how to feel happier
random acts of kindness (rak)
these work so well because everyone benefits from random acts of kindness, no matter how big or small - do a few a week if possible.
3 good things
think of three things that went well that day, or that you are grateful for. do this a few days per week and keep them in a little notebook.
the authentic happiness website
http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu has the character strengths questionnaire (a children's one is also available - you need to ask an adult to register on the site, then they sign you up (ask them to do the adult character survey - they'll enjoy finding out their best strengths, guarenteed)). once you know your strengths, keep a diary of how often you use them in you life - in family or friendships, school, work, community and so on... this will make you realise how much you are using your strengths, which will make you feel happier.
n.b. this is a scientific site regulated by the founder of positive psychology,
Dr Martin Seligman.
change your thought patterns
challenge negative ways of thinking
"could the really have meant that?"
"am i being unreasonable here?"
"maybe it wasn't meant in a bad way"
"i can deal with this situation if i am calm"
"i'm bigger than them so i don't need to react"
"could there be another explanation?"
if you get into the habit of asking yourself questions like these when you feel bad then you may find that you feel more positive in your day to day life, especially when negative things happen
spotting a fake smile
you know a bit about smiling - see if you can spot a fake one from a real one http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/smiles/ the bbc website has some einteresting articles and surveys, the science and nature human body and mind section is especially good.
don't forget to SMILE!
