Appreciating Experiences Westport Middle School Advisory Lesson MindUP Curriculum

What does it mean to appreciate experiences? We can make ourselves laugh over the memory of a funny time with friends. We can feel happy remembering times with family members. To remember a happy experience and appreciate it can give us physical, emotional, and cognitive (brain) benefits.

Why Appreciate Experiences? Remembering a happy memory releases “feel-good” chemicals that flood your brain. We can practice mindfully recalling favorite memories as a strategy to achieve a variety of goals. Avoiding negativity (boredom, sadness, worry) Learning new material Boosting our health

How Happy Memories Support an Optimistic Attitude – MindUP™ Read the short article and answer the questions as you go.

In the prefrontal cortex, dopamine improves memory, attention and focus, and decreases anxiety. Dopamine travels to the prefrontal cortex. When we remember a happy experience, dopamine is released.

Activity Think of a happy or funny memory that you have had. Complete the graphic organizer with the important details of the memory. Answer the questions at the bottom of the page. (Optional sharing out)

Exit Slip Next time you start feeling stressed or pessimistic, how will you recall a happy memory? Make a list of steps you will take. Think about what details of your memory you want to remember and what other things you can do to increase your optimism.