Very Happy Phil

If we belief everything we see from Hollywood (And Pinewood) movies then we will all meet the partner of our dreams, win the ‘game show’ and be rescued successfully by a Secret Service agent. Life is not fair. Sometimes. Life is wonderful. Sometimes. Life is terrible. Sometimes. Every relationship, job and car chase will not have a happy ending. Whether we are reading fairy tales or love stories or watching romantic comedies or x rated videos we are influenced by what we view.

We are what we eat, watch, think, read, do and experience.

Do you think we aren’t influenced by films?
After the film ‘Top Gun’ applications for air forces shot up.
After the film ‘Babe’ sales of pig went down.
Fans of romantic comedies are more likely to believe in predestined love and believe that perfect relationships happen instantly, and don’t believe couples need to work at relationships! (Research by Dr Bjarne Holmes of Heriot Watt University)

Psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters points out that the childhood fairytales we read and learnt at an early age can have a detrimental effect. Unfortunately they can create fantasy beliefs and expectations.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes which inspire me;

"Unfortunately people tend to believe the Hollywood idea of a perfect relationship. That is just unrealistic. People feel if their relationship is not like a Hollywood film then it is not any good.”
Dr Bjarne Holmes, psychologist, Heriot Watt University

"The secret to happiness is low expectations."
-Psychologist Barry Schwartz

The best things in life are free! Or cheap! Some of the best happiness boosters and best sports to play are free or cheap! Walking is better than driving! Cycling is better than motorcycling! Sailing is better than power boating! Climbing is better than quad biking! Love making is better than movie watching! This is one of my favourite scientific findings because it gives more hope to the poor!

I will tell you a little story; I was talking to a relative who grows her own fruit and vegetables. She was relating to me that when she is in the garden time flys by and she founds it very therapeutic. Not only is gardening close to ‘free’ but she will actually save money by growing her own organic fruit and veg! And she gets some active stress relief and flow time too. A great free happiness booster! However I cannot say I have the same passion, so gardening is a chore for me. Ill see if I can adopt a more positive attitude in future.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes which inspire me;

“People pursuing leisure activities that were expensive in terms of the outside resources required, such as power boating, driving or watch TV were significantly LESS happy than when involved in inexpensive leisure. People were happiest when they were just talking to one another, when they gardened, knitted; all of these activities demand less material resources, but they demand high investment of psychic energy. Leisure that uses up external resources often requires less attention and provides less memorable results.”

One happiness booster that has been around since humans began is sex!

Sex can be a great stress reliever, with the physical and emotional release, bonding, and release of endorphins.

When you make love, cuddle with a partner, or have coffee with close friends, a powerful brain chemical called oxytocin floods your body with feelings of contentment and trust. This natural "love drug," produced by the hypothalamus, is responsible for human bonding. Oxytocin has been dubbed the "the cuddle hormone". Love making and hugging give us a free happiness booster!

Have a happy SEX week!

Keep positive!

Phil McNally
Author & Happiness Expert

Remember,
“Sex is a happiness booster!"

– Phil McNally, Author & Happiness Expert

PS More info on hugging here;
http://www.veryhappyphil.com/content/hugging-makes-us-happy