With all life’s challenges, it can seem easier to focus on the negatives than the positives. But as Dr David Coleman explains, savouring the good, however small, can have a lasting effect Savouring our happy moments can help boost overall well-being. Photo: Getty Happiness can often feel fleeting.

Especially in the busyness of family life, where we move from activity to activity, drama to drama, tantrum to tantrum, chore to chore, it can be hard to find the good bits where you and your children are simultaneously happy. Indeed, when we carry background stresses, it can take the gloss off positive experiences. Perhaps you’ve had experience of planning a nice outing for your family and yet, when the day comes, you can’t fully relax and enjoy it.

Maybe you are anticipating an inevitable spat between your children, or you know that however enjoyable the day, the volume of household tasks or other work will still be waiting when you get home. Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.