Recently in Happiness Category

Samuel Gladding is no Scrooge, but he is on a mission to redefine what it means to be "happy" during the holidays. As a licensed professional counselor with a specialty in family counseling and chair of the Department of Counseling at Wake Forest University, Gladding says research shows that it is the pressure to be happy that often leads to sadness and even depression during the holidays.

That's why he's challenging the traditional view of happy holidays by pointing out that the higher our expectations, the less likely we are to actually be happy. He shares five tips for more realistic holiday expectations, and a redefinition of what it means to have a happy holiday season.

* Don't idealize the holidays. We see the Norman Rockwell painting of all the people gathered round the table, and the turkeys just perfect and everyone's smiling. But in real life, that doesn't happen nearly as often as imperfection does. It's paradoxical that the more you try to live up to that kind of expectation, the more frustrated, disappointed and unhappy you are likely to be with yourself and others. Remember, people can't read your mind and know what you want. So don't put too much pressure on yourself to make everything just right.

* Accept people for who they are. Just as we idealize the holidays, we also have an ideal of how we think people should behave, from their table manners to the way they dress. But unless they're doing something totally unacceptable, it's better to enjoy people for who they are instead of who you want them to be.

* Tell stories: Talking about good times and good memories with others is inspiring and gives us a great feeling, whether the people we talk about are with us anymore or not. Certain memories may make us more melancholy, but more thankful as well.

* Take unilateral action: It's always hard to stop family feuds once they have started, but the holidays are a perfect time to call a truce. Just as nations take unilateral action during conflicts, sometimes we as individuals have to take unilateral action as well. We can tell ourselves that no matter what someone says, we're not going to react. We can also decide to have peace on earth or at least in our house -- or with these particular people -- for a few hours.

* Don't stew in your own juices: Your holiday meal is the only thing that should be stewing this holiday season. So if you find yourself at home and depressed, think of ways to help someone else. There's always a need for volunteers at homeless shelters this time of year or other opportunities to give back to the community. If your family is far away or you don't have much family, remember that family is who you decide to make family and reaching out to others is one of the keys to real happiness.

SOURCE Wake Forest University

Anthropedia introduces DVD program designed by scientists and educators to teach viewers to understand their personality, manage stress, and build psychological resilience.

The Anthropedia Foundation, a non-profit organization based in New York and St. Louis, has introduced Know Yourself, an innovative DVD series designed for people interested in learning how to develop happier and healthier lives. The series is a step-by-step guide to improving well-being, integrating methods from various fields. Each part focuses on straightforward concepts and simple exercises that foster calmness, well-being, and mind-body health. The first three parts of the Know Yourself series are now available on Anthropedia's website and have been donated to clinics and non-profit organizations. Know Yourself Part 1: Exploring Your Personality examines three ingredients for lasting satisfaction and fulfillment in life. The course provides viewers with the opportunity to use the online version of the TCI, an internationally renowned personality test. The resulting personality profile allows viewers to determine how their character and temperament both help and hinder their well-being. Part 2: Understanding Thought examines the three steps of thought. Understanding these steps and potential traps in thinking helps people adapt more easily to stressful events and challenges in everyday life. Part 3: Quieting the Mind introduces the "Silence of the Mind" meditation, a technique to calm the agitation of the mind and cope with mental tension and struggles. Parts 4 and 5 of the program are scheduled to be released this fall. Each part of Know Yourself follows a clear sequence, including an introduction, feature discussion, brief review, and description of recommended exercises. Interspersed throughout each portion of the program are clear visual aids that help viewers retain and integrate information and important concepts. Natural imagery and an original soundtrack have been carefully arranged to promote learning and relaxation, an approach that makes the Know Yourself series a powerful and innovative tool for increasing health and happiness. The series builds on research in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and neuroscience, specifically on the research and clinical work of Dr. C. Robert Cloninger, Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Genetics, and Director of the Center for Well-Being at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Dr. Cloninger explains that the series can be used by individuals at home and in a clinical setting, "The Know Yourself series is useful for a wide range of people and situations. Regardless of a person's level of mental and physical health, it provides helpful and enjoyable practices for living well. It uses established methods that are beneficial for personal development and as an adjunct in therapy for people with different mental and physical disorders."

SOURCE Anthropedia Foundation

In a study published today in The Journals of Gerontology (Medical Sciences), researchers found that a brain fitness program measured initially for its impact on cognitive abilities in older adults also had a significant beneficial impact on symptoms of depression.

The findings are part of an ongoing study of older Americans funded by the National Institutes of Health and known as the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study. With 2,832 participants, the ACTIVE study is the largest community-based multi-site randomized controlled trial ever conducted that focuses on maintaining or improving cognitive abilities of older people.

The ACTIVE study randomly assigned participants to four groups: one group did computerized brain exercises, a second group took classes in memory strategies, a third group took classes in reasoning and a fourth group served as a control that engaged in no special activity. Groups that did an activity engaged in the activity for a total of 10 hours. Participants completed those activities by October 1999, and their outcomes have continued to be tracked and published in follow-up reports.

While earlier reporting on the study was on primary measures of cognition and secondary measures of quality of life, this new report on 2,036 participants is the first to focus on secondary measures of how cognitive training affects mood.

Researchers found that participants in the study who engaged in the computerized brain exercises, which were designed to improve visual speed, accuracy and expanse of processing, had significantly better outcomes in key measures related to mood in one-year and five-year follow-ups. Participants in the other three groups did not have similar beneficial outcomes on this measure.

The study used a standard measure of depression known as the CES-D-12, a 12-item scale for depressive symptoms from the Center for Epidemiological Studies. Researchers found that only study participants who used the computer-based brain exercises received some protection against worsening depressive symptoms as compared against the control group. In fact, those who used the computer-based exercises were 30% less at risk than the other groups.

Researchers hypothesized two possible reasons why the brain exercise group was less susceptible to worsening depressive symptoms. First, they observed that the group had experienced an increase in brain processing speed and other quality of life measures that may have made their day to day experiences more positive. Second, they observed that the attentional demands and rewards and the procedural learning requirements of the computer program may have stimulated the chemical system or other parts of the brain that affect mood.

"Earlier findings have shown that these particular brain exercises improve speed of processing, health related quality of life and ability to engage in activities required for independent living," said Fred Wolinsky, PhD of the University of Iowa, the lead author on this study. "This study is important because it shows that a relatively small amount of the right kind of brain fitness training can change the trajectory of aging, even five years later, by helping people experience a happier life. In the end, that's really what we all want for ourselves and our loved ones."

The training used in the study is now commercially available for the first time as part of the InSight brain fitness program from Posit Science. Posit Science distributes its programs to the public through its website, through national insurers and through hundreds of classes at retirement communities, senior centers and adult education programs.

SOURCE Posit Science

Shape magazine, together with Iams, announces a brand new initiative to help dogs and their owners become more fit and have a stronger bond. As most people truly enjoy the benefits their dogs bring to their lives, the leading active lifestyle publication has created a community-based program to further this enjoyment. The "Walk Your Dog, Make Life Better" program encourages dog owners to join or create dog walking clubs which promote healthy lifestyles and generate fun social contact. Through these clubs, owners are encouraged to lead active lifestyles, keep their pets healthy and happy, and raise money for the ASPCA(R) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R)).

 

The goal of this program is to connect dog lovers to benefit their social and physical health, and the health of their furry friends. This coming spring, the March through May issues of Shape will include expert advice delivering information to 6.0 million readers on how to maximize their time (and their bond) with Fido. In conjunction with this content, Shape will also launch a microsite dedicated to informing consumers about this program and how they can become involved.

The 'Walk Your Dog, Make Life Better" microsite on shape.com will offer dog owners the ability to show off their furry friends by uploading photos, chatting with other dog owners, and interacting with new friends in their local area to start their own clubs. Pet owners will also be encouraged to send customizable e-cards to their friends and family to spread the word. For each card sent, Shape will make a donation to the ASPCA(R).

Sabine Feldmann, VP/Publisher of Shape says, "This partnership with Iams is an exciting one for Shape, especially given the stress of the current economy. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide the free tools to create fun dog walking clubs to get moving and meet new friends without spending a dime. This program embodies what Shape is all about - leading the healthiest and most positive lifestyle possible."

"Iams is proud to partner with Shape and support the Iams Dog Walking Club as a way to promote a healthy lifestyle for dogs and their human walking partners," said Kris Parlett, Iams spokesperson. "We encourage everyone to join or start an Iams Dog Walking Club for an opportunity to spend more time with their canine companion. They can also visit www.iams.com to learn how Iams ProActive Health promotes seven signs of healthy vitality, providing premium nutrition to ensure a playful and active dog."

"The ASPCA is thrilled to work with both Shape and Iams to promote the health of our nation's pets and their families," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. "The bond that Americans share with their four-legged friends is so strong, and taking the time to exercise and play with your pets - improving their quality of life - is one of the best ways to honor that bond."

SOURCE Shape magazine

Finally you have decided to be happy, but you are not feeling happy, you do not jump out of bed all excited to start another lovely day of your fabulous life. Instead you are dragging and forcing yourself out of bed to get ready for yet another boring day of life, full of tensions, and worries. Yet another session of a mind boggling routine, and keeping everyone happy.

Yes my friends this scenario does make it rather difficult to enjoy a happy life, if you are not physically feeling great at least a healthy body is a prerequisite for a healthy and a happy life.
So to start with know and respect your bodies need for a peaceful sleep, cause dragging and pulling yourself to do the things you actually enjoy is not fun, please first understand your biological clock and start a new way of life.

Keep reading to know more about happy beginnings.

Pic courtesy eliazar on www.flickr.com 

 

I know it is very easy to tell someone to always be optimistic and happy, but in day to day life it equally difficult. Every individual has a different lifestyle and this lifestyle has its own way of teaching how we should lead our lives.

There are certain standard key factors which are the responsible for the happiness and contentment in our lives. If we are satisfied in these areas we generally tend to be happier. Most of us work to earn money for financial security and to satisfy our daily needs, we wish to have all the material things in life which give us comfort and luxury, and of course love, affection, shelter, and good health. Not to forget social and spiritual stability and safety.

These are certain key factors that unquestionably are the soul of our being and happiness.
Lifestyle is only a part of the happiness equation, our attitude towards life and the daily experiences also have a great impact on the level of happiness. After all it is all in the mind, so be positive and never leave hope, believe in yourself and trust the All Mighty up there.

Pic courtesy baejaar on www.flickr.com

Laughter is the best medicine, everyone knows this very well but how many of us actually practice it? I personally feel that very few people follow it. Basically laughing or smiling is all about the feel good quotient, not only for oneself but also for others.

You don’t need a reason to laugh, look at small babies or small children, they can laugh on anything and everything. They never apply logic and reasoning as to whether they should laugh or not, nor do they think what people will think if they laugh for no reason or loudly. Laughter releases all the stress hormones and makes you feel lighter and elevated. If you are down and can't think of a solution for any problem just get up shake yourself, look in the mirror and think of a funny incident that you have experienced, the smile of a baby or any such light occasion, and before you know your lips are touching your ears.

Yes, it is worth the effort to make our life worth living as we are born with the gift of laughter, but it is seriousness that we learn and forget our birth gift. By feeling good and laughing at everything just for the fun of it, we can develop our immune system, increase our intellectual power, strengthen our muscles and get the courage to fight every battle.
So get up wriggle a little and put that million dollar smile on your face and start your day.

Pic courtesy Sean Dreilinger on flickr.com

One of the characteristic features of Zen humor is the way it approaches the question of death. It seems difficult to imagine people feeling light-hearted enough to laugh at the thought of their own demise, but this appears to be routine among practitioners of Zen. Read how  Zen humor breaks through the intellectual barrier, permitting us to glimpse something at the moment of laughter.

Zen humor in everyday life can turn routine incidents into something illuminating. The quirky nature of such humor has prompted many people to compile a ton of jokes around a Zen librarian. Many of these can have you tearing your hair out because they seem to be beyond understanding. But some of them are really precious, like this one submitted by Bill McKenzie, Illinois, USA.

'A patron was reading a book in the library and heard a loud meowing of a cat.

She went to the Zen Librarian to complain.

"The cat is irritated," said the Zen Librarian. "Why?" asked the woman. "Because you are concentrating on him rather than what you are reading." '

Through such Zen offerings do we understand our own limitations, and the limitless nature of true reality.

Some of the deepest truths about life can be understood only with a fine appreciation of the absurd. It is when we laugh at the ridiculous nature of reality that we also learn to handle it with great finesse, or so the evidence from Zen practitioners would seem to suggest. A great deal of story, anecdote, riddle and joke has sprung up around this particular form of Buddhism. In the Zen way, it is OK to laugh out loud. In fact, only by doing so may one be seen to be getting closer to the truth. Zen jokes make us wonder why we are taking our petty concerns oh-so-seriously. They remind us that in the midst of logic and scholarship, saintliness and ceremony, there is still the wisdom of the fool!

Find out more about the functions of humor in Zen Buddhism and you may begin to have a different perspective on laughter and humor in general. While Zen humor usually delivers a powerful lesson, some have used it to create humorous descriptions of special activities. These Zen lessons from a biker have their own rueful appeal - they teach you that every activity can be approached with the appropriate amount of Zen-ness - perfect attention to detail and living every moment. When you have passed every obstacle that stands in the midst of such a path, you reach a sublime enjoyment of the activity itself - whether it is cycling, or painting, or whatever.

With Zen humor, you laugh your way into a supreme appreciation of the present moment.

If the evidence from your neighborhood feng shui shop is to be believed, the Buddha loved to have a belly laugh. In fact, the many laughing Buddhas you get to see usually emphasize the belly, a feature that sticks somewhat in our Western gullets. But having a belly laugh is a sensation all of us remember at some time, and the feeling of light-headed happiness that followed. Laughter releases endorphins and does our health a wonder of good.

I had a scary experience recently. Relating a joke to someone on the phone, I laughed so hard my breath stopped, I couldn't talk - for a few seconds I was simply gasping helplessly. Later I tried to recall what those few seconds felt like. Had I been afraid? Yes, a little, because I seemed to have lost control of my breath. But as soon as I finished gasping and managed to complete telling the joke I felt so happy. Not only the joke, but everything around it, just every little detail about life seemed to be exquisitely funny!

Which is why one has to be full of kind thoughts to those who send us jokes and comic forwards every day in the mail. While this can get to be quite a pain at times, specially when one is waiting for a vital e mail, at least the instinct of such people is not wrong - they're doing what they can in their small way to spread some light and cheer - even if it has become more of an automatic reflex. Give your e mail jokes the smile or laugh they deserve (or not), and build up your own joke database.

Keep those laughs coming!

Australian psychiatrist Dr Janis Carter has studied the effect of pranayama on patients suffering from depression, insomnia and anger. Read more about her work on her website.

Being more conscious of our breath facilitates our being more aware and thus living in the present moment. That means, living in the NOW, instead of the then (past or future).

In turn, we are freed from disappointments stemming from hurtful events in our past. We more easily accept ourselves and our lives are they stand now.

To live completely in the now means to have a large fount of energy at your disposal to make the best use of the current moment.

Practicing The Power Of Now, by Eckhart Toelle will help you better understood the benefits of living in the NOW, besides arm yourself with excellent meditation techniques. Check out this book on Amazon.com at this link.