Do You Want to Increase Your Happiness Level?

Do you want to increase your happiness level? Martin Seligman proved you can increase your level of happiness in just one week by doing these three exercises. Are you ready for more happiness in your life?

Studies have shown that people who are happier than others have rituals or habits that create that joy. You can too!

 

Exercise number 1: Three blessings

Step 1)

Write down three good things that happened today. Do this every day without fail right before you go to bed. Leave the paper and pen on your nightstand. Don’t reach for your iPad before going to bed. Reach for the paper and pen.

Step 2)

Write down why you think each of these good things happened.

 

Exercise number 2:  Gratitude visit.

Martin claims that if you think of someone (who has done something of value in your life) who you’ve never properly thanked … it is time. In a letter, you are to communicate what they did and the specific positive result that you experienced. You are to take the opportunity to write the specific details. The idea is to concentrate on the letter. It’s a love letter of sorts. It’s something somebody else will cherish.

I’ve received a few of these in my life and I hold onto them. They are a most precious gift.  Its better then something purchased at the store. The idea is to meet with the person face-to-face and give them the gratitude letter. He also suggests that you read the letter to them. This is a very powerful activity.

Admittedly, I’m not sure I could do this part but I guess it’s not much different than standing up in front of a crowd of people honoring someone you really care for. I can do that … so maybe we can do this!?

 

Exercise number 3: use your signature strengths in new ways.

Think of ways that you already demonstrate the strengths you have in your life. Brainstorm ideas on how you can share these gifts in ways you have not thought of before.

This may be volunteering in an organization, starting a “meet up” group.  If your gift is that you play an instrument and you’re already in the church band then maybe you volunteer to play at an old folks home one day out of the month? If our gift is perhaps editing… Then I know one way you can use your signature strength in a new way.  You can proof read my blog posts before they go out. I used to run a small group of teenage girls with a retired English teacher. If I had enough guts I’d ask her to help me but I’m afraid to inconvenience her. I’d welcome volunteers. Any takers?

The idea is to expand the use of your strengths and explore increased ways you can share them with the universe.

This, along with your gratitude visit and writing your three blessings daily: increases people’s happiness levels. People are able to increase their happiness levels by doing just the gratitude visit alone. I was able to increase mine with just the three blessings assignment. Obviously, mama frat recommends that you try all three and notice how you feel and how it affects your thinking.

Here’s to positive psychology exercises and “increasing your happy”.

December 8, 2016

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