One night before bed, Christine Carter was sitting with her daughter on the sofa. They were making a list: Three Good Things of the Day. It's a technique based in an expanding field of research known as the science of happiness.
Carter is a sociologist at the University of California, Berkeley. She studies how schools and families can develop positive emotions and help children lead healthier lives.
It means understanding that feeling sad is natural, and that it passes more quickly if we can notice the good things in life."This is really about mental health,"Carter says."We can practice bringing happiness to ourselves. It's like putting money in the bank. "
A key step toward happiness is learning how to describe emotions, even negative ones. Feeling blue?
Ask yourself:"What do I feel? Where in my body am I feeling it? Does it have a color or shape?"
Expressing gratitude is also important. Let's say you often quarrel with somebody. Reflect on why you're grateful for that person, and remember the good times. This makes it likely you'll get along better tomorrow
Helping others gives life purpose, because you are changing the world. Even more,"We feel a sense of connection and love,"she adds."We are born to feel better in community. Our nervous system feels safe when we're connected with other people."
A.But the surest way to happiness is kindness.
B.It's better to accept the emotion than to ignore it.
C. Finding the positive doesn't mean never being sad.
D.We can be ready to cope with hard times in the future.
E. Kindness is what you need most to avoid quarreling with others.
F.Making a list is their way of reflecting on things they are grateful for.
G. Keeping a diary contributes to positive feelings and reduce negative ones.
