HAPPINESS 101: START THINKING POSITIVELY

If happiness could be taught, would you sign up for a class? Happiness isn’t a matter of sheer luck. You can cultivate happiness. In fact, a branch of psychology addresses just that: positive psychology.

According to PsychologyToday.com, positive psychology is the “study of happiness.” Where traditional psychology focuses on mental illness, psychological problems, and other forms of dysfunction, positive psychology takes an opposite approach and focuses on helping people become happier and more fulfilled. It’s important to note that positive psychology is based on science and is not some sort of motivational hocus-pocus based on positive thinking or laws of the universe.

Ordinary people can use positive psychology concepts to better their outlook on life, improve their happiness, and feel more fulfilled. But where do you start?

• Check out free resources: Start by checking with your employer’s employee and family assistance program (if available) to see if it offers some sort of health and wellness counseling, resources, or workshops. You may find that a wealth of free resources focused on improving your happiness and well-being are just a phone call or click away.

• Express gratitude: Your coworkers, family members, and friends are likely as stressed as you are, and a little goodwill can go a long way toward improving attitudes and morale (including your own). According to an article published in 2000 in the Journal of Social & Clinical Psychology titled “Gratitude as a human strength: Appraising the evidence,” people who regularly express gratitude are healthier, more optimistic, make better progress on their goals, and help other people more.

• Challenge yourself: Using and developing your strengths is rewarding and can help you become more engaged in your work or community. Not only are you likely to impress others as a result, you will likely be more content.

• Be optimistic: According to an article on the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s website titled “Optimism and Its Impact on Mental and Physical Well-Being,” a large body of research reveals that optimism can protect people from mental and physical illness, as well as help them to cope with everyday work and social interactions.

• Take in a movie after work: Movies can bring perspective and may even be able to help you change how you think and feel. Movies can help you take a break from your troubles, make you laugh aloud, and maybe even make you cry which can be quite therapeutic. They can give you hope, help you discover more about yourself and your strengths, help you articulate concerns, and much more. When approached mindfully and under the guidance of a professional, “cinema therapy” allows you to step back and observe others in similar life situations.

While it is not easy to Don’t Worry, Be Happy, it is possible to cultivate happiness using positive psychology techniques.