Building Brain Happiness This Spring
H a p p y a r e t h e p e o p l e w h o s e G o d i s t h e L o r d !
Negativity bias is the tendency for our brains to notice, absorb, and react to danger and worries more strongly and persistently than joy and supportive relationships. Rick Hanson's book HARDWIRING HAPPINESS teaches how to "take in the good." Because of “adverse bias,” if you have three positive moments today and one difficult one, your mind will linger on the negative. It actually takes five good interactions to balance out just one sour episode.
There's good news though, because we can balance out the negativity with Hanson's positivity approach and practice.
1. HAVE IT and deliberately focus on your tasty lunch and pleasant surroundings.
2. ENJOY IT and spend time savoring an experience or a compliment.
When you’ve had a positive experience, mentally replay it. This helps your brain form a habit of receiving and accepting positivity.
Decide what inner strengths you’d most like to cultivate. Note when you’ve practiced that strength (such as kindness or patience) and savor the experience of growing in a healthy direction.
Be on your own side. Hanson notes that “(b)eing for yourself” (not against others, but on your own side) is the foundation. Take satisfaction from these actions!
Make sure each day contains some healthy pleasures to reduce overall stress and increase happiness.
Take in good by sharing positive experiences with others.
”Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” - PSALM 144:15
We at CHRISTIAN COUNSELING CENTER wish you a joyous Spring, Passover, and Easter season. If you're not a “self champion” when it comes to “exuding positivity,” call (203) 846-4626. Our counselors are happy to help you develop the “Hardwiring Happiness” described in Hanson's helpful book.
