Prez aps study grp pp1 150904

84
@drjomit ch TheMindRoom www.themindroom.com. au Positive Psychology I: The Science of Wellbeing Dr Jo Mitchell Clinical Psychologist & Director, The Mind Room Wellbeing Manager, AFL Players Association Science Advisor, Band4Hope Slides at: http://bit.ly/1L8BqRR

Transcript of Prez aps study grp pp1 150904

Positive Psychology

Positive Psychology I: The Science of Wellbeing

Dr Jo MitchellClinical Psychologist & Director, The Mind RoomWellbeing Manager, AFL Players AssociationScience Advisor, Band4Hope

Slides at: http://bit.ly/1L8BqRR

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

1

ObjectivesTo understand the: principles of positive psychology / wellbeing sciencecurrent state of theory & research

To apply some practical strategies for enhancing wellbeing, building resilience and managing stress.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

2Interactive session, stop and ask questions any time

WELLBEINGPhysical & MentalGsdfgdfghdfhdfhFghjhgh

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Most people have a physical health plan, but few have an intentional mental fitness plan.I believe everyone should have their own mental fitness or wellbeing workout.I have one and it looks something like this - What keeps me well?MOVE mtbCONNECT niblingsTUNE IN walk and look at street artLEARN started horse ridingGIVE take on students, provide a community for people to get started in wellbeing work3

WELLBEING WORKOUT

Your wellbeing workout(you need pen & paper)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

MOVE stand up and stretchCONNECT say hello and tell them your favourite foodTUNE-IN look at face of buddyLEARN blind portraitGIVE portrait away

4

WELLBEING WORKOUT

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Based on the latest scientific evidence, nef has created a set of five simple actions which can improve well-being in everyday life.

Inter-disciplinary review of over 400 research studies globally. (New Economics Foundation, UK, 2008)Aim: to identify a set of evidence-based actions to improve wellbeing that individuals can easily build into their every day lives.Five key behaviours identified - 5 Ways to Wellbeing

5

5 Ways to WellbeingNew Economics Foundation (NEF) UK

CONNECTTUNE INLEARNGIVEMOVE

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Based on the latest scientific evidence, nef has created a set of five simple actions which can improve well-being in everyday life.

Inter-disciplinary review of over 400 research studies globally. (New Economics Foundation, UK, 2008)Aim: to identify a set of evidence-based actions to improve wellbeing that individuals can easily build into their every day lives.Five key behaviours identified - 5 Ways to Wellbeing

6

Negativity biasNegative stimuli produce more neural activity, are perceived and stored in memory more easily and quickly, than do positive ones. E.g., first impressions, angry face recall

Priming effectsBook, table, banana, car, breadFlorida, forgetful, wrinkleLook out for cyclists

Baumeister (2001). Bad is stronger than good.Bargh, J. (2012). Priming effects replicate just fine. Psychology today.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Cyclist awareness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4

Yellow = notice banana more quicklyOld words = walk more slowly

Negativity biasNegative stimuli produce more neural activity, are perceived and stored in memory more easily and quickly, than do positive ones. E.g., first impressions, angry face recall, 12 secs to long term memory.

Priming effectsBook, table, banana, car, breadFlorida, forgetful, wrinkleLook out for cyclists

Baumeister (2001). Bad is stronger than good.Bargh, J. (2012). Priming effects replicate just fine. Psychology today.

7

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Negativity biasNegative stimuli produce more neural activity, are perceived and stored in memory more easily and quickly, than do positive ones. E.g., first impressions, angry face recall

Priming effectsBook, table, banana, car, breadFlorida, forgetful, wrinkleLook out for cyclists

Baumeister (2001). Bad is stronger than good.Bargh, J. (2012). Priming effects replicate just fine. Psychology today.

We pay attention to negatives more readily and easilyWhat we pay attention to impacts performance

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Cyclist awareness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4

Yellow = notice banana more quicklyOld words = walk more slowly

Negativity biasNegative stimuli produce more neural activity, are perceived and stored in memory more easily and quickly, than do positive ones. E.g., first impressions, angry face recall, 12 secs to long term memory.

Priming effectsBook, table, banana, car, breadFlorida, forgetful, wrinkleLook out for cyclists

Baumeister (2001). Bad is stronger than good.Bargh, J. (2012). Priming effects replicate just fine. Psychology today.

9

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Mental health and substance use disorders account for 60-70% of the burden of disease among 15-24 year olds.

10

What is mental health?

a state of wellbeing in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her own community World Health Organisation, 2001, p.1.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

10 psych nationallly confidential, independent, off-siteGroup programs Manage your mind, mindfulness, mental health literacy, growth mindset, happinessCampaigns 5 ways to wb, band 4 hope, RU OK?12

Shifting the Prevalence of Mental Health towards Flourishing (Huppert & So, 2013)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

What is Positive Psychology?The scientific study of what enables individuals and communities to thrive.International Positive Psychology Association, 2008

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Positive PsychologyThe scientific study of what enables individuals and communities to thrive.International Positive Psychology Association, 2008

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

What is not positive psychology?All new, cohesive or completeA replacement for traditional approaches to mental healthA Pollyanna approachrecognises the normal and adaptive role of negative emotions (e.g. fear & survival; anxiety & performance; posttraumatic growth)Too much of anything (positive or negative) can be a bad thingDespondex: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd4tugPM83c (Language WARNING)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

What is wellbeing?More than the absence of illness. People have varying levels of wellbeing languishing to flourishing.Two major conceptual approaches hedonic and eudaimonicThe subjective experience of life satisfaction, positive emotions And high levels of functioning in life (coping, resilience).Includes the presence of autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, self-acceptance.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Complete State Model

Mental Health is conceived as a complete state in which individuals are:Free of psychopathology and Have high levels of emotional, psychological and social well-being (flourishing).What % of population are flourishing in life? Ref: Keyes, C (2005) Mental Illness and / or Mental Health? 20%

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Benefits of wellbeingMeta-analysis by Lyubomirsky, King & Diener (2005)

SocialMore social support and richer social interactionsLonger lasting and more satisfying marriagesMore prosocial behaviour

WorkGreater productivityLower absenteeism

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Benefits of wellbeing cont...PersonalMore activity, energy & flowbetter physical health (e.g., strengthened immune system, less pain, lowered stress levels, and greater longevity)increased creativity, self-confidence, self-regulation & ability to cope

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Happiness Line Up21

Tips for a long, happy life

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Subjective WB, psychological WB, emotional WB, social WB, flourishing, happiness, thriving, mental fitness.Key component = subjective!ACTIVITY: How do you personally define wellbeing?

Take a few minutes to write your personal definition of what wellbeing means for youIntroduce self to someone you do not know and share your wellbeing definitionPlace your card on the wall have a read of what people have written.Group discussion

22

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Lyubomirsky, Sheldon & Schkade (2005)Determinants of Wellbeing

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Set range (50%)But genetics are not destiny

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Twin and adoption studies suggest that genetics and personality contribute to our likely level of happiness.Roughly half of personality traits are genetically determinedExtraversion, Neuroticism (inverse), conscientiousness, internal locus of control are moderately correlated with happiness

25

Lyubomirsky, Sheldon & Schkade (2005)Determinants of Wellbeing

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Circumstances (10%)Peterson, C (2006). A Primer in Positive Psychology.AgeGenderIncomeEducationSocial classHaving childrenEthnicity IntelligencePhysical attractivenessNone or smallModerateLargeQ. How big is the correlation with WB or happiness?None or small

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

27MODERATE correlations with WBBeing employedSocial networkBeing marriedReligiousnessPhysical health (subjective vs objective)

Being employedPhysical health (subjective vs objective) Moderate correlations with happinessCircumstances (10%)Peterson, C (2006). A Primer in Positive Psychology.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

28Objective health bears little relation to happinessSubjective health moderately relatedHaving one or a few chronic illness has little impact but having a number of problems has a significant impact over time

But surely Id be happier if my circumstances were better?Unemployment, poverty, lack of personal freedom, chronic pain and mental illness do challenge happiness.Once basic needs are met, more clothes, cars, holidays, cosmetic surgery, education and even better health dont necessarily increase happiness.After a change in circumstances adaptation and social comparison usually alter our aspirations which reduces the expected impact on happiness. Slide ref: Craig Hassed, HEP, Monash University

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Relate this to Dan Gilberts theory of affective forecasting: Unfortunately often people are motivated by goals that do not have a lasting impact on their well-being. This is made worse by media advertisements that try to convince you you would be more fulfilled if you had clearer skin or more pairs of shoes.

Lyubomirsky, Sheldon & Schkade (2005)Determinants of Wellbeing

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

PleasureBuilding positive emotions; things that excite the senses.

EngagementBeing absorbed and engaged in tasks or challengesMeaningBeing part of something larger than oneself; contribution

Ref: Seligman et al., 2005, 2010, 2011

Wellbeing Pathways (PERMA)RelationshipsConnecting with people and other beings

AcomplishmentHaving something to strive for; way markers for valued living

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Micro momentsIt is the many small thoughts, words and actions, rather than the big gestures or events, that create sustainable change at an individual, group and community level.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Emotions

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

EmotionsTuning in to pleasant (e.g., contentment, joy, pride) and unpleasant (e.g., anger, sadness, fear) emotions.What are the consequences of unpleasant emotions for you? e.g., What type of behaviour do they trigger?What about pleasant emotions?

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

ACTIVITY:Tune in to unpleasant or distressing emotion (anger, sadness, rejection)Notice what triggered the feeling, notice how you feel in your body, notice what you do.Tune in to a pleasant emotion (contentment, joy, excitement, pride)Notice what triggered the feeling, notice how you feel in your body, notice what you do.

35

The role of positive emotionsBroaden momentarythought-action repertoireBuild enduring personal resources Transform people & produce upward spiralsPositive emotions

Friendships, creativity, persistence, problem solving, flexibilityFredrikson & Joiner (2002)joy playcuriosity explorecontentment savour & integrate

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

36Broaden & BuildFredrickson (1998, 2000, 2001).Positive emotions evolved as psychological adaptations that increased our human ancestors odds of survival & reproduction.Negative emotions narrow peoples behavioural urges towards specific actions.Positive emotions widen the array of thoughts and actions.Fredrikson (2001). The role of positive emotions in Positive Psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotion. American Psychologist 2001;56:218-26.

Psychosocial reserves for times of threat or opportunity

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

37Reserves to draw upon in times of threat or opportunity- Emotional, intellectual, physical + social resources

Openness to new ideas and experienceBroaden intellectual, physical and social resourcesFosters friendship, love, coalitionsReserves to draw upon in times of threat or opportunity.

In the moment, positive emotionsBroaden Attention and Thinking (Fredrickson & Branigan, 2002)

Helps people to be more creative, learn faster and make better decisions quicker (Isen, 2000, Positive affect and decision making)

Undo Lingering Negative Emotional Arousal (Fredrickson & Levenson, 1998; Fredrickson, Mancuso, Branigan & Tugade, 2000)

Fuel Resilient Coping (Fredrickson, Tugade, Waugh & Larkin, 2002; Tugade & Fredrickson, 2002)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Over time, positive emotionsIncrease well-being (Fredrickson & Joiner, 2002; Tugade & Fredrickson, 2002)Build optimism, tranquility, and resilience (Fredrickson, Tugade, Waugh, & Larkin, 2002)Prevent depression (Fredrickson, Tugade, Waugh, & Larkin, 2002)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Over time, positive emotionsIncrease work productivity (Marks & Fleming, 1995)Improve physical health (Cohen et al., 2003). Lead to longevity (Danner D, Snowdon D, Friesen W, 2001)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

PRODUCTIVITYStudy on 272 young AustraliansFollowed job performance over 18 monthsHappier people went on to get better evaluations and higher payPeople who are put into a good mood select higher goals, perform better, and persist longerMarks G, Fleming N. influences and consequences of well-being among Australian young people: 1980-1995. Social Indicators Research 1999;46:301-23.

40

Positive emotion & longevityEmotional state and motivation assessed by an autobiographical entry while at beginning of career (n=180 Catholic nuns, mean age 22)e.g. Contentment, gratitude, hope, love

Of the most cheerful vs least cheerful quarter90% vs 34% were alive at 8554% vs 11% were alive at 94

Danner D, Snowdon D, Friesen W. (2001) Positive emotion in early life and longevity. J Personal and Social Psychology, 80:804-13.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

41Handwritten autobiographies, 180 Catholic nuns, composed when participants were a mean ageof 22 years, were scored for emotional content and related to survival during ages 75 to 95. A strong inverse association was found between positive emotional content in these writings and risk of mortality in late life (p < .001). As the quartile ranking of positive emotion in early life increased, there was a stepwise decrease in risk of mortality resulting in a 2.5-fold difference between the lowest and highest quartiles. Positive emotional content in early-life autobiographies was strongly associated with longevity 6 decades later. Underlying mechanisms of balanced emotional states are discussed.

Positive emotion & physical healthPositive affect modulates the relationship between host resistance and disease onset or progression.

Marshland, Pressman, Cohen (2007) Psychneuroimmunology, 4th Ed.

Positive affect associated with greater resistance to objectively verifiable colds and fewer reported cold symptoms.

Cohen, S., et al., (2003). Emotional Style and Susceptibility to the Common Cold. Psychosomatic Medicine 65, 652-657.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

42

Tuning-in to positive emotionsGet frequent, regular hits of positive emotions each day3:1 ratio (max 10:1) www.positivityratio.com (B. Fredrikson)Smile or laugh Gratitude Loving Kindness Mediation (LKM)

CAVEAT: Negative emotions are a normal part of the human experience and are crucial for survival. Accepting and learning to manage negative or unpleasant emotions is an equally important life skill.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_gutman_the_hidden_power_of_smiling.html43

Your neglected superpower

Ron Gutman, www.ted.com/talks

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_gutman_the_hidden_power_of_smiling.htmlRef: Ron Gutman talks about the hidden (super) power of

44

Gratitude JournalWrite about 2-3 things that you are grateful for Make them recent (e.g., last 24hrs)Make them specific (e.g., morning coffee, walked the dog, chat with my sister)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

http://happytapper.com/

45

The Weekly Gratitude Journal

Exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic about the upcoming week.

More likely to have made progress toward important personal goals (academic, interpersonal and health-based) over a two-month period.(Emmons & McCullough, 2003)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

In an experimental comparison, those who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis were compared to those who recorded hassles or neutral life events46

The Daily Gratitude JournalHigher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy & more likely to have helped someone with a personal problem or offered emotional support to another

Neuromuscular disease study: 21-day gratitude intervention resulted in greater energy, positive moods, feeling connected to others, more optimistic ratings of ones life, and better sleep duration and sleep quality (relative to a control group). (Emmons & McCullough, 2003)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

A daily gratitude intervention (self-guided exercises) with young adults resulted in higher reported levels of the positive states of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy compared to a focus on hassles or a downward social comparison (ways in which participants thought they were better off than others). There was no difference in levels of unpleasant emotions reported in the three groups. Participants in the daily gratitude condition were more likely to report having helped someone with a personal problem or having offered emotional support to another, relative to the hassles or social comparison condition.

In a sample of adults with neuromuscular disease, a 21-day gratitude intervention resulted in greater amounts of high energy positive moods, a greater sense of feeling connected to others, more optimistic ratings of ones life, and better sleep duration and sleep quality, relative to a control group. 47

Loving kindness meditation (LKM)Positive emotionsSelf-acceptanceSocial connectednessEmpathyIncreased vagal tone (PNS)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

LKM: May you feel safe, happy, healthy and live with ease.

Summary Review: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kripalu/loving-kindness-meditation_b_3961300.html

Sustained daily practice is better than weekly practice

LKM & PTSD study: http://self-compassion.org/UTserver/pubs/LKM.PTSD.Kearney.pdf

GOOD PAPER Review: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201302/the-neurobiology-grace-under-pressure

48

PleasureBuilding positive emotions; things that excite the senses.

EngagementBeing absorbed and engaged in tasks or challengesMeaningBeing part of something larger than oneself; contribution

Ref: Seligman et al., 2005, 2010, 2011

Wellbeing Pathways (PERMA)RelationshipsConnecting with people and other beings

AccomplishmentHaving something to strive for; way markers for valued living

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Values+ Wellbeing

ACTIVITY # 3 write on tags:

Invite group to brainstorm why values are important for WELLBEING, PURPOSE, MEANING, AND RESILIENCE

Some suggestions include (share as many as needed to get the ball rolling)

Ask players to write as many reasons they can think of on cards which well gather (across all clubs to share with other players)

Gives you direction in life and ensures you dont wander aimlesslyHelps you set goals and identify prioritiesHelps you make better decisions that have your priorities at heartInfluences how you treat people and strengthens relationshipsHelps you identify when you have made a mistake or misjudgmentHelps you think of how you might do things differently in futureBuilds resilienceUnderpins a fulfilling and purpose-driven life

Values can be thought of as what you stand for as a person

Connection, adventure, learning, love

Kindness, legacy, achievement, safety

Hope, power, competence, success

WHAT ARE VALUES?

Values are enduring beliefs or attitudes that guide our behaviour, choices and actions across different circumstancesValues can be thought of as what you stand for as a personMany people spend very little time thinking about what they stand for in life.The science tells us that people who know their values and act accordingly, have greater wellbeing and mental fitness.

PEACE

COURAGE

JUSTICE

CREATIVITY

ADVENTURE

HOPE

PERSISTENCE

POWER

ACHIEVEMENT

LOVE

ACTIVITY # 1: PERSON-VALUES MATCHING (handout #1)

This activity helps players to understand what values are by getting them ti identify the values of well-known identities.

Players to get into pair or triads

Match each identity with 1 OR 2 values you feel they representList 2 new values for each identityList another person / identity who exemplifies these values

The people we admire often have VALUES we share, or aspire to

ACTIVITY # 4: WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO?

Image #1 Nicki Winmar pride, leadership, connectionImage #2 Swans player family, connection, love, balance

This activity helps players to identify values I others they respect and admire, as a stepping stone to identifying their own values in the next activity.

Invite group to spend 3 minutes thinking about someone they look up to or admire.Players are to think about what it is specifically that they admire what values do they feel the person demonstrates or lives to?

Share thoughts about who and what they value (in pairs, or as whole group if possible)

Spotting values in yourself

Usually do a card sort task with the players....

Optional Activity # 9 - ideal 50th birthday visualisation

Lets now look to the values we see in ourselves. This is a private activity and you wont be required to share your thoughts on this one.Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few breaths lets cast ahead to your 40th birthday where a celebration is being held in your honour

This could be a big celebration with countless family and friends or a small, intimate dinner with only those most closest to you. When you imagine this event, dont be held back by logic or reality those you want to be there, are. Those you dont, aren't. Everyone who matters to you is there family, friends, partner, teammates, pets, role models, etc. Take a moment to think about where you are, and who is with you.

Now its time for the speeches. Visualise one person who is very important to you, standing up and making a short speech in you honour. Rather than telling embarrassing stories or making jokes, this person speaks about who you are what you stand for as a person why you are important and what makes them proud of you. Take a moment to think about what it is you would most love to hear this person say about you (pause 30-60 seconds). Perhaps its time to hear from someone else now. Again, take time to consider what it is they would say about you about what makes you tick what lights you up what it is you stand for.

Now bring your attention back to the present moment by focusing again on your breath. You may feel happy, sad, moved, thrilled by this experience its really normal to feel a combination of things. Open your eyes and jot down what was said about you and think about what values lie beneath.

Values mean little without...

Identifying our values is the first important step to living a values-driven life.

But ACTION must follow

(Remember: values are like the compass they point us in the right direction but they dont get the work done for us)

Committed ACTIONSet goals and take steps in the direction of your VALUES

Committed action is the goal-setting and steps we take in the direction of our VALUES.Once weve considered and identified our values, ideally we adopt behaviours and actions that serve them.All our behaviour or actions are either consistent, or inconsistent with our VALUES

Knowing what you stand for in life (Values)

Doing what matters everyday (Committed Action)

Build your wellbeing by:

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Take a moment to considerWhat activities give you a buzz?

What activities come naturally to you?

When do you feel most relaxed, like you are being yourself?

What activities do you simply love to do?

We shall return to these questions in a moment

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Strengths: A definitionA natural capacity for behaving, thinking or feeling in a way that allows optimal functioning & performance in the pursuit of valued outcomes.

Ref: Linley & Harrington, 2006

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

62

Attending to strengthsYour childs report card readsMaths (B)Music (A+)Chemistry (D)What would you pay most attention to?Most people say Chemistry (D)What if this child's name is Kylie Minogue or Josh Pike?

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

63

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

64

Attending to strengthsTo thrive (not just survive) pay more attention to what we do wellFocus on strengths greater engagement (flow experiences), well-being, performance and productivity.Not saying to ignore weaknesses do enough so that they do not get in your way or undermine your strengths e.g. Tiger WoodsStrength (swing) Weakness (bunker play, 61st in PGA sand saves)

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

65

Identifying strengthsEnergyWhat activities give you a buzz? EaseWhat activities come naturally to you? AuthenticityWhen do you feel most relaxed, like you are being yourself? MotivationWhat activities do you simply love to do?

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Strengths Questionnaires OnlineVIA Signature Strengths www.positivepsychology.org24 universal strengthse.g., Love of learning, creativity, curiosity, bravery, social intelligence, diligence

Clifton Strengths Finderwww.strengthsfinder.com34 signature strengths e.g. Learner, Maximiser, Arranger, Achiever, Futuristic, Command, WOO

CAPP Realise2http://cappeu.com/E.g., Self esteem builder, curiosity, authenticity, adherence, pride, humour

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

67

http://cappeu.com/

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Using your strengthsCreate opportunities to use your strengths on a regular basise.g. Appreciation of beautyVisit a new gallery / museum / exhibitionTake 5 minutes to be mindful of natural beauty that surrounds youe.g. Love of learningStart music or language lessonsLearn a new word every day

To prevent hedonic adaptation, vary the way you use your strengths (activity, timing, frequency).

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Strength Spotting BingHandout a strength matrixMove around the room and ask people one of these questions See if you can identify an underlying strength from the listIf you both agree on a strength, then get the person to put their name on your sheetOne strength per personCall BINGO if you complete a line

69

Using your strengthsPick a personal strengthDiscuss a simple new way to use that strength Write your own action plan i.e., I will use my strength of [strength] by [action I will take]. I will take action on this [when and where].

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

http://viacharacter.org/www/

70

PleasureBuilding positive emotions; things that excite the senses.

EngagementBeing absorbed and engaged in tasks or challengesMeaningBeing part of something larger than oneself; contribution

Ref: Seligman et al., 2005, 2010, 2011

Wellbeing Pathways (PERMA)RelationshipsConnecting with people and other beings

AccomplishmentHaving something to strive for; way markers for valued living

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Developing meaning in your life

Apply your strengths to be active within a group, club or organisation E.g., sport, theatre, political party, neighbourhood watch, charitable causeInvesting time and energy in family & friendsAlturism & kindness

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

72Other focussed actions

If you want to be happy:

For an hour, take a napFor a day, go fishingFor a month, get marriedFor a year, get an inheritanceFor a lifetime, help someone

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

73

Altruistic Behaviour...a strong correlation exists between the well-being, happiness, health, and longevity of people who are emotionally and behaviorally compassionate, so long as they are not overwhelmed by helping tasks.

Post, S.G. (2005). Altuism, happiness, and health: it's good to be good. Int J Behav Med., 12, 2, pp66-77.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

74

Random Acts of Kindness5 random acts of kindness per week, 6 week studyE.g. a smile, offer your seat on a bus, thank someone, help a neighbour http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrADq7JY0Y4 Significant increases in well-being at post-assessmentLyubomirsky et al., 2004

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

75

Do you have an ikigai?Overall, people with no sense of ikigai were 50% more likely to die from any cause during follow-up compared to those who did have [an ikigai]. They had a 60% greater risk of death from cardiovascular disease, most commonly stroke, and were 90% more likely to die of external causes.

Sone, T., et al. (2008). Sense of life worth living (Ikigai) and mortality in Japan. Psychosomatic Medicine, 70, 709-715.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Psychosomatic Medicine, July/August 2008http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/09/01/us-lack-study-idUSHAR16275820080901?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews

76

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

IkigaiThe Japanese word Ikigai (pronounced ee-ki-guy) is used to describe why I wake up in the morning or sense of life worth livingAccording to Japanese culture, everyone has a hidden Ikigai. Finding it requires a deep and sometimes lengthy search of self. This search is regarded as essential, as the discovery of ones Ikigai and brings satisfaction and meaning to life.

TED Talk, Dan Buettner, How to live to be 100+http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_buettner_how_to_live_to_be_100.html

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Ikigai flash fictionHemingways 6-word story

For sale: baby shoes, never worn.

Whats your flash fiction ikigai?Appreciatemy piece of the world.Providefor my kids, kids, kids.Inspire & influence excellence & beauty.

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

Person-Activity Fit Not all activities will suit youPick activities that fit with your interests, values and needsLyubomirsky (2008) has developed a Person-Activity Fit diagnostic tool i.e., natural, enjoyable, valued, guilt, situation

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

80

Effort, Commitment & HabitPhysical fitness requires ongoing effort and commitmentHappiness and well-being are no differentEffort and commitment, especially if you have the right activity-person fit, creates a habitHabits endure

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

81

Optimal Timing + VarietyWe adapt to changes in our life more slowly to negative vs positive changes; & less so to relationships

To avoid adaptationvary the activity (e.g. type, timing, format) bring mindful attention and curiosity to the task

@drjomitch TheMindRoomwww.themindroom.com.au

82rapidly repeated indulgence in the same pleasure does not work, so how you spread pleasures out in your life is crucial. You should inject into your life as many events that produce please as you can, but spread them out, letting more time elapse between them than you normally do. Try to find the optimal spacing that keeps habituation of your pleasures at bay. Surprise, as well as spacing keeps pleasures from habituating.

Happiness is always here,it is always now.

Osho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXRPjdXGjjg&sns=tw

Thank you

themindroom.com.aut: @drjomitchfb: themindroom