When you have something on your mind, you can do a number of things – the main ones being:
- Keep it to yourself
- Talk to others
- Write it down
But, which is the best way, or is it different for each person? Which method encourages more feelings of happiness?
I’ve just started reading :59 seconds by Professor Richard Wiseman which is a self-help guide based on lots of research. In his book, he describes ‘quick and quirky’ techniques (i.e. ones that take less than 60 seconds) which can help people to achieve what they need to achieve, quicker than other methods. On the topic of negative thinking (in the happiness chapter), he talks about ‘expressive writing’ and the line I like the best in the book so far is when he explains how talking and writing are very different (from a psychological perspective). He writes:
“Talking can often be somewhat unstructured, disorganised, even chaotic. In contrast, writing encourages the creation of a story line and structure that helps people make sense of what has happened and work towards a solution.” (Professor Richard Wiseman :59 seconds)
Research detailed in the book suggests that the act of writing down thoughts can be used to promote everyday happiness.
My thoughts: As I am a writer and also someone who has kept diaries/journals (i.e. written down my thoughts) for most of my life, I can relate to this concept and most certainly do think that it can promote everyday happiness; however, a non-writer might not feel the same.
Do you think that writing can promote everyday happiness?
Until tomorrow…
Sandra
www.sandramadeira.com
Related articles
- 59 Seconds by Richard Wiseman (raydvd.org)
- Why Happiness? (vilinasvetoslavova.wordpress.com)
Yes, definitely, if writings what you enjoy doing 😉
I’m a big believer in making time for things you enjoy, regardless what that is. If you can’t find time to do the things you enjoy you end up stressed and resentful, and you definitely won’t be happy 🙂
Xx
You are right – you just need to fit in lots of things that you enjoy. It’s just a shame we have to do all those other ‘chores’ isn’t it? But then I suppose there would be no contrast otherwise. 🙂
Hope you’ve had a great Easter
yeah, I had a very productive Easter plus chocolate!!!! Lol. Hope you did too honey 🙂
Xx