In an overview of studies on happiness, Sonja Lyubomirsky found that we control at least 40% of our happiness through our focus and choices (Lyubomirsky, 2013). We now know we can raise our happiness by cultivating positive emotions such as love, kindness, compassion, gratitude, hope, and inspiration. Here are some science-based ways to boost your happiness and well-being.
Read MoreHappiness is an emotional state—feeling happy about something means feeling satisfied—or maybe it’s an assessment of our life or someone else’s. Joy is an episodic emotion and is felt concurrent with the situation prompting this emotion and arises during activities. The following factors can explain the main differences between joy and happiness…
Read MoreMost dictionaries define gratitude as the quality of being thankful and a readiness to show appreciation. Appreciation is recognizing the actions or good in someone or something. While these definitions somewhat overlap, our feelings of gratitude may lead to appreciation. Here’s the takeaway…
Read MoreOur brains scan for and notice negativity without conscious thought. Today, however, it is possible to rewire our brains for positivity vs. negativity. A gratitude practice is an effective way for us to do this. It works because the more you practice gratitude, the more you strengthen the brain’s neural circuits for gratitude. Here’s what gratitude does to your brain…
Read MoreWhen we use our gratitude practice to ignore our feelings or justify an awful experience, “because at least I’m not as bad off as someone else,” it can be destructive to our well-being. Here are a few signs that your gratitude practice is off track.
Read MoreGratitude is a feeling of appreciation for what brings us joy, inspiration, meaning, and purpose. Feelings of appreciation arise from a wide range of sources, however, research suggests that consciously giving thanks can profoundly affect our well-being and relationships. The benefits of keeping a gratitude journal have been researched extensively. Some of the key benefits are…
Read MoreWhen you are in high school or college, completing an undergrad program, or writing a dissertation in graduate school, the pressure is high to excel. Often the pressures of being a student lead to habits that are not in alignment with good self-care. Students, here is what you need to know to overcome these challenges…
Read MoreAccording to a 2020 survey conducted by The Harris Poll for Samuel Integrative Health Programs, eighty percent of U. S. adults say they will be more intentional in self-care activities post-pandemic. If you would like to re-energize your self-care activities, consider goals in these five areas…
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