Handy Hints to Happiness

After working as a doctor in mental health for over 30 years I have discovered that psychology can be a complex science but helping people find some pathways to happiness, some handy hints and helpful ways of thinking about the world and themselves can be simple, not always easy  to do but simple to begin.  So this blog is to share some of the ideas I've had and ways I've found helpful  - Handy Hints to Happiness.

That is not to say I think we should be happy all the time because the world throws up challenges daily, or even minute by minute on a bad day, but there are handy hints to manage our thinking so that our feelings are less destructive (to us or others) and our actions more productive.

Not every idea suits every person of course so you can pick and choose what works for you or what you might like to try. I learn new things from people all the time and of course research gives us new slants and new evidence on old theories and assumptions so I'll pop some of those thoughts and ideas in along the way.

The goal is to share my ideas and reflections in the hope someone out there will find them helpful. I think that if what we are not doing, thinking or feeling is not helpful then we need to do something else instead!

This is not a blog that will deal with severe mental illness but I have found over the years that some simple techniques work well for most people whatever their state of mental health.

So with all that in mind I'll start with the Rules:

1. The world is not fair
2. Everything Changes
3. The world is crazy and makes no sense.
4. There are exceptions to every rule.
5. Buses are always late.

Rule 5 was added by my 12 yo nephew as we discussed my newly identified rules, waiting, in some frustration, for a bus to the cricket. Experience tells me that Rule 4 definitely applies to Rule 5!

So over my next few blogs I'll tell you about the "Plumbing of Stress" a model that has stood the test of decades in making sense of why we are feeling overwhelmed by our world and what we can start to do about it.

I'll also use it as an excuse to share some of my favourite photos ;-)

I would really enjoy feedback on the ideas shared and handy hints of your own.