Very Happy Phil

Hello!

I find a lot of happiness research often confirms common sense or wisdom, which I have been already aware of, but I still find it reassuring and encouraging. I find all of the research motivating and inspiring! I will give you an example; a study was carried out comparing the effects of indoor and outdoor exercise on unhappy people. Unhappy people who carried out 'green exercise', (exercising in the natural surroundings of a park), became happy and boosted their happiness more than those who did the same length walk inside a shopping centre!

There are many benefits to exercise (which I'll cover in my next happy booster). However there are extra benefits to outdoor 'green' exercise in a park/hill or 'blue' exercise along a river/beach; Fresh clean air and oxygen Air near trees, hills, river or beach is filled with healthy ions

Furthermore outdoor exercise during the day is even more beneficial; Sun light and day light give us Vitamin D
Daylight helps body clock and counters SAD

I will tell you a little story; in many of my talks to school kids I take them for a happy walk! The method I use is called 'mindfulness' which means 'being present' or 'paying attention'. The walk begins by going through the five senses and making observations for each. I ask them to observe what they SEE, SMELL, HEAR, FEEL, and TASTE. When I do this myself I then observe my thoughts 'sixth sense' before I bring my attention back to one of my senses and I 'free style'. Whatever takes my attention, SOUND, SMELL, SIGHT, SENSATION, TASTE is where I move my attention. I usually do my 'happy walk' alone. While there are benefits to chatting to a good friend while you walk- which I'll cover in a future post- it is not the same as a relaxing 'mindfulness' happy walk!)

I recommend switching off the mobile phone to get the full benefit of the walk. I personally carrying a pen and paper for two reasons; in case I have any inspired or important ideas and secondly to let me relax and continue my walking and free thinking after I write an idea down! For over seven years I have never gone anywhere without pen and paper/journal (apart from the 10 day silence last year where it was banned!)

The 'green' walk helped most people happy but the shopping centre walk actually made some people unhappy! The results showed that:
* 71 per cent reported decreased levels of depression after the green walk.
* 22 per cent felt their depression increased after walking through an indoor shopping centre and only 45 per cent experienced a decrease in depression.
* 71 per cent said they felt less tense after the green walk.
* 50 per cent said they felt more tense after the shopping centre walk.
* 90 per cent said their self-esteem increased after the country walk.
* 44 per cent reported decreased self-esteem after window shopping in the shopping centre.
* 88 per cent of people reported improved mood after the green walk.
* 44.5 per cent of people reported feeling in a worse mood after the shopping centre walk, 11 per cent reported no change and 44.5 per cent said their mood improved.
* 71 per cent of people said they felt less fatigued after the green walk and 53 per cent said they felt more vigorous.
The report stated four main reasons why people enjoy green exercise:

(1) Natural and social connections. For example watching wildlife, evoking memories of happier earlier times such as special outings and spiritual feelings.
(2) Sensory stimulation: colours and sounds, fresh air, excitement, fun, escape from pollution, contrasts with urban life, being exposed to the weather.
(3) Activity: learning manual skills, physically challenging activities such as digging, cycling.
(4) Escape from modern life: time to think and reflect, clear the head, get away from pressures and stress.

Research has proven the beneficial impact of living near green space and being active out of doors. I'll give you an example; prisoners in Michigan where those whose cells overlooked farmland and trees had fewer sick visits than those whose cells overlooked the prison yard!

A study in 2002 found that people who took part in 'green exercise' in the countryside like walking, fishing, mountain-biking and canal boating were less angry, confused, depressed, tired, tense and had higher self-esteem.

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

"In sedately older adults very low intensity exercise (walking or resistance/flexibility training) reduces depression and increases confidence."
-Sonja Lyubomirsky Ph.D. 'The How of Happiness'

"Spend some time alone every day."
-Dalai Lama

Have a HAPPY day!

KEEP HAPPY!

love

Very Happy Phil HUGS (No PhD or DOC)
:)

Remember,
"Having a walk in nature makes us happy! Happy walking!"
– Very Happy Phil

PS I am currently in the UK giving Free Happy Talks to groups, schools, businesses. Contact me to arrange. Each talk includes 5 habits of Happy People and 5 habits of unhappy people.