ABSTRACT

This broad and innovative self-development guide shows readers how they can use scientific findings from contemporary positive psychology to enhance their lives. Containing dozens of practical exercises and real-life examples, it helps bring positive psychology findings from the lab into day-to-day life.

Divided into six parts and covering a wide array of themes, this book is designed to help people with or without mental health problems enhance their well-being. It answers questions like: what is well-being? What are the main determinants of well-being, and how can we sustain it? There are also chapters on physical exercise, progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation, savouring pleasures, creative solution-finding and developing compassionate relationships.

This non-technical and highly accessible book will be of interest to those from all backgrounds with an interest in self-development, as well as mental health workers and related professionals.

part 1|48 pages

Creating resilience

chapter 1|17 pages

Positive psychology

chapter 2|14 pages

Highly valued goals

chapter 3|15 pages

Personal strengths

part 2|67 pages

Healthy body and mind

chapter 4|14 pages

Physical exercise

chapter 5|16 pages

Relaxation

chapter 6|35 pages

Meditation

part 3|44 pages

Enjoying life

chapter 7|24 pages

Savouring and flow

chapter 8|18 pages

Gratitude

part 4|37 pages

Constructive thought and action

chapter 9|14 pages

Optimism

chapter 10|21 pages

Solution-finding and problem-solving

part 5|74 pages

Strengthening relationships

chapter 11|21 pages

Compassionate relationships

chapter 12|32 pages

Couple relationships

chapter 13|19 pages

Positive parent–child relationships

part 6|105 pages

Overcoming challenges

chapter 14|25 pages

Grit and perfectionism

chapter 15|22 pages

Courage, fear and posttraumatic growth

chapter 16|28 pages

Assertiveness and anger

chapter 17|18 pages

Forgiveness

chapter 18|10 pages

Managing your life