following:

1. Be Present

All you have is now. Don’t worry about the future and don’t look back. Live in the moment and savour every minute. Take life one hour at a time and always find a reason to smile. One of the best ways of being present and staying grounded is Yoga; go to a class whenever you can!

Cosmo reccomends: The Candlelight Flow at Zoga Yoga Cafe, +971 4276 7657, www.zoga.ae

2. Be Curious

Always explore and be curious about everything around you; take the road less travelled fearlessly and be ready for an adventure! If you don’t want to venture too far out, head up to Oman’s Jabal Al Akhdar to take in stunning views, hike, star gaze and explore local villages. You can even choose to camp there; the late Princess Diana did exactly that in the 90s. We also highly recommend staying overnight at the five-star Alila Jabal Akhdar. You’re totally worth the splurge!   

Alila Jabal Akhdar, +968 2534 4200, www.alilahotels.com

3. Be You

In the words of Dr Seuss, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” So be you, take risks, love hard, don’t go to yoga, dance, have that extra cupcake, get that rose brown hair,  no one is quite like you and that is your power. 

4. Be Childlike

Children always find time for play, so consider life a game and try to make it as fun as possible. Set aside at least an hour for you everyday and do something you truly enjoy. It could be anything — swimming, getting on a swing, running Phoebe-style, watching a Disney flick, gorging on chocolate chip cookies or re-reading Harry Potter for the zillionth time. We’re currently loving Dubai’s first indoor urban maze, Jumble. Take a few friends and get lost, have fun and just play… you’ll come out feeling (and hopefully looking) a few years younger.

Jumble, 800 586253, www.jumble.ae

5. Be-You-Tiful

Self-care is important because it is a reflection of self-love. Loving yourself is the key to happiness after all. Pamper yourself plenty, go to the spa often, stretch, moisturise, eat your fruits and vegtables, sweat it out, show yourself how much you matter constantly. 

Cosmo loves: The ‘healing experience’ treatment at The Spa, Address Dubai Marina, +971 4436 7424, www.addresshotels.com

6. Be Grateful

Having an attitude of gratitude, is all it takes to be truly happy. Studies show that being thankful makes you more positive, improves your wellbeing and helps you build stronger relationships! Start by just writing five things you are grateful for every morning when you wake up. Be as specific as possible. The glass is always half full. The Happiness Festival in the UAE has a series of talks and activities that will give you just the re-set you need. 

Cosmo reccomends: Going to The Happiness Festival, www.happinessjourney.ae