Smiling faces from Barrow town centre

 

 

Happiness Fact #7 - Mindfulness changes your brain

Recent research has shown that an 8 week mindfulness meditation class can lead to structural brain changes including increased grey-matter density in the hippocampus, known to be important for learning and memory, and in structures associated with self-awareness, compassion and introspection.

Visit www.bemindful.co.uk and www.mindfulnet.org to find out more.

It's 'A Good Week' - a global celebration of good 18-24 June 2012

Find out more at www.agoodweek.com

“The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions - the little, soon-forgotten charities of a kiss or smile, a kind look, a heart-felt compliment, and the countless infinitesimals of pleasurable and genial feeling.” Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Happiness Fact #6 - Happiness leads to success

Most people think that if they become successful, then they'll be happy. But recent discoveries in psychology and neuroscience show that this formula is backward: Happiness fuels success, not the other way around.

When we're positive, our brains are more motivated, engaged, creative, energetic, resilient and productive.

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." Thich Nhat Hanh

All smiles at the Love Barrow Awards




The Junior Wardens are all smiles after receiving their trophy at the Love Barrow Awards 2012.

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” Dr Seuss

“One who smiles rather than rages is always the stronger.” Japanese Proverb

Happiness Fact #5 - Together we’re stronger

Having a network of social connections or high levels of social support has been shown to increase our immunity to infection, lower our risk of heart disease and reduce mental decline as we get older.

Not having close personal ties has been shown to pose significant risks for our health.

Love Barrow Awards winners 2012

Ambassador Award - Rob Cairns

Courage Award - Alice Pyne

Environmental Volunteer of the Year - Gren Heart Den Volunteers

Group/Project of the Year - MIND in Furness

Carer of the Year - Dr Anthony Page

Sports Volunteer of the Year - Just4U Young Leaders

Teacher of the Year - Elaine Kent

Young Citizen of the Year - Milly Pyne

Citizen of the Year - Pauline Charnley

Happiness Facts #4 - Happiness is a skill you can learn

Western neuroscience has now confirmed what Eastern wisdom has known for a long time: happiness is a skill we can learn. Research shows that happiness, compassion and kindness are the products of skills that can be learned and enhanced through training, thanks to the neuroplasticity of our brains.

The gift of a smile ...

 

 

“It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown.” Author unknown

“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.” Mark Twain

Happiness Facts #3 - Happiness is contagious

Our happiness influences the people we know and the people they know. Research shows that the happiness of a close contact increases the chance of being happy by 15%. The happiness of a 2nd-degree contact (e.g. friend's spouse) increases it by 10% and the happiness of a 3rd-degree contact (e.g. friend of a friend of a friend) by 6%.

“If you don't have a smile, I'll give you one of mine.” Author unknown

Great Dream - Ten Keys to Happier Living

To find out more visit www.actionforhappiness.org