In the past month I have committed myself to a new daily practice, one that is simple, short and sweet.

It is an amalgamation of various practices I have learned or read about over the years.

I do this last thing at night, reflecting upon the day and all the blessings that I have received (whether I felt the day went well, or not).

The human brain is wired, unfortunately, to focus more on the negatives than the positives. I'm sure this was fantastically helpful for our ancestors who wanted to avoid any number of dangers in their world. But for the majority of the Western world, this wiring contributes to fear and depression - it doesn't help us live full and joyful lives.

Enter the wisdom of Positive Psychology, which proffers that grateful people are happy people, and focusing on your strengths increases your feelings of happiness, optimism and resilience.

Since I have been carrying out this little practice to remember great moments in the day I have been able to think more positively.

It makes me smile, and I go to sleep with positive emotions. Smiling itself helps promote happiness and optimism in the brain.

I wake up with a better attitude, aware of my good fortune in this lifetime.

I am literally laying down new pathways in my brain, making it easier and easier to look for positives in my life, to feel grateful and feel happier.

It is a virtuous circle, and it simply starts with a 5 minute practice.

Here is my evening ritual:

1. I pray with God.*

2. I choose 3 things I did well today.**

3. I choose 6 things that I am grateful for today.***

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* It's important for me to connect with Source, so this is a great opportunity to tune in. You can skip this part, or connect in a different way, depending on your beliefs.

** We are not really conditioned to acknowledge when we do something well, so this can be a real struggle sometimes. See yourself with compassion, and an inner knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes things that might seem easy to other people, are a real show of courage and determination on your part. Use this opportunity to celebrate all of your successes, no matter the size. They can be acts of service or kindness, goals you meet or milestones along the way. And also aim to include personal acts of strength and kindness towards yourself.

*** Think outside the box with the things you are grateful for, and try and vary them every day. They can be material things, like a warm bed, good food or a roof over your head. Or they could be new connections, the kindness of others, something you see in nature etc. Be as specific as you can when you think about them, and really aim to feel the positive emotion of happiness, joy, peace, contentment or gratitude as you reflect on moments from your day. Smile!

Work with Bryony to discover your gifts, strengths and positivity - email bryony@creativesoultherapies.com

Find out more about Positive Psychology at www.authentichappiness.com

Find out more about optimism and pessimism at www.rainybrainsunnybrain.com