I am a huge fan of Positive Psychology and the study of
happiness, something you'll will be hearing about more and more in the
news. The reason I want to share this with you is because there's some
really great information you can use in your life to positively impact
you and your family. The European Network for Positive Psychology
describes it as researching optional functioning, moving towards what is
right, rather than traditional pathology orientation of what is wrong
(Pointon, 2006). The emphasis of Positive Psychology is to move towards
happiness, affecting physical well-being, decreasing symptoms,
increasing coping skills and adding to a longer, quality filled life.
American
Psychologist, Martin Seligman, and his fellow researchers (Park et al.,
2005) emphasize three routes to happiness: pleasure (enjoyment),
engagement (active pursuit of hobbies, work, family), and meaning (using
strengths for larger good). Their research suggests that individuals
who purse a life of all three, with emphasis on engagement and meaning
are those that claim to be most happy.
It's interesting to note
that we have a bit more control over our happiness than we might
imagine. The research suggests that 50% of our happiness is biological,
that means 50% can be changed by our behaviors and thoughts.
Interestingly enough it's NOT the external things like money and a nice
car that make us happier. In fact research by Edward Diener, suggests
that wealth, education, age, marital status, and weather had little
influence on overall happiness. Those who reported increased levels of
happiness were those with social and relationship ties, including
religious community and personal relationships.
So what's the take
away? We have much more control over our happiness than we could ever
imagine and after getting our basic needs met, STUFF really doesn't make
us much happier.
Here are 4 things you can do to live a happier life:
1. Form Relationships:
Spend time with people you care about, connect with community
programs, volunteer, get involved with a religious community, visit with
others, plan family nights. It is so simple, yet many of the children
and adults I see feel isolated and alone. If you get involved with
others and are willing to be open and receptive to have a positive
relationship, you will feel happier!
2. Gratitude Visit:
Write a letter to someone you are thankful for expressing how they
have contributed positively to your life. Go and deliver this letter in
person. The research by Park et al., 2005 suggests you will feel happier
for a month upon doing this.
3. Three Good Things in Life:
Write down three things you are grateful for each day. I know it
sounds trite, but the research suggests that this intervention reduced
depressive symptoms and increased happiness for six months (Park et al.,
2005). How simple, yet how effective!
4. Using Signature Strengths in a New Way:
Signature Strengths are the things that you like doing and you are
good at doing. Seligman suggests there are 24 Character Strengths. You
can visit University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Center's
website to measure your signature Strengths. When you find out your
strengths, if you use them in a new and novel way you'll likely yield
long-term change in affect (you'll be happier) for up to six-months
(Park et al., 2005).
Now that's something to happy about!
More about Positive Psychology:
Park,
N., Peterson, C., Seligman, M. E., & Steen, T.A. (2005). Positive
psychology progress: Empirical validation of intervention. American
Psychologist, 60,
410-421.
Pointon, C. (2006). Positive Psychology. Therapy Today, 17, 4-7.
Wallis, C. (2005). The New Science of Happiness. Time Magazine.
Laura JJ Dessauer, MS, ATR-BC, LCAT, the founder of the
Creativity Queen, LLC, is a Board Certified Creative Arts Therapist and
Certified Parent and Teen Coach. Laura brings 20 years of experience
working with families, children and teens in over 18 school districts.
The Creativity Queen, LLC, Winner of SCORE Small Business of the Year,
offers individual art therapy sessions and creative problem solving
programs for both children and adults. Please visit the Creativity Queen
at http://www.thecreativityqueen.com for more information.
