Is happiness born, raised or developed through practice?

By Leslie Baker Marriage and Family Therapist in Pleasanton

Research indicates that only about 50% of happiness comes from nature and/or nurture. The other 50% is considered to be a strategy that people can learn, practice and develop. Dr. Shilagh Mirgain a senior psychologist from the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the Waisman Center and assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin notes the 5-3-1 strategy for happiness. The strategy includes the following three elements:

• 5 minutes of Meditation a day – with 20 minutes of meditation strengthens and builds the grey matter in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. The front part of the brain that helps people focus, make decisions and manage emotions.

• Write down 3 good things that happened to you each day – Our brains tend to focus and remember the negative events in our day. Writing down the positives refocuses your mind from the negative sentiments to a more positive perspective. A positive perspective is linked to happier people.

• Extend 1 kind act every day. No matter how big or small being kind to others makes us feel good inside and reflects back on our happiness. Being kind to others builds positivity in relating to others and this brings more positivity from others to you.

These are three practices can be utilized daily according to Dr. Shilagh Mirgain to improve your happiness levels. Try 5-3-1 practice and see if it works for you.

Please Note: Depression is a clinical issue. Happiness can be improved by practicing skills to improve levels of happiness, but it is important for depression to be assessed and treated. If you experience feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, and/or thoughts of suicide, please reach out immediately for assistance by calling a mental health provider or call the crisis lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255). These are serious symptoms and with proper assessment and treatment can be treated. There is hope, please reach out today.

For individual counseling help, contact Leslie Baker in her counseling center inf Pleasanton.