A prescription for happiness

by Susan Thomson
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Here is a post in a series, aimed to help you defrazzle. That is get rid of that frazzled feeling experienced by many of us in today’s hectic world. I wonder what your reaction would be if, instead of only prescribing pills, you were also handed a prescription for happiness by your GP?

A doctor in the San Francisco Bay Area has started giving his patients prescriptions to do things that are good for us, and for which there is sound scientific evidence.

He tailors the prescriptions to the individual patient’s values and passions.

He also always writes “Spread the Love” on each prescription, since, as he says “there is no better medicine than love.”

These prescriptions are generally met with surprise, and often with joy.

Here is the list of prescribed happiness actions:

1. Take a few deep breaths.
2. Call an old friend.
3. Give someone a hug.
4. Help someone in need.
5. Write a thank you note.
6. Sing in the shower…or anywhere.
7. Dance to your favourite song.
8. Go for a walk in a beautiful place.
9. Forgive someone.
10. Talk to yourself in a kinder voice.

I’m wondering, which of these actions would you prescribe for yourself today?