Author: Terri Shearer Trenchard

Going for the Happiness Advantage (Taking My Kids Too)

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New year. Happiness Advantage. High quality stuff for 2013. 2-5 minutes a day, 21 days. Founded in science. Grab on yourself, and bring along your kids. Let’s look at the science, then we’ll dive into the good stuff. First, let me credit Shawn Anchor, distinguished Harvard professor, for this. Through research, he has summed up that: Only 10% of long-term happiness comes from one’s external world . . . While 90% of long-term happiness comes from how one’s brain processes the world. As you raise your brain’s level of positivity in the present, your brain will experience the Happiness Advantage. In this state, a number of remarkable things happen. Dopamine releases throughout your system. This makes you happier . . . and it turns on all your learning centers. Your intelligence increases. Your creativity increases. Your energy levels rise. And, your brain is 31% more productive. That’s cool. That’s cool for us. And for our kids. Shawn Anchor has found (in research) that we can train our brains to reach the Happiness Advantage – and …

An ExtraOrdinary New Year

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A new year is here. We all approach it a bit differently. Are you jumping in to make the resolution list? Or taking it all in and waiting to see where 2013 might take you? Whether you’re immediately seizing the New Year or letting it more calmly embrace you, here is a neat concept (given to me yesterday by our local pastor). She said: Be extraordinary in an ordinary world. Find the kindness, the generosity, the love in your heart . . . and spread it. Do the extraordinary things that just might not seem ordinary in our world. Being extraordinary can mean big things, of course; or it can mean those little things in our “ordinary” daily world – like letting the person go ahead of you. Holding the door. Opening the door. Looking for ways — big and small — to help someone out. That’s where I’ll start this year (with just a few more on the list). At least one extraordinary thing each day — big or small. Maybe it will be …

Happiness: Inside Out

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The new year is approaching. The “Happiness Advantage” has captured my attention. Alex Hetland gives us a formula to increase our “happy” state and make our brains 30% more efficient — in 2-5 minutes a day. That’s cool. It’s cool for us parents; and it’s cool for our kids, especially our adolescents. Consider for a moment that only 10% of happiness comes from one’s external world . . . while 90% of one’s happiness is a result of one’s internal world. This is supported in science. Having recently discovered the concept of the “Happiness Advantage,” conveyed by Alex Hetland, I have enjoyed a renewed perspective on happiness, and all which that entails. Within the “Happiness Advantage,” there is scientific proof that a “happy” state increases dopamine in the brain, which in turn makes the brain 30% more efficient (Lyubomirsky, 2005, in Hetland blog of March 2012). So, Hetland says, the “Advantage” comes from grasping the 90% happiness factor in our internal world — and maximizing it. He even tells us how to do so. With …

Bah-Hum–Moan? Holiday Spirit and (Pre)Teens

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As we move through the events of the weekend, and approach Christmas, the concept of “holiday spirit” is occupying my mind. It sure has been hard to keep it alive in the events of last Friday. Yet, here we are, approaching that special day of the year. And here I am, with a nine year old effervescing with holiday spirit, while her almost thirteen year old brother appears to approach this season much more differently than . . . just a year ago? Preferring every-day, regular music over holiday music? What do you mean you don’t want to watch Rudolph this year? (I mean, I get it, I really do get it, but . . . ) . . . It’s a stage, I know, just like all the others. When they’re little, it’s AMAZING to sit on Santa’s lap, belt out Christmas songs, watch the holiday shows. Not so much in middle school. Yet, there again, in high school, the cool factor of Santa’s lap and Christmas carols often comes around again. I get …

Coping With The Tragedy

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In light of the tragic shooting events in Connecticut, how can we cope? Remember – and remind your children – that there are lots of people helping the children, teachers, and families affected by the tragedy. Although saddened, horrified, angered, and troubled, (with incredible sympathy), for all those involved, try not to let your natural anxiety overshadow your day. Answer their questions. Remember that children take in everything they see and hear. Kids (even teens) are good observers, but are still learning to interpret and communicate their own feelings. Give children honest answers and information. Provide them with enough information to answer their questions, but be mindful that there is no need to fully describe the details of the event. As with any situation, it is okay not to have all the answers, and it is important to say so. Keep in mind your own behavior. Children learn from watching us. They watch how we respond to events. They also learn from our conversations with others. Although you are incredibly sad and unsettled, help your …