Positive psychology is the study of positive emotions and “signature
strengths”. There are several studies that indicate what makes people
the happiest. These studies range from examining the effect of wealth
on happiness to the effect of spirituality on happiness. From one of these
studies, they have found that there are seven habits of happy people.
- Close relationships where one individual engages in activities with another
and shares one’s personal feelings with another.
- Cultivating kindness and caring by volunteering or reaching out to another
who is in need.
- Exercise, or simply moving your body at any speed on a regular basis.
-
(my personal favorite) Finding one’s flow which is a joyful state one achieves doing an
activity that is best suited for our skills.
- Discovering meaning through spirituality or religious practices which can
help us attain a deeper kind of happiness.
- Discovering and using one’s own strengths and virtues to further
one’s personal goals.
- Treasure gratitude, mindfulness, and hope to keep personal perspective
in reality, but hopeful for personal future.
If more information is wanted about positive psychology, please explore
the Pursuit of Happiness or read “Happiness; Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth,” by Diener and Biswas-Diener.
Brianne Wooldridge is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Campbell County Medical Group
Kid Clinic. The Kid Clinic is a school-based pediatric clinic offering medical care
for Campbell County students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and
their siblings’ ages 2 weeks and up; and counseling services for
children 4 years to 21 years. It is located at 800 Butler Spaeth Rd.,
across from
St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. The Kid Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm. For more information,
call 307-688-8700 or visit
www.cchwyo.org/kidclinic. The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between Campbell County Health and
Campbell County School District.