International Day of Happiness is on Friday 20 March. This day was founded by Jayme Illien, who works to advance the UN’s global goals and wellbeing and happiness of all life on earth. The idea behind the holiday may be a lot deeper than our Tweets about it, but it really is good to focus on increasing our happiness day-to-day.

At University, assignments and exam periods can be stressful, which can have an impact on our mental wellbeing, but ultimately, the most important thing is that you stay healthy and happy. So we’ve compiled a list of ten quick things you can do every day to ensure that you stay grateful, positive and happy about yourself and your future.

1) Use positive affirmations 

Hunt down some Tumblr-style quotes that resonate with you. Write down the achievements you’re proud of. Pop them on post-its and stick them on your fridge, on the inside of your diary or inside your revision notes, just to keep you going when that going might get tough. It’s an instant papery pick-me-up.

2) Follow social media accounts that inspire you 

Whether that’s an influencer that spreads a positive message you identify with, a positive quotes channel or even just a pal who always radiates positivity, screenshot their favourite posts, utilise the ‘save’ feature on Instagram to capture these messages and look back on them when you need some affirmations.

3) Journal away 

Keeping a diary is a great way to get your thoughts and feelings out – whether they be positive or not. It’s a sentimental way to look back on good times and smile, and is a chance to work through any negative emotions that can otherwise eat away at us.

4) Write down one thing you're grateful for every day

This could be at the start of the day - or just before you nod off to sleep at night, as a way to reflect and end the day on a peaceful note. Taking a minute to check in with yourself is a sure-fire way to help yourself feel at peace, positive and, ultimately, happy.

5) Reflect on how challenging experiences have informed you as a person 

It’s difficult to be preached at about being ‘happy’ and ‘positive’ when you may have experienced something challenging. Life can be difficult at times, but humans are resilient and all emotions are transitory. Reflecting on how past challenging periods have informed your personality and strength can bring a sense of positivity for your future.

6) Be present more 

Slowing down, drowning out the noise of a busy life and focusing on just the here and now can be a good way to strip back life and focus on what you’re grateful for. What do you see, hear and feel right now? Take a quiet stroll around the Harbourside, sit on a bench in College Green and watch the world go by… Being present allows you to feel the tangible peacefulness of your life right now.

7) Be kind to others 

Helping other people and ensuring those you love are well greatly improves your own wellbeing, because we care deeply about those around us. It’s also hugely important for your wellbeing to become less insular and think outwardly more.

8) Try to MOVE 

Getting active increases our body’s endorphins. Exercise is known to be a mood-booster, and a release of stress. If you join our MOVE programme, you can take sport at a stress-free pace, dropping into sessions when you really need them.

9) Give back 

Do what you can to increase the overall happiness of others and our beautiful planet. Join a life-changing society, support a cause that you’re passionate about, or help fundraise by joining our RAG Team. All of this helps increase your sense of purpose and in turn, your happiness.

10) Ensure you stick to a good work-life balance 

We know this one can be hard at University, with assignments and exams hitting hard. But even if it’s just pencilling in a fun event with friends for when that assignment is handed in, or breaking up exam revision with exciting evenings off, every little break will count. Burning out isn’t fun, but looking after your wellbeing is.

Your Students’ Union and UWE Bristol are here for you. If you’re struggling, please reach out. Visit our Advice Centre in Union 1, Frenchay – or contact them on advice@uwe.ac.uk.  You can also visit UWE Bristol's wellbeing page and see the range of support services.