Shawn Achor
Harvard University Lecturer Shawn Achor has written a book called "The Happiness Advantage". He says positive thinkers have a biological advantage over people who are neutral or negative. Here are some tips from his book.
Metitate - Research shows that regular meditation can permanently rewire the brain to raise levels of happiness, lower stress and even improve immune function.
Find something to look forward to - maybe a night out or weekend away or plan a holiday for the future. Anticipating future rewards can actually light up the pleasure centres in your brain.
Be kind - research shows that giving to others decreases stress and contributes to enhanced mental health.
Pictures - surround yourself with photos of people you love both at home and work.
Exercise - is not just a powerful mood lifter but also a long lasting one. Run, walk, ride, play, stretch, skip, jump, it doesn't matter, as long as you get moving.
Spending money - not on useless "stuff" but worthwhile experiences like a night out with friends or a concert or a live show. Spending money on friends and family also makes us happy.
Exercise your strengths - to learn what your top strengths are, take the test on http://www.viasurvey.org/. Pick one of your strengths and use it in a different way every day. Studies show that the more you use your signature strengths in daily life, the happier you will become.
I have done the survey and can recommend it - it not only makes you aware of how you think, it's good to see what your positive strengths are, something we all possess.
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor is published by Virgin Books and out in November.
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