I attended this library program in person, and it was great! It was chock full of information about mental health and the benefits of being happy. We even did a few minutes of laughter yoga together! Did you know that the brain can’t tell the difference between real and forced laughter? So the “laughing” we did during yoga actually helped improve our moods!
The Benefits of Laughter
- Reduces stress
- Boosts immune system
- Improves mood
- Promotes relaxation
- Enhances social connections
The presenter spoke about positivity and happiness and the ancient people who studied it – Buddha, Confucius, Socrates and Aristotle. She then mentioned Abraham Maslow who took a look at happiness and fulfillment through positive psychology in 1954.
Martin Seligman is a modern psychologist who says to “stop trying to undo the negative, and just focus on the positive,” and came up with the 5 foundations of wellbeing: positive emotions, engagement, meaning, positive relationships and accomplishments.
The presenter said that 40% of your happiness comes from your own efforts! Positive emotions improve heart health, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and boosts immune the system.
Little Steps to Bigger Joy
- Connect With Nature
- Sit outside
- Take a walk
- Get houseplants
- Establish Complaint-Free Zones
- With certain people
- At certain meals
- Reflect on Joyful Memories
- Focus on the moments that bring us joy – who was there, what did you learn etc.
- Do soemthing nice for no reason – helps them and helps us, too!
- Maintain Positive Relationships
- People with strong, meaningful relationships are happier & healthier
- Explore Your Spiritual Side
- Reduces stress etc.
- Choose Joy
- Put your mind to it!
- Learn Something New
- Learn a new skill, or go to programs at the library!
- Listen to Beautiful Music
- Great for the nervous system
- Exercise
- Treats symptoms of so many health issues and it’s a mood booster
- Practice Gratitude
- Count your blessings!
- Make Art
- 30 minutes two times a week gives your cognitive benefits, mood boost
- Examples: reading or adult coloring
- Feed Your Mood
- Eat what increases joy – chicken, tuna, oatmeal, fruit, nuts, yogurt, salmon, tryptophan.
Resources
- Visitfinland.com – Finland is the happiest place on Earth!
- Actionforhappiness.org
- Psychology & the Good Life – online course to take through Yale
Reflection:
I loved this program and I loved that we got to take home the two-week gratitude journal. I’ve been doing it, and I think it’s wonderful! I think I’ll continue in a journal after the two weeks are up.
Michelle’s Bookish Life 