Very Happy Phil

It’s good to talk. If we are unhappy for any reason, we can boost our happiness and our mental and physical health by talking to someone. Talking is SO beneficial.

I will give you an example; In one study people who simply talked about a traumatic experience into a tape recorder (as though they are talking to a friend) were just as likely to benefit as those who wrote about the experience. Writing is also a useful method to use if we have experienced a traumatic experience.
(If you would rather talk to someone and you don’t have someone to talk to remember you can call the Samaritans or Breathing Space. See below)

For more info on writing see here;
http://www.veryhappyphil.com/content/its-good-write

Talking with a close friend (or counsellor) is one of the best ways to help us cope after a traumatic event. Research shows- It’s good to talk. I will give you an example; In two extensive studies on resilient people who recovered from a trauma, they were found to have reached out and talked to someone. For more info on resilient people see here; http://www.veryhappyphil.com/content/resilient-people-are-happy

I will tell you a little story; I remember the real ‘hotel Rwanda’ manager Paul Rusesabagina talking to Oprah and when she asked him how his family and kids managed to cope he said that they often ‘we sit round the table and talk’.

People are resilient. I will give you an example; Both negative and positive life experiences undoubtedly greatly impact people’s happiness, mental health, and physical well-being. However, this impact is rarely long-term, in large part due to hedonic adaptation but also due to people’s remarkable capacity to cope with and process the events and circumstances of their lives.

Your task this week is to talk to someone about your problems/unhappiness. Its good to talk. Where to find support for talk; Close friend, family, colleague, neighbours Counsellor Local Men’s group (e.g. contact http://uk.mkp.org/ ) Start your own group Samaritans (08457 909090) Breathing Space (0800 83 85 87)

Here are a few of my favourite quotes which inspire me; “Turning to social support….is one of the most effective strategies that exist.”
-Sonja Lyubomirsky PhD ‘The how of Happiness’

Discussing a traumatic event during brief psychotherapeutic sessions has also been found to increase well-being

Social contact have been found to be related to better mental and physical health.

“Tip No 1. Connect with Others.
Developing relationships with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours will enrich your life and bring you support.”
-Foresight 2008 ‘5 Tips for Good Mental Health’ (report from 450 Top UK scientists)

“Ways to look after your mental health:
* Talk about your feelings
* Keep in touch with friends and loved ones
* Ask for help”
-Mental Health Foundation UK

Its good to talk!

Have a happy TALKING week!

Keep positive!
Phil McNally
Author & Positive Psychology Coach

Remember,
“It's good to talk! Happy people talk about their problems and bad experiences.”
– Phil McNally, Author & Positive Psychology Coach

PS Its good to talk to a good coach. If you want to talk, send me your contact details and I’ll contact you to arrange a coaching session. Money back guarantee if you are not happier after a coaching session from me.

“Great session! I got a lot from it personally and the sales team have been using the tools with great success!”
-Gavin Chalmers, Director, Lawrence of Kemnay

FREE happiness boosters every Monday here; http://www.veryhappyphil.com

PPS Do you remember last weeks lesson?

© Phil McNally 2009
All Rights Reserved