6 Habits to Increase Happiness

I was excited to discover a piece of research carried out by the University of California’s ‘Science for the Greater Good Centre’ which actually confirmed much of what I already encourage clients to do. Here are the 6 habits they discovered really do work:

1) Pay attention – Studies show that people who practice mindfulness are less likely to be hostile and anxious and they have stronger immune systems. (I offer all my clients a simple mindfulness technique to use throughout the day – email me if you would like a worksheet or refresher in our next coaching session)

2) Keep friends close – Social connections are key to happiness but it’s quality rather than quantity.  Make time for people who are important to you.

3) Give thanks – Regular expressions of gratitude promote better optimism, health and better satisfaction with life. (I often recommend clients keep a celebration journal where they jot down 3 things they are thankful about each day)

4) Drop Grudges – When we drop grudges, we feel better about ourselves and others, experience more positive emotions and generally experience closer connections.

5) Get moving – Researchers found that just doing something physical is probably the most instant and effective way to increase our happiness. It also decreases stress and anxiety. (this is one of the reasons I incorporate physical movement and Conscious Embodiment in my coaching – it helps clients change their mood and get a different perspective on what they are struggling with.

6) Practice Kindness – Neuroscience shows that being kind lights up the same centres in our brain that sex and food lights up!  Being kind to others makes us feel good!

For more information on the research, go to http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

In other news, I thought readers of this blog might be interested to know about a few projects I’m currently involved with.

On the weekend of the 21st and 22nd April, I’ll be leading a Conscious Embodiment Level One workshop in London.  As many of you know, I recently certified as a Conscious Embodiment Instructor after 18 months training with Wendy Palmer.  If you are interested in the workshop, you can find out more and book at my website http://consciousembodimentlondon.eventbrite.com/

For those of you who are coaches or practitioners, I’m part of a UK organising group who are bringing over Dave Ellis to deliver a powerful weekend workshop on the 4th & 5th of May where he will explore his unique approach to both being able to make a decent living as a self-employed practitioner through working with high net worth individuals AND giving back through volunteering/pro-bono work.  For more information, go to http://www.attracthighnetworthclients.com/workshop/

My work supporting women (and men too!) around the baby decision continues to attract clients from all over the world.  If you are struggling with the decision or know someone who is, do have a look at my blog at http://www.childrenornot.blogspot.com

One of my intentions for this year was to set up a facebook group for clients, former clients, colleagues and anyone interested in my work to gather and share thoughts.  I just set this up today so if you would like to join, please go to http://www.facebook.com/groups/229839467096195/

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