And there it is. My interactive life. I've got a mobile, I have an iPod, my household owns a Wii, and about the last five Playstations. I spend all day at work on a computer, I come home and write this column on a laptop, and then I probably watch a DVD.

This is pretty similar pattern of life to many, or most, others. So it's unsurprising, given a recent formula for happiness, that those suffering from stress, anxiety and/or depression are becoming more and more.

According to psychologist, Dr Cliff Arnall, O + (N x S) + Cpm/T + He is the formula for the happiest day.

Of this, O stands for outdoors/outdoor activity, N for nature, S for social interaction, Cpm for childhood summers/positive memories, T for temperature and He for holidays/time off.

Apparently, the mix of sunshine, summer childhood memories and the idea of time off means we should all be chasing rainbows and pots of gold.

But, we're not though, are we?

If happiness is discovered to be found in the simplest things, then fair enough. Zap ice lollies, fresh bedding, day trips to llama farms, time off from work – it all seems pretty logical.

But, take this formula as verbatim for a minute. Take O, N, and S – getting outdoors and down with nature, for a bit of social interaction. We're all screwed, right?

Because the possibility of seeing any commuter without their laptop, a twentysomething not glued to their mobile, any 17-year-old devoid of headphones, or a kid without his PSP is a sight now captured only in the rainforests of Zimbabwe.

Little chance of happiness and interaction when nobody speaks on a train or bus, kids don't climb trees, they blow each others' digital brains out, and adults don't meet and mingle; they swap numbers on web pages and chat and send pictures over text. Romantic.

A seasonal disorders specialist has devised a formula which measures good mood using increased outdoor activity, high energy levels and more sunlight.

And it's hardly brain science, as we're all quite aware that we feel good after a day frolicking in our paddling pool or whatever – so why are we so reluctant to put down our gadgets?

Kathleen Hall, the chief executive of the Stress Institute, says: "Happiness is a physical state of the brain. When we are happy, our brain produces neurochemicals that result in us wanting to eat, have sex or maybe sing."

Indeed.

Britney Spears elated then, is she?