Focus on the Smile: Introducing the Science of Happiness

I was sorting my mail a few days ago and found myself worrying about the upcoming bills I’ll more than likely be struggling with. Of course, this made me feel stressed about the fact that I still haven’t made the jump to a better job. This, in turn, made me feel upset about the fact that I don’t know if my future is heading in the right direction. So, while I sorted through that pile of mail, I slowly began to realize something: I’m constantly focused on the things that are “wrong” in my life. Would I be better off focusing more on the things that make me happy?

It seems like everywhere we look, we are constantly told how to deal with the downs of life. We often ask ourselves, “How do I get over this breakup?” or “Is there a way to overcome my stress?” Yet, in recent times, these questions have started to take a more positive shift. Scientists and psychologists have begun to put more focus on the science of happiness, or focusing on the things that make us happy. At Rice Psychology Group, we want to help you understand this positive outlook in a better way, which is why we’re ready to show you the specific ways of thinking and acting to improve your well-being and happiness.

When life gets hard, it can be difficult to look on the bright side, but with some work, you can begin to focus on the things that make you happy

In with the New

It seems like everywhere we look, we are constantly told how to deal with the downs of life. Click To Tweet

Although experts have been looking at the science of happiness for a relatively short amount of time, almost everyone agrees on its end goal: to discover and understand the thoughts, actions and behaviors that makes us more productive and feel happier and fulfilled. According to Dr. Martin Seligman, psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of the book The Optimistic Child, the aim is to investigate the things that make us flourish.

However, this doesn’t mean we have to completely ignore suffering and psychological issues. In fact, it encourages us to overcome these problems by adopting new ways to increase our optimism, enhance our resilience and continue to live happy lives.

The Right Habits

Knowing you have something good coming up will provide you with essential happiness. Click To Tweet

While this sounds highly promising, is it truly possible to train ourselves to be happy? Research conducted on the exercises used to encourage positive emotional qualities found that these qualities could be produced through training, much like good athletic skills can be improved through practice. If you want to train some habits of your own, these are some you and your loved ones can focus on:

• Show Gratitude – Whenever possible, write a thank you email to a coworker or friend.
• Good Goals – Set something up for you to look forward to, no matter how small. Knowing you have something good coming up will provide you with essential happiness and excitement.
• Acts of Kindness – Make a habit out of doing something nice for someone every day such as buying them a cup of coffee or helping them carry their groceries.
• Establish an Inspired Environment – Whether by getting yourself a new office plant, going out for a walk in the beautiful outdoors or playing relaxing music in your office, surround yourself with things that make you smile.
• Exercise is a Must – You’ve heard it time and time again, but exercise really does help improve your mental health!

You’ve heard it time and time again, but exercise really does help improve your mental health! Click To Tweet

Rice Psychology is Here to Help

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, focusing on the things that could make our lives a little happier can be harder than it seems. At Rice Psychology Group of Tampa, we fully understand this, but we also understand that doing so can make each day a lot better.

If you’re ready to start paying more attention to the things that make you happier, know that our team of psychologists is here to help. We’ll help you find the solution you’ve been looking for in a comfortable and relaxing setting designed to make you feel at ease when speaking your mind. For more information, contact us in Tampa today.