Positive Mental Health
Positive Mental Health is possible for everyone. Research has confirmed again and again the amazing power we have to create our own happiness and well-being through positive healthy habits. Positive psychology researches what we do when we are well and happy and whether applying some of those thought and behaviour patterns makes a difference when our mental health decreases.
It turns out that there are a number of skills that we need to apply and one of them is to activate left-prefrontal brain activity. Why? Because this is our positive emotional centre which can send out positive messages to the rest of our brain and body. When we activate positive emotions our brain is flooded with the feel-good hormones of dopamine and serotonin which activate our creativity, our ability to connect positively with other people, and our physical immune system is energised. So what does it take to activate this positive emotional centre? Well there are a number of positive habits that we need to cultivate.
- Pausing to appreciate something good in the day for 30 seconds is extremely conducive to activating the feel good hormones.
- Pausing to re-assess a negative event in order to find some advantage or learning.
- Taking time out to connect for a moment with someone, a pet or nature.
- Taking time out to face our problems using problem solving techniques instead of letting them build up.
- Studying our character strengths and looking for more ways in the day of using these.
These are habits that people who are successful at living use continually due to their ability to create good positive mental health. They are habits that any of us can develop should we choose to do so.
More information about these habits can be found in the book 'Happiness Skills based on Positive Psychology' and on the website www.happinessskills.ie
Guided Meditations, Mindfulness and Relaxation music that can help you to reduce stress, sleep and feel better: www.youtube.com/user/TheHonestGuys
Plan to protect your mental health and wellbeing:
