1. How to overcome mental barriers to improving health and wellness..
The How of Happy?
How to overcome mental barriers to improving health and wellness..

2. What does being “happy” mean to you?
What would make you happier? A better relationship, a new car, losing weight, more money, a different job, improved health…?
Most people want to be happy, but we just don’t know how to get there. We hold onto myths about what happiness is and how to find it. Is it possible to become happier? Is happiness really in our control?

4. Mental Health is essential for Wellness
Motivation
Strength
Resilience
Inspiration
Happiness

5. “Happiness Myths” Myth No. 1- Happiness Must Be “Found”
The Shangri-la that is just out of reach,
waiting for happiness to “happen”
I can’t wait to grow up and “be happy”
Myth No. 2- Happiness lies
In Changing our Circumstances
“I would be happy IF _____” or “I will be happy WHEN______.”
Myth No. 3- Either you HAVE IT or YOU DON’T
“We can overcome our genetic programming.” Buddhist monks teach
themselves to be happy through meditation.
-“The How of Happiness”, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D.

6. What determines Happiness?
“The How of Happiness”
-Sonja Lyubomirsky
In study 50% of happiness is determined in your DNA (genetic)
10% circumstances beyond your control
40% is within your control

7. Happiness is “Inside Us”
A state of mind
A way of perceiving the world and ourselves
Change and manage your thoughts and change your life!

9. Boost Your Happiness Positive Psychology in Action
Positive Psychology Focuses on building Happiness and mental strength
What is right? What makes life worth living?
A guiding model of Positive Psychology is PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment).  The 5 essential elements that should be in place for lasting well-being.

10. Initial Happiness Score
Track your progress by taking the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire on a regular basis
How successful are happiness activities at boosting your happiness?
Set point- fixed at birth
Happiness Level- what you do and how you think? Activities in 40% happiness chart

11. What do HAPPY people do? Devote time to family and friends
Express Gratitude
Help others
Optimistic- look on bright side
Get physical exercise
Commitment to life long goals

12. Intentional Happiness Activities
Expressing Gratitude
Cultivating Optimism
Avoid Overthinking and Social Comparison
Practicing Acts of Kindness
Nurturing Social Relationships
Developing Strategies for Coping
Learning to Forgive
Increasing Flow Experiences
Savoring Life’s Joys
Committing to your Goals
Practicing Religion and Spirituality
Taking Care of your body –Sonja Lyubomirsky, 2008

13. Person-Activity Fit Diagnostic
Rate why you might keep doing this activity in terms of the following reasons:
1 (not at all) (very much)
Natural
Enjoy
Value
Guilty
Situation

14. Sustainable Happiness
Positive Emotion
Timing and Variety
Social Support
Motivation, Effort,
Commitment
Habit

15. Having a healthy mind…
“What you put in your mind effects your stress level and chemistry of the body. “ –Dr Wayne Scott Andersen

16. Evaluate Emotional Wellness:
Maintain balance- work, family, friends, and other obligations
Do I have ways to reduce stress in my life?
Am I able to make decisions with a minimum of stress and worry?
Am I able to set priorities?
Focus on changing your thoughts- positive psychology

17. Tips for Emotional Wellness
Be aware of and accept your feelings
Have an optimistic approach to life
Be able to overcome life’s disappointments and frustrations
Seek Support
Express Emotions
Set priorities
Accept mistakes and learn from them
Take good care of yourself
Keep expectations of yourself and others realistic
Develop realistic goals and achieve them one day at a time
Learn to accept changes
Release anger and resentment
Surround yourself with positive thoughts and positive people
Be a friend to yourself
Learn to laugh, especially at yourself
If you are experiencing emotional difficulties talk to someone

18. You’re an OVERCOMER

19. Resilience and Rebound

20. FLOURISH….
Definition-The definition of the word FLOURISH means to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as a result of a favorable environment.
Free yourself of unhealthy thought patterns….
Uncover Hidden Strengths….and watch yourself
GROW!

21. Camille Kennard, LCSW Flourishwellnessconsulting.com