"Wellbeing" is increasingly used as a synonym for "happiness", but the two aren't quite the same. Wellbeing covers physical and psychological health, the quality of relationships between yourself and others, your sense of purpose and meaning, and even your financial situation.

Research has identified several things that meaningfully impact your wellbeing — and the good news is they're all within reach. These include practising gratitude, adopting a solution-focused mindset, and strengthening your sense of belonging and purpose.

Gratitude is probably the single biggest thing you could learn to positively impact your wellbeing. It's been shown to improve mood, immunity and sleep. Being thankful changes our brain chemistry — and it's both addictive and infectious.

Focusing on solutions rather than problems is critical to maintaining our wellbeing. Challenges are part of life, but shifting gear to think creatively about how to resolve them is empowering. It also gives you a framework to move through the situation quickly and effectively.

Fundamental to your sense of wellbeing is your support system: family, friends and those you share a sense of purpose with. Belonging to a group makes us feel valued, welcome, accepted and secure. Finding people who share your values dramatically increases your sense of wellbeing.