Tag

Positive Psychology

All articles tagged with #positive psychology

Eight-Week Mindfulness and Positive Psychology Interventions May Lower Blood Pressure
health-and-medicine1 month ago

Eight-Week Mindfulness and Positive Psychology Interventions May Lower Blood Pressure

A review of 18 randomized trials finds that mindfulness, gratitude, and optimism training can improve blood pressure, inflammation, and other heart-health markers within eight to 12 weeks, with the strongest gains when daily practice is reinforced by weekly sessions. For example, eight-week mindfulness programs helped blood-pressure and inflammatory markers in hypertension and post–acute coronary syndrome patients, while a 12-week digital intervention reduced cuff systolic blood pressure by 7.6 points and central systolic pressure by 4.1 points. The most consistent benefits come from high-frequency, supportive programs that encourage healthier behaviors, suggesting mental-wellbeing interventions could become a component of cardiovascular care.

"Mastering Happiness: Science-Backed Hacks for Mental Well-being"
health-and-wellness2 years ago

"Mastering Happiness: Science-Backed Hacks for Mental Well-being"

Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified eight "happiness hacks" backed by science, including acts of kindness, social connections, savoring experiences, expressing gratitude, sufficient sleep, physical activity, mindfulness, and meditation. Students who participated in a 10-week "Science of Happiness" course reported improved mental wellbeing, but sustained benefits were seen only in those who continued practicing the hacks. The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing effort in maintaining mental health, highlighting the positive impact of diverting attention away from oneself through activities like helping others, gratitude, and socializing.

"The Key to Happiness: Continuous Practice Revealed by New Study"
psychology-and-education2 years ago

"The Key to Happiness: Continuous Practice Revealed by New Study"

A study from the University of Bristol's 'Science of Happiness' course reveals that while learning evidence-informed habits for well-being can initially boost happiness, sustained effort and continued practice of these habits, such as gratitude and meditation, are necessary for long-term benefits. The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing mental health practices and challenges the prevailing 'self-care' narrative by emphasizing outward-focused activities. The course, launched in 2018, has shown a 10 to 15% improvement in well-being for students, but only those who continued implementing the course learnings maintained that improved well-being when surveyed again two years later.