> > >Source: Fitness Online, Aug. 16/00, by Annie Murphy Paul > >Studies show that our belief that wealth doesn't buy happiness is, well, >right on the money. "People who go to work in their overalls and on the bus >are just as happy, on the average, as those in suits who drive to work in a >Mercedes," according to David Lykken, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the >University of Minnesota. > >Lykken is the man who introduced the "happiness set point," his theory that >our emotional peaks and valleys eventually return to a more stable set >point. The storm of publicity that surrounded the introduction of this idea >four years ago may have convinced you that your happiness level is forever >fixed. But the man behind the theory now says that's just not so. > >"I said some dumb things [in the Psychological Science journal, 1996] that I >regretted as soon as it came out in print," confesses Lykken. Our general >sense of well-being is influenced by our genes, he explains, but we can >learn to sail above that set point by deliberately appreciating the things >that make us happy and overcoming the things that make us unhappy. > >Researchers today believe that extreme ups and downs don't determine how >happy we are. "We humans have a remarkable capacity to adapt to changing >circumstances," says David Myers, Ph.D., psychology professor at Michigan's >Hope College and author of The Pursuit of Happiness (Avon Books, 1993). In >his research, Myers has found that happy people share four main >characteristics: > >1. They have high self-esteem. >2. They feel that they're in control of their lives. >3. They're positive and optimistic. >4. And they're sociable and extroverted. > >Good for them, you think. But there's more: Myers has also found that we can >make ourselves happy by acting as if we already are. "Going through the >motions," he says, "can generate the emotions." > >By following the example set by happy people (see box on previous page), >you'll soon be able to count yourself among them. And that, in the end, may >be the biggest news yet about happiness: It's always been right within >reach. > >How You Can get Happy > >Researchers offer these tips: > >- Take control of your time. Set long-range goals, then break them down into >manageable smaller projects. > >- Savor the moment. It's little pleasures that keep us happy. > >- Nurture your close relationships. Give them the attention they need to >grow. > >- Exercise. It relieves mild anxiety and depression. > >- Challenge yourself. Sharpen your skills, at work and at play. > >- Explore your faith. Studies suggest that religiously active people are >happier. > >- Smile. Reserach shows that it automatically improsves mood. > >- Rest. Make sure you get enough sleep and time alone. > >- Act as if you're happy. The motion can generate the emotion. > >[Home page: http://www.fitnessonline.com/] > > > > <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
