7 Booster Shots for Happiness

During her 15 years teaching health and wellness at UCLA, Dr. Darlene Mininni discovered something undeniable: most people will stumble in life without a plan to master their feelings. Inspired to create that plan, she developed and taught an emotional education course that became so popular, applications jumped from 30 to 700 in just 18 months! Soon, even her students’ parents were calling to find out about Dr. Mininni’s life changing lessons.

From this overwhelming response, Dr. Mininni realized that we’re all looking for practical strategies to live our happiest lives.

She left the university to write The Emotional Toolkit and teach people of all ages scientifically proven techniques to boost their happiness, health and longevity.

Dr. Mininni’s 7 POWER-SKILLS to Boost Your Happiness, Health and Longevity:

1. PUT YOUR WORRIES ON TRIAL: Most of us assume our thoughts are facts. Not so. It just feels that way. Next time you find yourself obsessing, put your worries on trial and cross-examine them like an attorney. Ask yourself, “How do I know for sure this won’t work?” or “What evidence do I have that they won’t like me?”

2. DO “3-3-6” MEDITATIONS: New research shows meditation can rewire your brain for happiness by revving up your left prefrontal cortex, a part of your brain that’s associated with happy moods. To start, breathe in deeply to the count of three. Hold that breath for 3 seconds. Then slowly breathe out to the count of six. That’s 3-3-6. When your mind wanders, gently redirect it back to your breath. Do this five minutes every day and whenever you feel stressed.

3. LEARN HOW TO AGREEABLY DISAGREE: Researchers can predict with 91% accuracy whether a couple will divorce by watching how they disagree. If you want a happy relationship, how you manage conflict matters more than love. One rule for success: begin difficult conversations without criticism. Instead of saying, “Gee, you must like sitting around while I do all the work…” say, “I’m really overwhelmed by all there is to do, and I’d love us to work on it together.”

4. WRITE YOUR HEART OUT: Writing about your tough feelings can change them. People who document their deepest emotions when they’re upset are more optimistic about life than before. Try this. When you’re unhappy, write about those feelings for 15 minutes, 3-4 days in a row. Then examine what you’ve written with questions like, “Why does this upset me so much?” or “What would I like to see happen?”

5. WALK OUT YOUR FEELINGS: Just 10-20 minutes of physical exercise is all you need to get an emotional boost. Certain movements, like a brisk walk, can lift your spirits just as effectively as an antidepressant or mild tranquilizer. Next time you’re in a funk, take a jaunt around your neighborhood, dance in your living room, or take your dog for a stroll.

6. STAY CONNECTED: Having just one good friend can alter your body chemistry enough to be happier, healthier and even physically younger. That’s because caring connections spike the release of hormones that produce calm in your body. Looking for a sure-fire way to feel good? Stay connected: call a friend, catch a movie with your mate or even get a pet. (Meaning Charles Schultz was right! Happiness is a warm puppy!)

7. SEEK THERAPY: If you’re unhappy no matter what you do, you might consider therapy. Studies show that if you answer YES to these 2 questions, your therapy is likely to be successful: “Do you have a good relationship with your therapist?” and “Are you learning new skills that move your life forward?”