Happiness

By: Jennifer Blacksmith, Ph.D., HSPP, NCSP 

March 20^th is International Day of Happiness, so let’s celebrate being happy! What makes you happy? Research shows that there are several key factors that contribute to happiness, with social relationships and connectedness being a strong indicator of happiness. When we spend time with others and engage in meaningful conversations, then we are activating our social engagement system, which is a big part of being happy. We are social beings, so isolation and feeling disconnected are not good for our mental and physical health. According to the decades of research reviewed by experts, the single most reliable predictor of long-term health and happiness is the quality of your relationships. The researchers found that deep, meaningful connections act as a “buffer” against the stresses of life. Other factors that contribute to happiness include showing kindness to others, doing something meaningful, exercising, getting good sleep, and living a valued life. Below are what make each of us at Northeast Behavioral Health Happy!

Source: Psychology of Happiness

What makes our team at Northeast Behavioral Health happy? 

Dr. Blacksmith: My husband and daughter, my faith, spending time with family and friends, being a psychologist and knowing I’m helping my patients, my coworkers, my animals, working out, eating good food, traveling to new places, being outdoors, sports, coffee, sunsets and sunrises

Donna Peisner: Hiking, being with family and friends, being in the mountains, sunshine, coffee, music, traveling, and animals.

Missy Dimttit: seeing my boys smile, watching them succeed, and hearing my patients say I made a difference in their lives

Melissa Ellis: Laughing with friends, Scooters Coffee, Dogs, sunshine, walking, and learning.