Ronan Keating wasn’t lying when he sang that ‘Life is a Rollercoaster’ song, now was he? We all experience ups and downs, and not forgetting, the in-betweens. I guess the key is increasing the frequency of up-times and contented times whilst also learning ways to minimise the impact of the ‘down’ times too.
As amazing as it would be – and I’m sure there are people who do – we don’t tend to know how to work out this happiness stuff naturally. We could all do with a bit of help & guidance along the way.
It’s the reason why I’m sharing with you three fantastic and completely FREE resources that can expertly support you in enjoying your ride on the ‘life rollercoaster’ more.
3 Free Resources to Help Boost Happiness:
#01 The Happiness Lab Podcast
If there were a ‘Godmother of Happiness’, for me, that position would be filled by Yale University’s Professor of Psychology, Laurie Santos. Her class, Psychology & The Good Life, has helped change the lives of thousands, and she’s now on a mission to help change yours too!
The Happiness Lab Podcast examines the latest scientific research on happiness and provides practical takeaways. It includes surprising and inspiring life stories from a wealth of interesting guests, and in Laurie’s own words, is ‘hippy-dippy BS’ free.
Now into its 3rd season, you can still catch up from the beginning. There’s even a bonus ‘Coronavirus’ section to help you manage through the toughest of times.
If you want to learn what researchers are discovering about what truly makes us happy – and how these lessons can make a real improvement to your well-being – this informative & easy to understand podcast can help.
#02 Action For Happiness
Action for Happiness describes itself as a movement of people committed to building a happier & more caring society. They are also one of my absolute favourite charities to support.
With a wealth of resources on offer online, AFH draws on the latest scientific research to empower and guide you on your well-being journey.
Where do you start on their site? There are three beneficial areas to pay attention to… 10 Keys to Happier Living, Action Calendars and Online Events.
10 Keys to Happier Living: Action for Happiness promotes their 10 Keys to Happier Living (represented by the acronym GREAT DREAM) as strategies that consistently tend to make life happier and more fulfilling. They provide a wealth of information, resources and practical actions to help you learn about and integrate each key.
Action Calendars: The monthly calendars contain daily actions to help create a happier and kinder world. They’re free to download and are available in multiple languages. This month, it’s Optimistic October, where the daily actions help you focus on what really matters.
Online Events: Action for Happiness regularly hold free* online events with expert speakers. Past topics have included: transforming anxiety, happy brain habits, compassion & courage and managing pain. The latest event is ‘How to Live Better’ with Julie Lythcott Haims (New York Times best-selling writer, speaker, mentor & activist) and focuses on how to stay true to yourself and make fulfilling life choices.
*With optional donation.
Backed by experts from fields such as psychology, education and social innovation; and with a patron none other than the Dalai Lama himself – this is one website you need to add your bookmarks bar.
#03 NHS Library of Mental Health Apps & Tools
There are so many apps out there purporting to help improve our well-being, but which ones are actually likely to work? And, are there any that don’t require an expensive subscription or course fee?
In helpfully steps the NHS Library of Mental Health Apps & Tools. Each of the resources listed within meet NHS digital quality standards for clinical safety, usability and accessibility. They basically have the NHS stamp of approval. The best news is, nearly every single one listed is free.
With appropriate happiness & well-being boosting apps for anyone from children to adults, you can have much more confidence that you’ll find something that helps!
Oh, so resourceful!
Whether you want something to dip in and out of, something that’s always on hand, or a way to increase your understanding more fully, these free resources are reliable tools to boost how happy you feel.
Also, whilst you’re here, don’t forget Living.Pretty.Happy is a wealth of researched well-being articles to support & empower you to live life happier! Sign up for the newsletter today to get all the latest articles straight to your inbox, as well as exclusive bonus content and offers.
RELATED: 5 Simple Activities to Help You Feel Happier
Have you tried any of these resources to help boost happiness before? What’s been your experience? Do you have any of your own to recommend? Whatever you’d like to say – or ask – please do! I’m happy to help and I always love to hear from you.
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This is interesting, Alex. It’s useful to invest in uplifting experiences, sometimes even when we don’t feel we have the energy. It counteracts stress, and boosts health and the immune system.