When’s the last time you took a stock check of your basic human needs? Here are six basic needs we have to meet to feel happy and alive, courtesy of TinyBuddha.com:

The need for attention
We need quality attention from the people in our lives. More and more people in the world live alone. Unless your needs are being met elsewhere, a lack of attention can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of loneliness, and a lack of connection. Join a meet up group, do an evening course, join a fitness group—anything that gets you out there and talking to like-minded people.

Mind-body connection
The way we look after ourselves physically directly impacts our psychological well-being. Feed your body good food and you’ll feel good. (That doesn’t mean pizza and wine!) Get out in the fresh air and get moving to get your serotonin and endorphin levels pumping, making you feel more alive.

Purpose and goals
Having a purpose or goal adds meaning to your life. Sign up for a 5K charity run, take up a night class, or volunteer for a local charity. Use your time to do the things you enjoy.

Connection to something greater than ourselves
A sense of connection to like-minded people or others who share your perceptions and work for a common goal is important. I chose to run one of my marathons for a homeless charity, for example. It may be being part of a group raising awareness about a shared cause, or working for an organization that shares your values.

Creativity and stimulation
Boredom and a lack of achievement can leave you feeling unsatisfied and depressed. Spending time reading about a subject that interests you, learning a new skill or craft, or doing anything that stimulates the creative part of your brain will see you feeling happier and more stimulated.

Sense of security and safety
Without a sense of security and safety you can feel anxious. You don’t have to own your home to feel secure. Security can come from having a supportive partner and family or even changing your beliefs about what security and safety mean to you.