Health and Human Services Professional Development

Making Happiness Happen by   Mikki Sherwood   on   August 28, 2013   Think that making more than $50,000 per year or living in a better climate will solve all of your problems? Think again. According to designer Stefan Sagmeister, you can train your mind to focus on happiness and overall well-being. Sagmeister’s rules for happiness include: having meaningful friendships and relationships, doing more of what you want to do and less of what you do not like, using variety (in tools and techniques), making sure you get the end results you want, and getting involved in projects where about half of the information is new and the other half is familiar. You are in charge of your own destiny, so try to train your subconscious mind. Finding a career that you enjoy and that allows you to take Mr. Sagmeister’s suggestions (e.g., be involved in projects that are familiar, yet challenging) could facilitate  your  happiness. If you are at the point in your acade...

Can Physical Health Impact Happiness? YOU BETHCA!! by   Mikki Sherwood   on   March 2, 2014   The body’s natural desire is to be healthy, says Dean Ornish in this Ted Talks video,  “Healing Through Diet,”  Dr. Ornish states that optimal health, and therefore happiness, occurs when you follow a lifestyle that includes a low-fat and plant-based diet, stress management training, moderate exercise, no smoking or drinking alcohol, and the psychological support of peers. Dr. Ornish also states that it is important to be aware of behaviors that can have a negative impact on health later in life. For example, it is important to eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet consisting of all the main food groups: dairy, protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables. It is also important to stay in shape by exercising on a regular basis. On the other hand, drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes can negatively impact health.  Dr. Ornish states that it is relatively easy to...