15 Jun Research indicates that happiness breeds healthiness
To Jamie Springer, Happy Hollow is the most fitting name he can think of for his community.
_ã–I wouldn’t trade it for any place right now. It’s a place where you just come by, sit under a tree and chat._ã
Springer said the Lauderdale County community has had its nickname for years. He believes the name sprang from the fact that people often camped there, near the water, and had a good time.
According to a growing trend that goes by names such as _ã–positive psychology_ã and _ã–the science of happiness,_ã the community also is good for your health.
A 2009 Time magazine article credits University of Pennsylvania psychologist Martin Seligman with starting the field of positive psychology more than 10 years ago. The field evaluates what makes us happy and fulfilled and the physiological connection between that and health.
Tuscumbia resident Angela Scoggin said the notion makes sense.
_ã–It makes a difference,_ã Scoggin said, while watching her 3-year-old granddaughter, Justice, play at Spring Park in Tuscumbia. _ã–You can make yourself sick if you worry about everything._ã
Scoggin’s advice: _ã–Don’t dwell on things. Think positively about life._ã
She then glanced at Justice’s smiling face. _ã–Grandchildren make you pretty happy, too,_ã she said.
Back at Happy Hollow Market, Lexington resident Rebecca Jones was sharing a conversation and some laughs with a friend. She appreciates the notion behind positive psychology.
_ã–Just like mom and I were talking about this morning: Just be grateful for what you have, because it always could be worse,_ã Jones said. _ã–As long as you have necessities, everything else is luxuries, and we don’t necessarily need luxuries.
_ã–I’m just thankful to God every day._ã
The comments from Springer, Scoggin and Jones appear to correlate with hints the Time article provides for happiness…
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