Pretty much everyone feels happier when the sun shines; our world seems to open up and feel free. We start to feel really happy and carefree.

Here’s how you can make that feel good factor last, even when the clouds come.

Be more self confident
“This is what confident people do” says life coach Katie Gibbs of My Mind Matters, a specialist in helping people experience the world in a more positive way by changing their thinking.

“They accept that all sorts of outcomes and consequences can come from any particular situation. And they’re certain that they can cope, irrespective of what happens.”

Quieten the brain drain
Our internal chatter often says negative things to us, putting us down and making us feel unworthy. How wonderful it is to quieten those energy-sapping voices and give the real us space to breathe.

Different ways work for different people, and Katie suggests these:

1. Place the tip of your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth just behind your front teeth. Internal dialogue is accompanied by tiny micro-muscle movements of the tongue and larynx. When these movements are restricted the internal voice tends to reduce.

2. With a gentle, patient attitude mentally say to yourself: “Shhhh…... Shhhh”, as you would soothing a baby. Allow yourself to smile on the inside and really feel a sense of patience with the voice.

3. Mentally find your inner volume control - it usually appears in your mind as a dial or a slider, says Katie. If you can’t find one, just imagine one. Now turn the volume control up and hear the talking get louder. Turn it down and hear it get quieter. Then turn it all the way off.Let go of control
When you relinquish control over situations a tremendous burden is lifted and you start to feel a certain peace, as if you’re flowing with life rather than somehow always fighting against it.

According to Katie, you can start to let go of control by:

1. Approaching situations through the eyes of a child. Every situation is a new beginning; anything can happen. Start to get curious about what might happen rather than worried. Start to get excited about the opportunities.
2. Focus on other people rather than yourself. Have a genuine interest and inquisitive mind with others. Ask questions - people love talking about themselves.
3. Enter every new experience with the intention of enjoying yourself or learning something about yourself.

Free your mind
Give your mind a regular detox. Dump anything in your head that really upsets you, irritates or saddens you on to paper. “Get honest with yourself and let your mind pour out everything” says Katie.

“No matter if doesn’t feel right or unrealistic, now rewrite the opposite thoughts and feelings on a clean fresh piece of paper. Then tear up or burn the negative sheet and destroy all that negative energy.”

Afterwards, you’re likely to feel relieved, lighter and even happy. Like you’ve let go of something that was holding you back. Try it and see.

Give yourself credit
Sometimes we all feel like we have a mountain to climb – there’s so much to do, so much to achieve. The moment you take any action - no matter how small - towards climbing that mountain, pat yourself on the back – literally, if you like.

Don’t wait until the entire to-do list is complete before allowing yourself some degree of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.

The key to any positive, healthy change in your life is awareness. The minute you start looking for and noticing the bad habits – like constantly judging yourself or pushing yourself to do better without congratulating yourself – is the minute you can start doing something about them. To take steps towards the life you truly want.

So, if you don’t feel wonderful often enough, ask yourself why? And listen out for the answers. Each one is a potential stepping stone to happiness.