Strengthlab on Jul 3rd 2013 StrengthLab Thoughts
When we find ourselves depressed, we’re most likely caught within a negative feedback loop in which dark thoughts, ideas and negative feelings are continually recycled and recirculated; we can break this cycle of depression by simply changing our current negative ideas and thoughts.
For example, positive social interactions can interfere in this process of recycled depression; appropriate daily physical activities can optimize positive chemicals breaking the cycle as well; constructive well written books and movies can provide new ideas and thoughts that change our mental and emotional perspectives; even changing our immediate environment can work wonders on our overall mindset as well.
There are many ways in which to break the cycle of depression and we can work on that here.
Strengthlab on Jul 3rd 2013 StrengthLab Thoughts
If you want to predict how happy someone is, or how long she will live (and if you are not allowed to ask about her genes or personality), you should find out about her social relationships. Having strong social relationships strengthens the immune system, extends life (more than does quitting smoking), speeds recovery from surgery, and reduces the risks of depression and anxiety disorders. It’s not just that extroverts are naturally happier and healthier; when introverts are forced to be more outgoing, they usually enjoy it and find that it boosts their mood. Even people who think they don’t want a lot of social contact still benefit from it. And it’s not just that “We all need somebody to lean on”; recent work on giving support shows that caring for others is often more beneficial than is receiving help. We need to interact and intertwine with others; we need the give and the take; we need to belong. An ideology of extreme personal freedom can be dangerous because it encourages people to leave homes, jobs, cities, and marriages in search of personal and professional fulfillment, thereby breaking the relationships that were probably their best hope for such fulfillment.” ~ Jonathan Haidt from The Happiness Hypothesis
Strengthlab on Jul 3rd 2013 StrengthLab Thoughts
The Greek philosopher Aristotle stated it clearly many years ago, that we’re similar to archers who require a clear target in which to aim.
Not only do we require a target in which to aim… we need a target that’s worth aiming at.