Discovering Meaning. To find meaning in life, studies demonstrate a clear link between spiritual (including religious) practice and happiness. Spirituality is closely related to meaning in our lives. As the founder of Positive Psychology Martin Seligman...
Cultivate a positive mindset, including optimism, gratitude and mindfulness. Of all the areas studied in the relatively young field of positive psychology, gratitude has perhaps emerged as one of the most important elements. Grateful people have been shown to have...
Discover and use your strengths. Studies by experts such as Martin Seligman in the new field of Positive Psychology show that the happiest people are those that have discovered their unique strengths (such as persistence and critical thinking) and virtues (such as...
Find your flow. If we are deeply involved in trying to reach a goal, or an activity that is challenging but well suited to our skills, we experience a state of deep immersion called “flow.” Many kinds of activities, such as sports, playing an instrument,...
Keep moving and eat well. Regular exercise has been associated with improved mental well-being and a lower incidence of depression. The Cochrane Review (the most influential medical review of its kind in the world) has produced a landmark analysis of 23 studies on...
Cultivate kindness. People who volunteer or simply care for others on a consistent basis seem to be happier and less depressed. Although caring can involve volunteering as part of an organized group or club, it can be as simple as reaching out to a colleague or...
