IT'S the state of mind most of us aspire to, but it can often be elusive. Helen Hawkes discovers how to be happy. To be happy you would need: a) a highly paid job; b) perfect health; c) a partner who looked like Hugh Jackman/Scarlett Johansson...
Depression can make a person feel unusually sad, worthless, uninterested in activities that used to be fun, restless or even suicidal for several weeks or longer. Depression is a serious illness that requires professional treatment, often with a combination of medication and psychological therapy. The American...
Positive thinking and regular exercise can help deal with depression, suggest US physicians. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) advises people not to foster negative thoughts like fear of failure. Instead, replace them with positive thinking, it says. And get as much exercise as possible...
I'm about to sign off soon for a bit of "down-time" (or maybe it should be called "up-time" as I'm hoping it will involve plenty of happiness!). Here in Sydney, and I guess in many other places too, we're about to enjoy the Easter...
...and I just discovered, in my happiness archives, another article by Lou on relationships which as I noted in my previous blog posting is a vitally important component of happiness and wellbeing. So again, it brings me great happiness (and I hope it adds to...
At The Happiness Institute we always make a point of noting that happiness is not a solo-endeavour; rather, happiness is just as dependent on what we do to care for and support others, as it is about what we do to care for and support...
Research suggests that music can be an effective means to reducing stress and to boosting positive moods such as happiness. If happiness can be enhanced via music, then as far as I'm concerned...
Life is not fair. It is full of injustices and tragedies. Noone is perfect. We all make mistakes and on occasions, do the wrong thing. But the good news is that we can still be happy despite this! In fact, I'm starting...
The age-old assumption that when it comes to money, more equals better, is proving to be just that: an assumption. Turns out that once people have their basic needs covered, more money can buy more things - luxuries that have morphed into essentials - but...
Initial results with the interventions have been promising, but sustaining them is tough. Months after a study is over, the people who have stopped the exercises show a drop in happiness. Like a drug or a diet, the exercises work only if you stick with...