text: Even in a world of flash cars and designer clothes, many will be familiar with the saying: 'Money doesn't buy happiness.' It turns out, there are things that you can do to make you feel slightly happier everyday. The best part? According to author of Happier People Healthier Planet, Dr Teresa Belton, they're all completely free. Dr Teresa Belton insists that there are many simple things - such as inviting a lonely person out to tea - that we can do on a daily basis to increase happiness, and they are all free . Researcher and education expert at the University of East Anglia, Dr Teresa Belton, believes that people living modestly tend to find more satisfaction in their lives. Simple activities such as inviting someone out for a cup of tea, singing in a community choir and practicing good posture can all improve general wellbeing. This is because they are all activities that generate a sense of belonging, and help the person adopt confident habits. Author Belton has insisted that practices as small as going on walks can be calming and restorative . The 62-year-old believes simple acts such as straightening posture (left) and joining a community choir (right) can increase happiness levels over time . Firstly the doctor emphasises that it is important to prioritise 'wellbeing' over happiness. Belton says: 'Wellbeing is a continuing state, while happiness can come and go. Wellbeing means that we both feel good and function well.' Her book, Happier People Healthier Planet, supports the belief that while many strive for material things that may generate temporary happiness, it is not sustainable way to be. Belton insists that it's actually non-material things that support our wellbeing, like good relationships and a sense of belonging. List five things for which you are grateful: Whether they are big or small things, Belton recommends doing this for ten weeks can have a big impact on wellbeing . Among her simply everyday tips to feeling happier right away - see below - she highlights seemingly trivial activities such as standing up straight and smiling, and even hanging washing up outdoors. The doctor and author also highlights that there are ways you can invest in happiness and wellbeing for the long run. Practices include regularly making lists of things for which you are grateful. In fact, studies have shown that doing this for a period of ten weeks can have a real lasting affect on wellbeing. Other practices include mindful meditation and taking up voluntary work. Declutter:  Give stuff away, donate possessions to charity or pass them on to someone who could use them. This can relieve stress and create a sense of lightness and unburdening. A less cluttered bedroom can also bring the added bonus of better sleep. Hang washing up outdoors: Getting some fresh air and creating an orderly line of washing will give you a relaxing break and a reason to get outside in the garden. Invite a lonely person to tea: Or offer to help your neighbour with their garden, leaking pipe, shopping, etc. Feeling needed and having a sense of belonging to a community are important factors for a sense of wellbeing. Go for a walk: Time spent in green surroundings has shown time and time again to be calming and restorative. Even a green view is beneficial, so try and buy some indoor plants too: geraniums for a window sill, ivy for a dark corner, and herbs for the kitchen. Stand up straight, and smile: The way we hold ourselves and our facial expression affects the way we feel. Adopt a confident posture and you will feel more confident; look calmly on the world and it will seem a friendlier place. Visit an empty beach or hilltop: Being a tiny part of an immense landscape can reassuringly put worries into perspective. Get moving: Physical activity gets us out of our heads and generates endorphins, the hormone which makes us feel good; dig the garden, cycle, walk, dance, make pastry, or even mow the lawn. Appreciate the little things: From a spider spinning a web, to a bird singing: these are just a few of the endless everyday details which we often overlook or take for granted, yet which can delight us if we let them. List five things for which you are grateful: Whether they are big or small. Research has shown that doing this every week for ten weeks can result in lasting increases in wellbeing, as it gets us into the habit of seeing our life through a positive lens. Join a community choir: Singing regularly with other people is rewarding not only because of the pleasure derived from the music itself, but also because it is sociable and it demands effort, commitment and attention. Take up regular voluntary work: Social connectedness, as well as freely giving your time, attention and energy, and making a positive difference  all contributes to our own satisfaction with life. Get stuck in: Active engagement is a big aspect of personal wellbeing. If you really enjoy your chosen activity, you will lose yourself in it and experience a wonderful sense of 'flow'. Think about your place in the scheme of things: Having a sense of meaning or purpose in life, whether it is religious, political, social, artistic or any other framework, is known to be important for wellbeing. Take up mindfulness meditation: Regular practice of mindfulness meditation decreases anxiety and increases calmness, working memory and flexibility of thought. Take charge: Start a petition, write to your MP or local councillor, or join a campaign about an issue that concerns you. We are happier if we are proactive and feel like we have a say in things. Value relationships over material objects: Levels of wellbeing have not risen in the UK since the 1970's despite an increase in affluence. It's relationships and social networks that contribute towards enduring happiness.
target: Teresa Belton, 62, is author of Happier People Healthier Planet .
  Based in Norwich, she believes that people living modestly are happier .
  Simple acts create sense of belonging and put things into perspective .