Don't let the global gloom get you down. Follow our 32 simple and practical tips to ensure 2012 is a Happy New Year

Two young women at a party (Pic: Getty Images)

1 Create a happy tracker

TV psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos says: "Every time anything makes you happy, write it down somewhere you'll see it often. You'll be surprised how quickly the list grows and how many things you have to celebrate. Soon, looking at the list will be a celebration in itself."

2 Stop shopping

Elizabeth Villani, author of Love: A Guide to Advancing Your Soul, says: "Stop buying stuff to make you feel happy. As long as you need clothes to make you feel happy, your life will be full of highs and lows. For consistent cheerfulness, offer to others what would make you happy and enjoy the feeling."

3 Eat yourself happy

The top five mood-boosting foods, according to food psychologist Dr Christy Fergusson, are asparagus, bananas, sunflower seeds, pork and brown basmati rice.

4 Mix up your meals

Research by the Eat Yourself Happy campaign found that almost a quarter of us cook only five dishes throughout the whole of January.

Mirror columnist Nadia Sawalha says: "People cook the same old meals but making a few simple changes to our diet can make a big difference to our frame of mind."

5 Keep your keys in the same place

You've been meaning to do it for ages, so do it now. Get rid of those little irritants.

6 Smell your way to a smile

Certain aromas have the power to stir up strong emotions. A recent study of 4,000 people by Air Wick unearthed our top eight happy scents: 1. Baked bread. 2. Clean bedsheets. 3. Freshly-mown grass. 4. Fresh flowers. 5. Freshly-ground coffee. 6. Fresh air after rainfall. 7. Vanilla. 8. Chocolate.

7 Become a morning person

Brits are among the grumpiest in Europe when it comes to waking, but you can change your ways. Sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley says: "Try to have a regular time that you get out of bed, even at weekends. The body starts preparing itself to wake up one hour before you actually do, so the routine helps the body know when to start to prepare.

"And ditch the alarm clock. They often startle you out of sleep, which is not the best beginning to the day. Dawn simulator lights offer a solution, which allows you to wake up more naturally - and happily."

8 Spend one minute in silence

We are constantly bombarded with information, noise, talking and music. As little as one minute in silence, with your eyes closed, has a fantastically beneficial effect on mood.

9 Stop swearing

It's an instant, sure-fire way to feel much more sophisticated.

10 Send free flowers to someone special

The website www.funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk asks for a different reason to nominate someone to receive a bouquet. It's free and you can enter as many days as you like.

11 Dig out old diaries, videos and photos

A journey through your past will raise a smile.

12 Revamp your look

French beauty expert France Baudet (www.cannellebeaute.co.uk) says: "Why not be more adventurous with your personal waxing and try something more ooh la la?"

13 Stop being late

Vow to be punctual at work every day. Starting late makes you stressed and never impresses your boss or colleagues.

Be early and enjoy being on top of things.

14 Be kind to strangers

Offering your seat to a pregnant woman on the train, chatting to an elderly person at the shops or helping a mum get a pram down some steps will make your day - and theirs.

15 Ask yourself, what would Madonna do?

Edel O'Mahony, author and celebrity mentor, says: "Model yourself on someone great. This is a fun exercise, which shows that changing the way you think and act has a huge impact on how others see you. So have fun with your imagination."

16 Live in summer all year round

Furniture and interior accessories expert Hanna Francis Laikola says it is possible to make your home feel sunny 365 days a year. "Inside Scandinavian homes, no matter what season, it is always summer with white, woods and bold colours here and there."

17 Go wild

Plant wild flowers for a wonderful floral display that will attract all sorts of butterflies, bees and other wildlife. Visit www.meadowmat.com.

18 Fall in love winter

Winter offers some of the most breathtaking scenery, exciting sports and excuses comforting indulgence. The takes on a whole new personality come a frosty winter being in nature promotes well-being and positivity. Shake off winter blues and dig out maps, binoculars and wellies.

19 Drink sensibly

Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, says: Although alcohol may make feel more relaxed, it's important to remember that depressant and drinking excessive amounts can cause low mood, irritability or aggression.

"By not exceeding the recommended number of units, you will be better able to sustain mental and physical well-being."

20 Give your garden year-round colour

Why does garden woodwork have to be boring old green or brown? These gorgeous new colours from Cuprinol's Shades range will make any garden look jolly and much brighter.

21 Rent a laugh

Laughing releases all sorts of feel-good chemicals. Rent a DVD box set of your favourite TV shows and watch an episode every day.

22 Be active

Exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals, which help you to relax and be happy. Cycling or walking can help reduce anxiety, decrease depression and improve self-esteem.

23 Go visiting

Face-to-face communication has been shown to improve mental and physical well-being as the interaction produces another feel-good hormone, oxytocin.

Prioritise time with those who make you happy. The stronger our relationships, the happier we are.

Make a note of how much time you devote to social activities gradually build it up.

24 Warm your heart

Michael Neill, author of Feel Happy Now!, says: "Boost your mood by turning on your happy chemicals.

"You can switch on your body's natural endorphins by using easy visualisation techniques.

"Put your hand on your heart and think of someone you love until you get a warm feeling."

25 Make do and mend

The new year will see patchwork, knitting, darning and sewing come back in fashion and home decor soar. Why not save money and enjoy a sense of achievement?

26 Get free financial help

Turn2us.org.uk is a website with a benefits checker and a charitable grants search. The latest annual figures show around £16.8billion of welfare benefits go unclaimed, which could provide vital additional income for households. There are also around 3,000 charitable grants that may be able to give financial assistance for re-training or pay bills.

27 Have a professional bra fitting

Some 80% of women wear the wrong size bra. Having a well-fitting one gives your body, and mind, a welcome uplift.

28 Declutter your daily life

Professional declutterer Cassie Tillett swears by free to-do list app TeuxDeux (£1.99, itunes.apple.com). She says: "Tasks are put either on a specific day or on the 'someday' list. If you click to strike it through, it stays on so you can see what you've achieved. If you don't, it moves on to the next day."

29 Become happily decisive

The Gyalwang Drukpa, one of the most influential Buddhist leaders, says: "Every day we make choices and decisions. If you are ever at a crossroads, ask 'what will bring me happiness, more than pleasure?'"

30 Don't compare

Daniel Freeman, professor of Clinical Psychology at Oxford University and author of You Can Be Happy, says: "If we are in the habit of comparing our lives to others, it's easy to conclude that we're somehow inadequate. It's much better to focus on good things."

31 Offload baggage

Match.com's Kate Taylor says: "If there's bad blood in the air from an old relationship, make peace with your ex. If you can't do it in person, then write a letter about your feelings and put it in a safe place.

"It will help you accept the situation and get anything left unsaid off your chest. You won't carry negative feelings into a new relationship."

32 Remember, everything will be OK

Recognise that all problems have a solution. If you hold firm belief that things will turn out the best, they probably will.