The Science of Happiness

What is your definition of HAPPINESS?What would make you truly HAPPY?What prevents you from being HAPPY?

WHAT IS HAPPINESS?

HAPPINESSHappiness does not mean:Having all our personal needs metFeeling pleasure all the timeNever feeling negative emotions, pain, sadness, anger etc.

DEFINITION OF HAPPINESS

According Sonja Lyubomirsky, professor of psychology at UC Riverside:The experience of joy, contentment or positive well-being, combined with a sense that ones life is good, meaningful and worthwhile

WHAT DETERMINES OUR HAPPINESS?According to research by Sonja Lyubomirsky:50% of our happiness comes from our genes10% life circumstances40% intentional activity

MONEY AND HAPPINESS

MONEY AND HAPPINESSResearch by Ed Diener: Money indeed increases the level of happiness when it helps to lift people out of poverty!Earning up to $75,000 (in the U.S.) makes people happier but when that level is reached our happiness seems to be unaffected with more income!

WHAT MAKES US HAPPY?Proven Facts: Good sleep patterns, regular exercise and achievements!Social connections Romantic relationshipsFamily & friendsCompassion & kindnessMindfulness

R U OK?

SOCIAL CONNECTIONSBrene Brown: connection gives us meaning and purpose in life.Research by Ed Diener and Martin Seligman social relationships form a necessary but not sufficient condition for high happiness

Recent studies show many physical and emotional benefits of touchTouch activates the feelings of reward and compassionAppropriate touch by teachers resulted higher class participation among students

BENEFITS OF TOUCH

TOUCH DEPRIVED?Psychologist Sydney Jourard observed friends having conversations in cafes & how many times they touched each other 1 hour:180 times in Costa Rica 110 times in France2 times in the USA0 times in England

PRACTICE

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?

MIND WANDERINGStudy of 15,000 people by Matt Killingsworth:47% of the time we are thinking something else than what we are currently doingStrong relationship between mind-wandering now and being unhappy a short time later

WHY DO WE NEED MINDFULNESS?

BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESSClinical research shows effectiveness of mindfulness in:Reducing psychological stress, anxiety, depression and pain (Goyal et.al. 2014; Hofmann et.al. 2010)Enhancing cognitive performance (concentration & memory) & emotional intelligenceIncreasing resilience and self-awarenessImproving relationships, happiness & overall well-being

STRESS MANAGEMENT

PRACTICE

GUIDED MEDITATION

TIPSGet enough sleep (7-8 hours a day)Connect with friends & familyExercise regularlyDo what excites youPractice Mindfulness

MORE INFORMATIONwww.consciousbeginnings.com.auwww.meetup.com/West-End-Mindfulness-Circle