This document discusses positive psychology and how to find true happiness. It argues that true happiness comes from feeling pleasures and engagement, and finding meaning and satisfaction in life. It identifies character strengths like wisdom, courage, humanity, and justice that comprise our "real self" and notes that using our strengths leads to growth and happiness. The document provides exercises and tips for increasing positive feelings and meaning, such as acts of kindness, gratitude, and focusing on strengths to build one's real self and live an authentic, happy life.

1. Challenging Times Dr. Eddie Murphy Clinical Psychologist 086 8062452

2. Introduction Stress & Coping Depression Anxiety Anger Panic Alcohol Physical Health Difficulties Sleep Disturbance

3. Instead – Exploring Lessons From The Science of Positive Psychology Positive Psychology explores how enhancing our STRENGTHS promotes our ‘REAL SELF ’ and enables individuals and communities to thrive and find happiness.

4. How Do You Define Happiness? Driving The Latest Car? Is it about your latest purchase? Going Out the best-looking person? Winning the lottery?

5. A LIFE OF PLEASURE, ENGAGEMENT & MEANING True Happiness

6. Psychologists Have Found A good definition of real or true happiness is… Feeling many pleasures. Feeling few pains. Finding satisfaction with life.

7. And Feeling… Positive emotions such as... Satisfaction Zest Fulfillment LOVE Gratitude Hope Cheer Engaged Joy TOGEHTERNESS

8. REAL SELF Wisdom (using knowledge well) Courage Humanity: (being good to others) Justice: (Being Fair to Others) Self Control Finding meaning beyond the material world

9. Wisdom (using knowledge well) creativity (originality, ingenuity) curiosity (novelty-seeking, openness to experience) open-mindedness love of learning , perspective , (wisdom, give wise advice)

11. Courage Bravery : Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain Persistence (perseverance, industriousness): Finishing what one starts; Integrity (authenticity, honesty): Presenting oneself in a genuine way; taking responsibility for one’s feeling and actions Vitality (zest, enthusiasm, energy): Approaching life with excitement and energy; feeling alive and activated

13. Humanity: (being good to others) Love: Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. Kindness (generosity, nurturance, care, compassion): Doing favours and good deeds for others. Social intelligence (emotional intelligence,): Being aware of the motives and feelings of other people and oneself.

15. Justice : (Being Fair to Others) Citizenship (social responsibility, loyalty, teamwork): Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group. Fairness: Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice; Leadership: Leading By Example

16. Self Control Forgiveness and mercy : Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting the shortcomings of others; giving people a second chance; not being vengeful Humility / Modesty : Prudence : Being careful about one’s choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted.

18. Finding meaning beyond the material world Hope (optimism, future-mindedness, future orientation): Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it. Humour (playfulness): Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side. Appreciation of beauty and excellence (awe, wonder, elevation): Appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life.

19. Finding meaning beyond the material world Gratitude : Being aware of and thankful of the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks. Spirituality (religiousness, faith, purpose): Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose, the meaning of life, and the meaning of the universe.

21. The more we use STRENGHTS we tap into our REAL SELF’S Using personal strengths usually leads to pride, satisfaction, joy, fulfillment, harmony and… By using strengths, you achieve grow towards your REAL SELF . (Seligman, M. E. P., 2002)

22. Can I Become Happier? If you are not as happy as you want to be, cheer up! It is possible to create happiness!

23. Exercises to increase positive feelings, engagement, & meaning: • Volunteer Plan pleasurable activities – Walk in a Wood Perform acts of kindness • Reflect on 2 doors that closed and 3 doors that then opened • find a challenging hobby • performing secret good deeds • write one’s own legacy

24. Exercises to increase positive feelings, engagement, & meaning: • TUNE IN - Identify Three good things in life • TUNE IN - Identify Three things that went well each day along with their causes • Write about a time at your best, review once a day for a week

25. Here Are Some Steps Develop ways to cope with stress and hardship. Focus on the positive. Appreciate the good things. Be true to yourself and sincere with others. (Wallis, 2004; www.authentichappiness.org)

26. And… Invest time and energy into family and friends. Keep commitments to others. Meditate Sleep Exercise Eat Healthily Pray. Smile. Laugh.

27. Some benefits of using your strengths and building your ‘Real Self’… High motivation. Feeling involved. Greater productivity. Achievement of goals. Making decisions that are good for you and for others.

28. As Well As… Stronger relationships. Positive thoughts and feelings. Confidence and pride. Satisfaction with life. and… Happiness—real, true, lasting,… “authentic.”

29. Dr. Eddie’s Murphy -- 086 8062452 Psychology & Counselling Services ‘ HELPING YOU TO FIND YOUR REAL SELF’ Adults / Children Depression ● Panic Attack Anxiety ● Stress Bereavement ● Anger PTSD