Your Psychological and Spiritual Well-Being

Topics Of Focus For This Chapter Emotional Health Characteristics Spiritual Health Benefits and how to enrich spiritual life Positive Psychology Areas of study and how to practice positive psychology Sleep Disorders and strategies to improve sleep

Practicing Positive Psychology Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet your needs Self-Esteem Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy

Emotionally Healthy People Demonstrate:  Determination and effort to be healthy Flexibility and adaptability Sense of meaning and affirmation of life Understanding that self is not the center of universe

Emotionally Healthy People Demonstrate:  Compassion for others Ability to be unselfish when relating to others Depth and satisfaction with intimate relationships Sense of control that enables health-enhancing choices and decisions

Major Focuses Of Positive Psychology Focus Area Examples Positive Emotions Hope Trust Positive Traits Wisdom Courage Positive Institutions Strong Families Democracy 6

Components Of Positive Psychology AUTONOMY SELF-COMPASSION HUMOR EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE MOODS KNOW YOURSELF OPTIMISM YOUR NEEDS HAPPINESS SELF-ESTEEM Positive Psychology

Practicing Positive Psychology Self-Compassion Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet your needs Self-Esteem Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy

Practicing Positive Psychology Emotional Intelligence Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet your needs Self-Esteem Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy

Emotional Intelligence Influences Success What is Emotional Intelligence? Ability to monitor and use emotions to guide thinking and actions Health Benefits of Emotional Intelligence Less prone to stress, depression and anxiety Heal more quickly from serious illness Emotional Intelligence has a greater influence on personal and professional success than IQ

Emotional Intelligence Can Be Learned Emotional Competencies That Benefit Students Focus on clear, manageable goals Identify emotions Understand emotions Avoid relying on ‘gut’ feelings

Practicing Positive Psychology Self-Compassion Emotional Intelligence Know Meet your needs Self-Esteem Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy Know Yourself

Practicing Positive Psychology Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet needs Self-Esteem Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy Meet Your Needs

Emotional Needs Are Important Too

Practicing Positive Psychology Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet your needs Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy Boost Self-Esteem

Self-Esteem Develops Over Time Techniques For Developing Self-Esteem Develop habit of positive thinking and talking Fight off negative thoughts Practice positive affirmations

Practicing Positive Psychology Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet your needs Self-Esteem Optimism Happiness Moods Humor Autonomy Pursue Happiness

Two Pillars Of Authentic Happiness Happiness encompasses living a meaningful life, utilizing your gifts and time, and living with thought and purpose 1 Engagement with family, work or a passionate pursuit 2 Finding meaning from some higher purpose

Where Does Happiness Come From?

The Happiest College Students Have: Rich and fulfilling social lives Romantic relationships Rewarding friendships And, they spend less time alone than other students

Practicing Positive Psychology Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet your needs Self-Esteem Happi-ness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy Choose Optimism

Practice Optimism Over Pessimism Protects from disease Allows adaptation in adversity Reduces depression Pessimism Response to adversity may involve destructive behaviors Avoid taking steps to improve outcomes

Practicing Positive Psychology Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet your needs Self-Esteem Happiness Optimism Manage Moods Humor Autonomy Manage Moods

Practicing Positive Psychology Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet your needs Self-Esteem Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy Use Humor

Practicing Positive Psychology Self-Compassion Emotional intelligence Know Yourself Meet your needs Self-Esteem Happiness Optimism Moods Humor Autonomy Practice Autonomy

Autonomy Is Independence Autonomous individuals feel that they are in control Decisions are based on personal values Decisions are not based on external influences or opinions

Spiritual Health – Identify Your Life Purpose Ability to identify life purpose Experience fulfillment in achieving full potential Spirituality Belief in higher power Creates strong sense of purpose Acts as guide in life decisions

Spirituality Enhances Physical Health Prayer and Meditation Change the brain May slow aging and decrease psychological symptoms May increase feelings of compassion, security and love Going to Church Decreases risk of dying

Find Wisdom Through Spiritual Intelligence Does not require a belief in God Focuses on finding wisdom within the person Creates inner peace so you can listen to yourself Definition Capacity to sense, understand and tap into the highest parts of ourselves, others and the world around us

Seven Ways To Enhance Spiritual Life 1. Sit quietly 2. Create small moments of silence 3. Go outside 4. Try less ‘cerebral’ activities 5. Ask questions 6. Trust your feelings 7. Develop a spiritual practice

Gratitude Is A Trait Worth Developing Gratitude is a significant dimension of Positive Psychology – it increases optimism and improves sleep and health Definition ‘Habitual focusing on and appreciating the positive aspects of life’ Practicing Gratitude Keep gratitude journal Look for times to be thankful

Sleep Affects Your Daytime Well-being Lack of sleep can affect every aspect of a student’s life and causes:  Daytime sleepiness Decreased level of attention Impaired memory Impaired decision making

Sleep Problems Are Common Practice these strategies to improve your sleep  Have regular times to sleep Create a pre-sleep ritual Avoid caffeine in the afternoon Don’t smoke Try 30 minute naps during the day

Insomnia Is A Sleep Disorder About Chronic difficulty falling and staying asleep Lack of sleep affects daytime functioning May be caused by anxiety or depression disorders Treatment Therapy Medication