I read a recent Huffington Post article called “The Habits of Supremely Happy People” by Kate Bratskeir, which pulls together some of the most current and exciting news in the world of positive psychology research. Martin Seligman founded the field of positive psychology, which is the branch of psychology devoted to furthering the study of healthy states, positive emotion, and positive character traits. An amazingly new branch of study (Martin Seligman founded the field of positive psychology in 2000!), positive psychology stands in stark contrast to traditional clinical psychology which focuses more on the repair of negative, unhappy states. Seligman has been an important figure for psychology as a whole and has been a leader in exploring the lighter, brighter aspects of what it means to be human. In this way, he has probably helped de-stigmatize psychology for many people who previously believed that psychologists are for the sick, the weak, and the damaged.
In a 2004 TED talk, Seligman said, “Ten years ago, when I was on an airplane and I introduced myself to my seatmate, and told them [I was a psychologist], they’d move away from me…. And now when I tell people what I do, they move toward me.” So for those of us therapists who strive to take a strengths-based approach in working with clients, we have Martin Seligman largely to thank for people viewing us with less skepticism than earlier generations may have once had towards therapists.
The Huffington Post article suggests the following habits/tendencies of happy people, that you can keep in mind and strive to integrate into your life, based on the latest research in positive psychology:
• Happy people surround themselves with other happy people. Joy is contagious.
• They smile. Even if you’re in a bad mood, purposely thinking a happy thought and then smiling about it can increase your happiness levels and make you more productive.
• They cultivate resilience. Happy people know how to bounce back from failure.
• They try to be happy. Just trying to be happy can boost your emotional well-being. You can actually think yourself happy.
• They are mindful of the good. Happy people give attention to even their small victories.
• They appreciate simple pleasures. Happy people take the time to appreciate the little things in life.
• They devote some of their time to giving. Positive people give some of their time doing good for others. Volunteer work is great for both mental and physical health.
• They let themselves lose track of time. Happy people seek the sensation of getting “caught up” or “carried away.”
• They nix the small talk for deeper conversation. “I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings” is one of the top 5 regrets of people who are dying.
• They spend money on other people. Research suggests that spending money on other people has a more direct impact on happiness than spending money on oneself.
• They make a point to listen. Truly listening to others demonstrates security with oneself and respect for others. Good listening is a skill that strengthens relationships and leads to more satisfying experiences.
• They uphold in-person connections. Particularly in today’s world, there is a deep need to have a sense of belonging that comes with having personal, face-to-face interactions.
• They look on the bright side. Optimism is associated with lots of positive health benefits including less stress, better pain tolerance, and longevity among those with heart disease.
• They listen to music. Music is incredibly therapeutic.
• They unplug. Deliberately taking some time away from electronics gives the brain an important opportunity to recharge and recover.
• They get spiritual. Asking the “big questions” helps give our lives context and meaning.
• They make exercise a priority. Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as promoting healthy body image.
• They go outside. Fresh air promotes a sense of vitality. A study on weather and individual happiness found 57 degrees to be the optimal temperature for optimal happiness.
• They spend time on the pillow. Lack of sleep contributes to lack of clarity, bad moods, and poor judgment.
• They laugh. It’s true: Laughter IS the best medicine. Laughter releases happiness brain chemicals that both give us a buzz in the moment and make us better equipped to handle pain and stress
• They walk the walk. In one study, people who were instructed to take longer strides while swinging their arms and holding their heads high reported feeling happier than their counterparts who took short, shuffled steps while watching their feet.
For more information, and to take a closer look at some of the latest research on happiness, see the original article at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/16/happiness-habits-of-exuberant-human-beings_n_3909772.html
To learn more about Martin Seligman and positive psychology, visit http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu
Paige Fegan, Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist