April 2023

To some extent, we all have worrying thoughts. But for some of us, worrying or ruminating thoughts can be very intense and highly problematic. Worrying thoughts are associated with anxiety and stress, depression and almost all forms of mental ill-health. So if one's goal is...

21 April, 2023

Positive thinking has, in some form or other, been around for decades (or even longer). Even real optimism, as in the science-backed version of positive thinking, has been studied and taught for longer than I've been alive. There are similarities. But there are differences. And...

21 April, 2023

So many of us spend so much time trying to be useful; to achieve and make our marks. And that's great. The life we know wouldn't be the same if people didn't strive for success and progress and more. But at the same time, some...

20 April, 2023

Are we too careful? Too "civilised" and cautious and too used to the comforts of modern life? For almost all of our history and evolution, humans have lived in and with nature. And now, in recent years, we spend most of our time indoors, staring...

20 April, 2023

We all want happiness. To be happy, in a real and authentic way, is quite possibly the ultimate goal. But it's absolutely true to note that we can't be happy ALL the time. Happiness is not constant; and unhappiness is a normal and appropriate part...

20 April, 2023

It's been said by some that the last year (or two) has been the year of burnout. With constant stress and uncertainty, happiness, including happiness at work has become difficult (at least for some). But the good news is there's good research to support a...

18 April, 2023

There are many variables that can improve happiness and mental health. We know that happiness is enhanced by setting and working towards meaningful goals, optimism and hope, exercise and physical wellbeing, and (among other things) positive relationships. But happiness is also, at least in part,...

17 April, 2023