Welcome back to Consider Yourself Hugged! Click below to watch, or Click here to listen to Episode 176.
*Disclaimer:
The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources at the end of the show notes, or others in your area.
Welcome to another episode of "Consider Yourself Hugged," where we delve deep into topics that nourish our minds, bodies, and souls. In today's episode, we're diving into the third module of our Positive Psychology Course, focusing on the critical concepts of happiness and well-being. This module is all about understanding what happiness truly is, how to cultivate it in our daily lives, and how to guide others on this fulfilling journey.
Understanding Happiness and Well-Being
We all strive for happiness—a lasting state of satisfaction, calmness, and balance. But what does happiness really mean? In this module, we explore happiness as more than just a fleeting emotion; it's a deep, enduring sense of well-being that we can cultivate by focusing on key areas of our lives.
The Science Behind Happiness
Happiness isn't just a state of mind—it's also a chemical process in our bodies. The feel-good chemicals—serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins—play a significant role in how happy we feel. But did you know that happiness is also influenced by our genetics? Research suggests that about 50% of our happiness is determined by our genes, but the good news is that the other 50% is within our control! This is where positive psychology comes into play, helping us maximize our potential for happiness.
The Three Concepts of Happiness in Psychology
1. The Hedonic Concept: This approach focuses on moods, feelings, and overall life satisfaction. It's about balancing the positive and negative aspects of our lives to create subjective well-being.
2. The Eudaimonic Concept: Here, we dive deeper into contentment, goals, and self-realization. This concept challenges us to reflect on whether our current lives align with our ideal selves.
3. The PERMA Model: Introduced by Martin Seligman, the PERMA model stands for Positive Emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments. These five pillars provide a framework for leading a fulfilled, meaningful life.
Practical Exercises for Enhancing Happiness (See Activity Sheet)
To help us truly embrace these concepts, here are some exercises you can try:
1. The Three Good Things: Each day for a week, jot down three positive things that happened and reflect on why they occurred. This simple practice helps shift focus to the positives in our lives, enhancing overall well-being.
2. Exploring the State of Flow: Think back to a time when you were completely absorbed in an activity, where time seemed to stand still. This "flow" state is crucial for engagement and can be cultivated through activities that challenge and fulfill us.
3. Active Listening: Take time each day to fully engage in a conversation with someone, whether a friend, family member, or even a stranger. This exercise not only builds stronger connections but also enhances your own sense of well-being.
4. The Wheel of Life: Evaluate different areas of your life—like career, relationships, health, and spirituality—and assess your satisfaction in each. This tool helps identify areas that need attention and guides you in setting achievable goals for improvement.
Wrapping Up
In this episode, we’ve explored the intricate relationship between happiness and well-being, and how we can actively work towards a more fulfilled life. Remember, happiness is not a destination but a journey, and with the right tools and mindset, we can all move closer to a state of lasting joy and satisfaction.
Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll continue our exploration of positive psychology and dive deeper into practical strategies for enhancing your well-being.
As I've always asked in the past, please pass the show link along to your friends and subscribe, download, and review wherever you are listening. If you’re a woman and you haven’t joined our private FB group A Place for Women, please do that now! It’ll be your source of encouragement. I'd love for you to follow my Tami West Seminars Facebook page as well. If you'd like to know more about my Mental Health First Aid Courses, contact me at 615-497-7714 or tamiwest@tamiwest.com.
And until next time, Consider Yourself Hugged 😘🤗
Promised Resources:
How We Feel App Invite Link (to connect with Tami)
Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC
Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), running (slowly), and Crossfit. Contact Michelle at Silver Lining Psychiatric Solutions, 615-378-7713 or mkixmill@gmail.com.
Thanks for joining!
I hope this has been helpful today, and thank you for joining! As I've always asked in the past, please pass the show link along to your friends and subscribe, download, and review wherever you are listening. If you’re a woman and you haven’t joined our private FB group A Place for Women, please do that now! It’ll be your source of encouragement. I'd love for you to follow my Tami West Seminars Facebook page as well. If you'd like to know more about my Mental Health First Aid Courses, contact me at 615-497-7714 or tamiwest@tamiwest.com.
And until next season, Consider Yourself Hugged 😘🤗
Mental Health Resources:
Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.
Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.
Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.
Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.
Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.
Television Interviews
Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com or follow her at Tami West Seminars.
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