Finding your purpose in life

Research has found that individuals with a sense of purpose along with a sense of control, and a feeling like what you do is worthwhile - tend to live longer. There is also research that links feeling as if you have a sense of purpose to positive health outcomes.

Finding purpose and meaning in your life are not things that can be determined quickly. The process requires self-reflection, listening to others and finding where your passions lie.

• Donate time, money or talent - if there is a habit you can create to help you find your purpose, it would be to help others

• Listen to feedback - it can be hard to recognise things you feel passionate about but other people might be able to give you some insight

• Surround yourself with positive people - what do you have in common with the people around you? Think about the people you choose to spend time with outside of work and family

• Start conversations with new people

• Explore your interests - the things you like to talk about and the things you enjoy sharing on social media may reveal the things that give you purpose in life

• Consider injustices that bother you - is there anything that makes you so unhappy to think about that it bothers you?

• Discover what you love to do - simply thinking about what you truly love to do can help you find your purpose