DHAKA: Forget meditation and self-help books, the key to a happy life could be down to the sounds you hear.

Scientists in London have hacked a pair of sandals which they claim will allow people to 'hear themselves happy'.

The sandals link to headphones which change the sound of each footstep to gradually make a person feel lighter.

Dailymail.co.uk published the report on Friday.

It said that volunteers who wore the sandals said they felt slimmer, with longer legs and looser knees. They also reported feeling happier and more energized.

The shoes were created by Ana Tajadura-Jiminez at University College London's Hearing Body Project.

'It would give the same benefits as the sandals when walking or running, perhaps in the gym to feel lighter and more motivated,' Tajadura-Jiminez said in an interview with New Scientist.

'We are finding that sound is affecting not just the perception of our body shape but our physical capabilities. Understand these sounds and we could change our feelings in a positive way.'

The sandals exploit a phenomenon called 'predictive coding' in which the brain makes decisions based on past experience.

Tajadura-Jiminez explained that if the sensory feedback you get is not what you were expecting you update your predictions.

Technology such as this could help people with as body dysmorphia, where a mental illness makes them unable to see themselves correctly.

BDST: 1245 HRS, NOV 22, 2014