Happiness Notes
Potential for Happiness ½ of your potential for happiness is inherited.
History of Happiness For most of the 20 th century, happiness was viewed as delusional. People didn’t have time to be happy.
Happiness Helpers Hope, spirituality. Friends, family, pets. Strong marriages. High self-esteem.
Laughter as its Own Punch-Line Laughing clubs Act of laughing releases stress, promotes deep healthy breathing.
Positive Emotions Most people can’t feel positive emotions at will. Say positive things (once a day) Seeing positive. What time of day can I start saying positive things to myself?
Teaching Positive You learn/ teach yourself positive thoughts. Nurture optimism- key to hope & happiness.
Age and Serenity People grow happier with age! You don’t have extreme highs + lows.
Spirituality Spirituality is the key to happiness Promotes hope + social support.
Stress Management
Define Stress A mental or emotional disruption or upsetting condition. Occurs in response to adverse external conditions.
Short Term Stress Survival response: fight or flight. Raises heart rate. More blood going to the brain + large muscles to escape danger. Write down what causes you stress?
Chronic Stress Problems Insomnia, depression, suppressed immunity. Hypertension, heart attacks, possible dementia. Weight gain from stress goes straight to the belly.
Primary Stress Symptoms Sweaty hands, no feeling in hands. Cold inside, and dizzy. What are your symptoms?
Secondary Stress Symptoms Can stress make us sick? Hurts your heart, skin, and causes headaches. How You think/ feel, positive vs. negative.
Causes of Stress: Unrealistice Self-expectaions It’s not going to work…. Negative self-talk Too much going on… Can’t say “NO”….
Fairytale Propganda “Perfect Prom” “Perfect Vacation”
Level 1: Ongoing coping / Mini- relaxation Most effective form is positive thoughts Music Laughing Prayer Write what your strategies are?
Level 2: Focused stress management Exercise: walking, running, yoga Journal Writing Sleep Talking to a counselor Stretch your shoulders and neck Deep breathing Write your focused stress management strategies
Appraise the situation realistically Say: I can manage this Can the situation be changed: Yes: Positive thoughts No: Apply specific relaxation skills
Volunteer to juggle cups Golf Story
Anxiety Condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen
Coping with anxiety Stress management techniques: Run, laugh, deep breathing
Depression A prolonged feeling of hopelessness, sadness and helplessness Lasts for many weeks
Reactive Depression Response to a stressful event Certain class/teacher Sport Not liking a job
Major Depression Medical Condition Requires treatment or help
Prevent Suicide 1.Meaningful conversations 2.Support and ask questions 3.Get help! Tell an adult
Stress Facts for writing assignment