{ Positive Psychology The Happiness-Success Link Josh Christen, Exercise Physiologist Heidi Anderson, Health Education Coordinator Ohio University WellWorks

{ The Happy Secret to Better Work TED Video TED Video

Thoughts?

{ 10% outside world 90% way we process world Long-term Happiness (success)

Everything that’s coming into your life you are attracting into your life.

If you’re thinking a thought over and over again you’re emitting that frequency on a consistent basis.

Gratitude

{ Attitude of Gratitude Can: Decrease stress Decrease stress Improve health Improve health Less depressed Less depressed Increase happiness Increase happiness Sustain happiness Sustain happiness Protect from stress & negativity Protect from stress & negativity Reduce materialism Reduce materialism Better relationships Better relationships Make you sexier Make you sexier Improve sleep Improve sleep Make better decisions Make better decisions Makes others better too Makes others better too

“We're finding it's not necessarily the reality that shapes us, but the lens through which your brain views the world that shapes your reality. And if we can change the lens, not only can we change your happiness, we can change every single educational and business outcome at the same time.” -Shawn Achor

Write down 3 new things each day for 21 days

Meditation

{ Benefits: Helps you better manage stress Boosts your social life Helps you accomplish more by doing less Cultivates compassion Enables you to become present in the moment Leads you to, and connects you with, your purpose Lowers your blood pressure Gives you laser focus Heightens your intuition Improves your memory

Makes you a nicer person Broadens your perspective Gives you Jedi-like skills Reduces irrational reactivity Increases your immunity Cultivates more loving relationships Helps you let go of defensiveness Lowers your heart rate Enhances sensory perception Helps you achieve better grades and/or higher test scores Decreases inflammation Taps your creativity Improves problem-solving abilities Lands you cooler friends Makes you more giving Boosts your happiness Deepens your connection to the Self and others Increases your emotional intelligence Accesses higher states of consciousness Improves your sex life (yes!) Leads to self-discovery Decreases anxiety and depression Makes you resilient in tough times Makes you more fun to be around Helps you connect more deeply with your children Improves your ability to communicate effectively Reduces signs of aging Improves your listening skills Generates helpfulness Helps you fight diseases Improves heart rate and respiration Promotes cellular regeneration Enhances gratitude Makes you more successful Helps you become more proactive You can do it anywhere—no studios, gyms, or props needed Improves functioning of your brain Improves conflict resolution Strengthens bonds with your pets Makes you fall in love with Apple products Lessons your desire to control other people Reduces negative emotions Improves overall athletic performance Helps you roll with the punches Improves digestion Makes you want to do nice things for the planet Enhances collaboration Enables you to find the silver lining in challenging scenarios Builds self-confidence Increases job satisfaction Provides greater levels of tolerance Reduces road rage Balances mind, body, and spirit Activates the parasympathetic nervous system Deepens your capacity for love Develops greater will power Makes you more outgoing and fun Enhances dream recollection Helps you develop patience Helps with headaches and migraines Decreases muscle tension Slows aging of the mind Enhances your memory Everyone else is doing it It’s free!

4-7-8

Work up to meditating every day 15 minutes for 21 days

Exercise Teaches our brain that behavior matters Confirms the connection between actions and rewards (cause and effect; “dependent origination”)

Exercise = Mind Body Medicine “One of the positive psychological benefits of systemic exercise is the development of a sense of personal mastery and positive self-regard… ‘I was dedicated and worked hard with the exercise program; it wasn’t easy, but I beat this depression.”

“The first thing you notice about all effective fitness (exercise) programs is that consistency matters. People who get in better shape exercise regularly…So, why the drive to complicate the simple?” – Dr. Michael Joyner, MD, Anesthesiologist and Human Performance Expert

Ping Recreation Center Athens City Pool

Hockhocking Adena Bikeway “The Bikepath” “Book-a-Bike” Athens Public Library To get a library card: 1)Proof of current local address (piece of mail, anything with name and address) 2)Photo ID (e.g. passport, student ID)

Other Community Adventures Strouds Run State Park / Dow Lake Parks.ohiodnr.gov/stroudsrun Athens Trails

Be active or “play” for at least 60 minutes per day (more is better) Keep it fun! Try something new! Bring a friend! Live to tell about it! Make memories!

Journaling

The Lost Art of the Unsent Angry Letter

Trash the bad, keep the good Let’s do it…

Write down your frustrations…and destroy it.

Random Acts of Kindness

3 Primary Factors Determine Happiness: 1)About ½ is related to a genetic set point 2)About ½ is determined by “intentional activity” 3)A thin slice was determined by circumstances Subject completed 5 random acts of kindness / week: Reported 60% greater well-being than those completing zero random acts of kindness

“Performing random acts of kindness makes you an example of what is possible. You become an inspiration, opening the awareness of yourself and others to their own potential.”

Reach out to somebody – Build social support – Surround yourself with a culture of wellness. Compliment somebody Smile, say “hello” to a stranger Send a positive for no reason at all! Call or message an old friend Write a positive and encouraging post in social media Volunteer your place in line to someone in a hurry Create “Ripples of Positivity”

Self-Nurturing Behaviors Intentional Acts of Kindness to Yourself: Withdrawals (drains on your energy) Deposits (charges your battery) Not enough sleep (too busy) Didn’t eat (too busy) Hectic day Bad weather (didn’t get outside, no exercise) Missed the bus, had a flat bike tire, the traffic was bad. Had an argument with my professor Etc. Good night’s sleep Took a lunch / exercise break Ate a tasty and healthy dinner Took fifteen minutes to relax Planned and pursued an activity that brings joy Connected with others, socialized, called a friend or family member Smiled

Counseling and Psychological Services 3 rd Floor Hudson Health Center Services Individual / Group / Couples Counseling Stress / Anxiety-related Consultations Services for Eating Disorders Guided Meditations

Make it your intention to do something kind for no reason at all today.

Questions?