According to positive psychology author Miriam Akhtar, there are eight empirically validated happiness habits that can be successfully taught in community programs. If these positive habits were taught widely, instead of focusing primarily on fixing problems, the world would change.
Positive Experiences. This is about deepening the enjoyment of life’s good stuff so that you squeeze all the juice out of a positive experience.
Practice Gratitude. Appreciating what’s good in life and what’s going well so that you overcome the mind’s negativity bias which makes us notice what’s wrong before we notice what’s right.
Use your Strengths. Identifying and playing to your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses – a great way to build well-being and reduce symptoms of depression.
Live Life with Meaning & Purpose. Cultivating the deeper form of happiness that give you a sense of fulfilment.
Nurture Relationships. Our connections to others are the primary source of happiness which is precisely why they need tender loving care.
Learn Optimism. Optimism is psychological self-defence, thinking strategies that can protect you from the pessimistic thinking that drags your mood down.
Build your Resilience. The good news is that resilience is ‘ordinary magic’ there are many everyday things that help you bounce back from difficulty.
Positive Directions. Working towards a goal gives you a sense of progress and achievement.
Akhtar, M. (2012). Positive Psychology for Overcoming Depression: Self-Help Strategies for Happiness, Inner Strength and Well-Being. London: Watkins. Review by Laura L. C. Johnson.
Kevin Kervick is a possibilities coach from Nashua, New Hampshire
Practice Gratitude. Appreciating what’s good in life and what’s going well so that you overcome the mind’s negativity bias which makes us notice what’s wrong before we notice what’s right.
Use your Strengths. Identifying and playing to your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses – a great way to build well-being and reduce symptoms of depression.
Live Life with Meaning & Purpose. Cultivating the deeper form of happiness that give you a sense of fulfilment.
Nurture Relationships. Our connections to others are the primary source of happiness which is precisely why they need tender loving care.
Learn Optimism. Optimism is psychological self-defence, thinking strategies that can protect you from the pessimistic thinking that drags your mood down.
Build your Resilience. The good news is that resilience is ‘ordinary magic’ there are many everyday things that help you bounce back from difficulty.
Positive Directions. Working towards a goal gives you a sense of progress and achievement.
Akhtar, M. (2012). Positive Psychology for Overcoming Depression: Self-Help Strategies for Happiness, Inner Strength and Well-Being. London: Watkins. Review by Laura L. C. Johnson.
Kevin Kervick is a possibilities coach from Nashua, New Hampshire
