finebergpsychotherapy

Lily Tomlin: Reality is the leading cause of stress among those in touch with it.

Feelings of loneliness can have toxic health effects, while strong social connections can be beneficial.Some benefits are greater pain tolerance, a stronger immune system, and lower risk of depression and early death. For those who do not feel lonely even though they have few contacts, there is no need to force friendships. It’s not few friends but the feelings of isolation that can be harmful over time. Monitor on Psychology, 2014, 45(1), 54-58.

Playing video games may increase the brain’s areas responsible for spacial navigation. (Monitor on Psychology 2014, 45(1), p. 118.)

Research gives evidence that our lives are likely to feel meaningful when we feel socially connected, when we are in a positive mood, and when our world makes sense. Most people feel that their lives are meaningful. (Heintzelman, S. J., & King, L. A. (2014). Life is pretty meaningful. American Psychologist, 69 (6), 561-574.)

Joan Rivers: People say that money is not the key to happiness, but I always figured if you have enough money, you can have a key made.

The biggest predictor of overall happiness is strong social connections. (Scientific American Mind, 2014, 25(1), p. 35)

F. Wistow: Anything that breaks you out of a stale pattern, anything that is new, has the potential to make you aware of you in a new light, p. 34. (Creatures of habit. Psychotherapy Networker, 2013, 37(6), 32-59.

If you want to be miserable, the therapist Cloe Madenes suggests that you, for example, asssume a negative identity, initiate arguments, expect the worst, focus on yourself, blame others, overthink, dwell on past problems, be critical.
(Madanes, C. The 14 habits of highly miserable people. Psychotherapy Networker, 2013, 37(6), p. 45-60.

Researchers at the University College London have found that people in their study were happier with winning a reward when their expectations for it were lower. (The WEEK, 2014, August). Positive psychology advocates agree that people with lower expectations (perhaps more realistic expectations?) are happier when things go well.